From first to third

I just found out that I'm moving from 1st to 3rd. I taught 3rd years ago, but it's been a LONG time. What advice, tips, warnings, etc. can you give me. I'm excited, but nervous.

 

I don't teach 3rd, but I just wanted to say that I think you will LOVE the move up! I moved from 1st to 5th this year and I've never looked back!

 

Thanks, Yellow Daisies!!! I am excited!

 

I too am moving from first to third. I taught middle school for 13 years and two years ago I moved to first grade. I am very excited about my 3rd grade move because we are departmentalized and I am getting to pick back up my science content I was missing from where I left middle school. I too am eager for any advice that someone has to share. It looks like I will be teaching Math and Science and maybe Social Studies too.

 

Bwhite06 - they departmentalized last year, but are not doing it this year Boo! Just noticed you are from TN, too.

 

I moved from Kindergarten to Third. One of the best moves I made. It shook my world, made me want to work again, and re-energized me!

 

That's awesome, Dr. Gator!!!! Everyone that I've talked to seems to really like 3rd.

 

I will be back in the teaching business. If all stays the same as last year, I will be teaching Reading/Language Arts. It will take a my lot of effort for me and kids will likely be below grade level.

 

I have taught third for one year and really enjoyed it! The kids come in pretty needy, but seemed to mature quickly. There was some tattling and just walking up to me whenever they felt like it, so I had to work on those things with them.

I tried to set up a good organizational system for them, so they knew what to do with every paper, journal, etc, but of course some don't listen and have a big mess. We would clean out desks about every three weeks.

They love to help! I had to remind some that they were there to learn and not be my full-time helper! Occasionally we would take ten minutes and I would assign each group a task to help in the room and they loved it.

As with probably every grade, there is a huge variety of abilities. I found this to be especially true with my group in math. I did centers two to three days per week so that I could focus more on what small groups needed.

I assigned little homework, and some parents wanted more! Almost every week I did assign a Problem of the Week, which I passed out on Mon and it was due Friday.

At the end of the year we voted on their favorite read-aloud, and The One and Only Ivan was the big winner.

 

Thanks, Missy and to all of the other posters!!!

 

I just completed my 2nd year teaching 3rd (after 5 years in 1st), and, aside from high-stakes testing (too much for 3rd graders imho) and administrators from the district office, I LOVE IT! The students are super curious, still loveable & loving, but know what school (is supposed to be)/is all about. I'm currently in a weird "transition" mini district within my district (basically, we're guinea pigs for someone's PhD project), so I'm SO not in love with the district admins, but as a whole, third is incredible!

 

I'm actually moving from third to first this year! I was departmentalized, teaching language arts and social studies. Third graders are really fun! They still love their teachers and aim to please, and they can also work independently. I hate the fact that it's a testing grade, especially because in Florida they will be retained if they fail the FSA.

 

I'm worried about the testing especially since TN is getting a new test this year.

 

Hey I will be in 3rd grade for the 4th time this year. I've also taught 2nd and 4th. 3rd is my FAVORITE!! Feel free to message me anytime with specific questions. It's a great age.