hmy: I was shocked by the news I taught second and it will be my first time in first If you are a 1st grade teacher, what sort of advice can you give me? If you were in my shoes, what big differences have you found, are students so so different forom second graders????? I´m sure everything will be ok, :thumb: but the first experience always makes you more anxious and quite nervous...
I went from 2nd to K this year and I LOVE it. They younger they are the more excited and motivated they are. You'll love it. My advice is to use as much music and movement as you can. If they are moving they are learning... and having fun!
My advice is to remember that they are coming in as babies. I am sure you notice a difference between beginning second and end of second graders - It is even more vast in first. If you keep the high expectations they will rise to them. Use music, movement, fun symbols (if I have this hat on, you can't talk to me, for when you are doing reading groups or when I have these glasses on it is time to go to your seats.) Create a visual schedule on the board and have center symbols that relate. Good Luck
THANKS FOR YOUR POSTS!!!!!! I will follow your advice you are totally right, at the beginning of 2nd they were so so so little , ... ... and since mid year they are more confident and bigger (in size and intellectually!!!!) I like your ideas and tips of symbols, movement and music, THANKS A BUNCH!
I went from second to first. The main difference I have noticed is in their writing! WOW! They come in hardly being able to write so don't be shocked. Also, I felt in 2nd grade almost all my students could read, in first this is not the case. I think it has been great for me as a teacher to move down a grade level because I have second grade expectations and I feel that my students are benefiting from this. You will love first grade. I have found it to be such a year for growth!
What an awesome opportunity for you to have taught 2nd first, you'll know everything they need to know by the time they finish first grade. Moving down is an incredible experience. I moved down from 5th to 2nd and loved it. I know first grade is where most students learn to read, I would suspect it would be like magic to actually watch a child interpret print into meaning for the first time. Best wishes for next year, you'll do wonderfully!!!
:thumb: Hoot Owl, Last Sunday a friend told me exactly the SAME!, she said: It´s like something magical, when they begin they only see letters TOGETHER, then step by step they start "reading" and finding meaning, it must be great! Thanks for your support, I was needing it :wub:
I've never taught kids anywhere that young. But just think of the experience you'll bring in, having taught 2nd grade and knowing exactly what they'll need to know when they leave your class!! Have fun!
i was just about to say that first grade is magical! they finally put the pieces together and READ, it's absolutely incredible. your experience as a second grade teacher will be invaluable because you know more than anyone what they need to cover in the course of the first grade year. i hope you love it
I have taught 1st and 2nd (among other grades) and LOVE first. Sure, there is the pressure of getting kids reading...but it's so fun. I would say that I spent about 60% of the time planning in 2nd and 40% grading. In first, I spend about 90% planning and 10% grading. So plan BIG! Make each day something they will enjoy and learn from. I would also agree with others, make it FUN! Laugh, sing, use puppets, and just enjoy them. Remember, even with the literacy push, they are LITTLE and learn by doing, playing, experiencing, etc. Fight to keep wiggle breaks/recess, and make it all as hands=on as you can! Spelling a word in shaving cream is just as good (if not better!) than spelling it on paper....Enjoy first....it's my favorite!
I guess you are right. If they have fun and ENJOY , they will learn!! I ´ll offer them the chance to play w shaving cream and to spell. Uufff, the % must be that way, 90 planning and 10 grading. So my responsibility and creativity must get a high level. I will plan BIG! Thanks for the piece of advice
At my school, our kindergartners leave know how to write a few sentences and being able to read simple books. Most of them know all of their letters and sounds and are in the beginning stages of reading. I think first grade is hard because they don't get play time for the first time. It's a tough transition.
First grade in AWESOME!!! It's so rewarding seeing them grow so much--physically and academically. One suggestion I have is you must remind them of your expectations and model proper behavior---OFTEN! With the crew I had last year, we had to go over the rules at least twice a day. This year, it's not as bad. Just enjoy it and make it fun for them and yourself. You'll be fine.
Cinimini and Pigeon, Yes!!!!, the habits are so so so relevant that I´m going to talk to the Spanish teacher to agree on how to deal w them. WE will share strategies, symbols , routines, etc, I think it will be easier for everybody Thanks
First grade MUST have play time, a little space in the day they can look forward to when they relax and PLAY because play=work/learning at that age! The biggest thing I notice is that you have to really break things down into the smallest steps. 2nd graders can follow directions better, maybe even jump from A to D, then E to J. In first grade, your directions and lessons have to be sure to include A,B,C,D, etc. Or they get confused and lost. They do best with hands on, structure, hugs, looking them in the eye, insisiting on manners toward you and each other, and lots of constructive movement, music (I sing lots of directions), books leveled so they can choose the ones they are able to read, and individualized instruction, which is much easier than it sounds. Here are some books that have helped me: The Daily 5 Teaching First Grade by Min Hong Month by Month Phonics Instruction for First Grade by Cunningham Spaulding Phonics program I love this age, and yes, there is nothing quite like the thrill of watching a kid put it all together and really reading. Brush up on the steps of reading - you will want to be able to encourage them as they go throught the process, and a lot of time they are working their tails off but it isn't showing. Then suddenly they take off like a rocket! They do so much work, the parents do so much work, you do some work, and everyone thinks you are a miracle worker! Fun!
Yes, you pretty much have to step by step teach them EVERYTHING at the beginning of the year. I remember my second year I was amazed at how different end of the year first graders are from beginning of the year. You will move from practically 3rd graders to practically kindergartners. So, don't let it frustrate you that they need help with so much. I mean, you'll teach them how to walk to their desks, use a pencil, put the cap on a marker or glue stick... I have procedures for everything, raising hands, getting in line, walking in the hall...that we go over together a lot in the beginning and review all year. Oh, and I don't know how much a second grade teacher gets to sit down during the day, but I pretty much never do. Someone ALWAYS needs my attention. But they are so cute and sweet and happy and learn soooo much during the year. It really is amazing.
Yes, the other day a friend of mine told me the same. First graders are very demanding and it requires a lot a lot of energy!!!!!! I agree w u , thanks for giving me advice on this , it´s totally NEWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!
I loop 1/2 so I know exactly how you are feeling. Remember you'll be going from almost-3rd graders to practically kindergartners. If your district has full-day and half-day K it will also make a difference in what you see. They are not as independent as 2nd graders but they LOVE to learn and to please you. I really enjoy first and second- they do come a long way!
Mrs N, Yes, they are practically kindergartners... so so small and with a lot of enthusiasm to play and learn at the same time! My second graders loved to please me too, so I know how it feels, Wow!!! Although I know it is going to be a great adventure, I also do know it´s going to be an enormous challenge. Thanks a bunch for your support
