I currently teach middle school and may have a chance to move down to 5th. What is 5th like? I only have a very limited amount of subbing experience from a few years ago in fifth. My dream grade would be 2nd, so I am definitely looking to move down but I worry this won't be enough of a change from middle school. So those of you that have taught 5th, tell me about!
If you're looking to teach second grade someday, taking a fifth grade class might be the ticket to your dream job. I'm assuming you're certified to teach at the early childhood/primary level? If that's the case, you might be getting into a school where there is occasional movement between grades and opportunities for moving to second could arise. As for teaching grade five, I haven't done it for ten years, but I taught it for quite awhile before I made the transition to fourth. As fifth grade exists in my system now, I'd never move back! They're the "top dogs" in the school and are constantly being pulled for all sorts of extras like instrumental music lessons, special clubs, and helping positions with lower grades. Too many interruptions. The kids have also developed profound pre-teen attitudes! On the plus side, they're much more independent creatures than second graders. They no longer have that "Gee, I just love school and my teacher walks on water" mindset, but the sense of humor is maturing and they can function quite autonomously. I think you really need to decide how you want to operate as a teacher. I decided after an internship in college that kindergarten through second would be the death of me, so I've done third through sixth ever since. Fourth grade is my absolute favorite.
This is my second year teaching 5th and I love it. They work well both independently and in groups. I have found most of them are still pretty happy with being at school and like their teachers. There is some pre-teen drama but I don't see it as anything too out of hand. It's rare for any of them to be dating so that helps keep the drama down. This year I do happen to have an awesome class, but even last year with what I'd call a more typical class, it is a grade I truly enjoy being in. I taught high school for three years before 5th and am so much happier. I also prefer 5th to the LTS job I had in 6th for six months.
Beginning of the year 5th grade is very different from end of the year 5th grade in my experience. Most are still elem. kiddos in the fall; most act like middle schoolers come spring.
I love 5th grade. I have been teaching 5th grade for 10 years, and this is my preferred grade. I love that they are still "kids" even though they try hard to have that middle school mentality. 5th graders work independently, and very well in groups. I love that they can joke around but settle down when I need them too. I find the girls are more challenging at this age than the boys, and I do get more "girl drama" in 5th.
I love 5th!! I seem to have more boy/ girl and girl/ girl drama than usual this spring, but I also have an older class with a lit of fall birthdays. Last year I had mostly late spring and summer birthdays and there was much less drama! .
