Hi, I'm just wondering how everyone ended up in 4th grade. When I was younger, I always dreamed of being a 4th grade teacher. after I graduated, 1st grade was the only offer I got and I thought it would be great. But primary was definitely not a fit for me. So now I'm going into my 3rd year of middle school. (at-risk reading and now home ec) So, over the last couple of days I've been thinking about upper elementary again. I actually really like 6th grade, just not 7th or 8th as much. I like switching classes every 45 minutes just to break up the day, but I love all of the creativity that comes from elementary. What are some of the best/worst things about 4th grade? Its too late to do anything about it for this year, but I guess I'm doing some soul-searching....thanks!
Fourth Graders are some of the most wonderful people in the world. They are big enough to have figured out how school works and they are young enough to be truly excited about all the different lessons and projects we do. School is fun! They care very much what their teacher thinks about them and they are eager to please. On the other hand, Fourth Grade at my school is where the academics take a serious turn. Children who have cruised through school K-3 with very little effort can have a tough time when they find out that the day is filled with work, the homework load is fairly heavy, and they are expected to be responsible for having all of their materials and supplies everyday. It is a hard adjustment for some. It also seems to be the grade where children who have any sort of learning disabilities really stand out. I have fought some hairy battles getting children the help that they needed. I love the California curriculum for Fourth Grade -- for us it's all California History. Our literature, field trips, history, and geography lessons are a tour of the state. I've been doing this for 19 years and I can't imagine teaching any other grade.
I love 4th graders. I taught 4th grade for 2 years in another district. All of the testing made it hard but I loved the LA curriculum. At the school I'm at now (private) I was supposed to have 4th, then I was told I would have 1st! I got 3rd, then a 2/3/4 and now a 3/4. I am SO excited to actually be teaching a 4th graders, who will be in the majority... also I am looping with most of them, so that is great too.
This is my first year teaching 4th grade. I taught fifth for two years and I am still trying to find my niche. I am really excited to start the year. Everyone around me tells me how great 4th graders are and how fun the curriculum is for LA and Social Studies. I can't wait!!
I never wanted to teach fourth grade. I've previously taught first, second, and third grades. My principal keeps looping me with my kids every year. I actually don't mind since they are a good group of kids. This will be my first year in fourth grade. I'm pretty sure I'll be in fifth next year.
I was moved to fourth grade for the upcoming school year due to enrollment. I've been in fifth grade for several years, but I'm still the "low man" seniority-wise...so I was the one that had to move. I'm actually very excited to make the move, even tough it will only be for one year, after which I will be moved back up to fifth grade. It will be nice to have a little change in the routine, but it will also be more work to come up with new cool things to do so that I don't use up all of my fifth grade ideas. School starts Sept. 4th, so I guess we'll see how it goes!
I started out in fourth, because that is where most of the job openings in elem used to be. Until two years ago, fourth grade was the ONLY tested grade in elem in Ohio, and we had five proficiency tests (Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Citizenship). Nobody wanted fourth, and if you taught fourth and were doing well, you didn't move. Luckily I love fourth graders, but I would like a change at some point.
This will be my first year in 4th grade. For the last 12 yrs. I have taught preschool in a public school. The program was closed in June due to budget cuts and 4th was the only available position. I am both excited and nervous as I will be learning the curriculum along with my students. I will be the second 4th grade teacher, so will have planning help. (Our school is very small- depending on enrollment there is usually only one class per grade.) It will be very different working with students who are much more independent. Any advice/tips for getting started? I am especially interested in websites that have been found useful. We will be studying the United States so I would also be interested in having the children correspond with other students. Thanks!
I'll go ahead and add my experience. I'm actually a student teacher this semester, but I have worked as an aide in Spec Ed, Pre-K, K, and first. When I went back to school, I was sure that the only thing I would ever want to teach was lower elem. My first internship was 3rd, and I loved it. My second internship was supposed to be first, but my prof felt I was more suited to 4th and moved me the first day. I was a little bitter and unenthusiastic, but I ended up loving it. My third internship (and s.t. assignment) was 2nd, which I liked. But I found myself missing the older kids! So, I found out that you can't be so sure that there is just 1 thing for you, and you just have to try and it and give it a chance. I hoping now to get a job in 3rd or 4th. If I don't get a job mid-year (likely not to), I plan to sub middle school and see if I want to get my 4-8 certification. Most people who know me see me in this area anyway! Funny how things turn out. Of all of my experiences though, I loved 4th grade the most. The only thing is that I want to teach all subject levels, not just be committed to one or two. We'll see...
