I hope your daughter had a great 1st grade … If you list more pros than cons, teaching second grade may be easier for you. If you list more cons than pros, kindergarten may be a hard elementary grade for you to teach. Each elementary grade level has its unique challenges. The following school year, you don’t want the second grade team judging your lackluster results. I just can’t…I did it for a bit during my student teaching, and I realized then that it wasn’t for me. One of the hardest things to teach, in my opinion, is research. ... and if you teach a lower grade level, your current materials can be placed in centers or otherwise used to challenge high … Elementary teachers teach every subject every day and only get one plan time. Middle school is the worst! And that’s subjective. I've subbed grades K-12, and kindergarten gets my vote . But I love it. with a close second for 5th grade boys. So I find myself supporting not just the child but their parents too.”. . Pros: “I love teaching kindergarten. I have taught first through fifth at different times in my career. I always thought I would love the little kids, but I prefer students a little older. I honestly wasn’t that thrilled with teaching such simple concepts, though I know those skills are essential and lay the foundation for everything else to come. I taught 2nd for 1 year and I think it is safe to say that it was an unqualified disaster. I have taught elementary, 1st -2nd, all of my 13 years of teaching. You can't turn around for a second. I previously taught preschool, and I never thought I’d move to Kinder, but it’s been a blast. What bothers one person isn’t a big deal for another, so it’s important to know yourself and your breaking points/tolerance levels for various things when it comes to answering the question: “Which is the hardest elementary grade to teach?”. But do you see many of these factors as deal breakers? Some teach the same lesson several times a day. ... First Grade (Mid – to – late) Child can sound out the words map, rain, and bean. Search. The kids all seemed constantly depressed. Many educators argue that the hardest elementary grade to teach is one with standardized testing pressures. Nine experienced elementary educators share their views. They are so needy and you have to constantly be on your toes. I can have interesting conversations and share deep thoughts about books with students. Back with another blog post for Explore ELA, a blog series that takes you inside each elementary reading standard and studies it closely.Last week, we explored Making Connection in an informational text, one of the hardest standards I think there is to teach. The Verdict: Which of these factors is a dealer breaker for you? You have to teach them how to hold a pencil, write, color & cut before they can do any "independent" work. Another plus is that we have no state testing! Cons: Tattling…and it’s mostly over nothing. May this insight guide you in deciding which elementary grade is “hardest” or “easiest” to teach based on your unique makeup. The first step to deciding what grade you should teach is deciding on a preferred age group. Glade doesn’t produce enough Pl… For me, the curriculum is intellectually stimulating. First grade was also tough...It required so much learning from the students and they are still have difficulty focusing. I actually thought K was easiest of all grades I have taught, and I think my current schedule is hardest (4/5)-- so much pressure for tests, papers to grade that are really intensive, etc. hide. If you list more cons than pros, first grade may be a hard elementary grade for you to teach. What do you think is the hardest grade level to teach (elementary, middle, high)? Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Remil ilmi. I have taught K, 2, 4, and jr. high computers. Next, I'd never taught jr. high and wasn't prepared for the moods & attitudes. The pressure of those exams is what makes fourth grade the hardest elementary grade to teach, in my opinion. Recently, a seasoned professional development provider was unable to come up with a real world example for a group of upper elementary teachers. They are too touchy for me. Classes are hard, stakes are high. Tattling is nerve wracking. Then suddenly, it wasn't. Some students enroll a few weeks before the test is administered, and that sends my stress levels through the roof because we are blamed if they don’t do well. When I tested Kindergarten for GT last year, I nearly screamed after just thirty mins.. how on EARTH do you all do it all day??? They’re becoming more aware that their actions have consequences so it’s rewarding to see them trying to make good choices. You couldn't pay M. enough for middle and high schools. How you define “hard”, whether that be physically, emotionally, or mentally, contributes to your threshold of tolerance. I guess it J. depends on the teacher! Otherwise, an elementary school teaching certification will allow you to teach (in most states) kindergarten through at least grade 4. However, the 7th grade Life Science teacher wanted to move to high school so they offered me his 7th grade position. Also, I have fourth graders reading two years below grade level. Hey readers! The toughest grade is the grade that is not in your heart. From my experience, I think that the younger grades are hardest to teach. I currently teach 4th. I still don't think I could have it any other way. I have been teaching in a computer lab for going on five years and I have never taught research the same way twice. They won't stop moving. Once a teacher reaches the middle school level, he or she needs to become a subject specialist. I'll keep my 4th and 5th graders! That emotional toll affects your mental state which in turn can affect your physical health, and the cycle continues. By Wiley Blevins. This survey is an eye opener! I prefer 4th and 5th graders - they get my jokes, have better reasoning skills, are able to discuss complex topics and current events - just to name a few reasons. T5hey were just so hormonal. Which of those states really strike your “pain” points? I like my middle school kids. Cons: “I’m not a fan of  standardized testing~it gives me so much anxiety! State testing can be an absolutely stressful experience, but the pros can outweigh the cons depending on your perspective. reading Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are the basic mathematics operations that learners need to know since they are in the elementary levels. After about 6 months I wanted out :/, I have taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th regular class. Related: If you’re interested, take a peek at my career tips and money advice page for educators. And the curriculum was just too basic for my tastes. They also can have trouble with simple things like shoes, buttons & zippers. In my experience (ranging from 4th grade to HS), the biggest change going from secondary to elementary is the students. If so, teaching fifth grade may be the hardest elementary grade for you to teach. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. And the responsibility of teaching these little ones how to read is all on you. I have taught K-8 special ed. The person I have a crush on does not like me, I must be ugly. I have taught 1-5th grades at one point or another. I haven't taught multiple grades, but I think it would be any grade you are called to. Teaching colors and numbers is nice, but what I most enjoy is the imaginative play time and the teaching of basic skills that they’ll use for the rest of their lives. It's all about your personality- I have taught grades K-6. This is the perfect age to help mold their character.”. The hardest elementary grade to teach depends on one’s preferences, personality, and experiences. Do you personally have more pros or cons? That is not the heart God gave me. Although I loved the kids< I found grades 7 and eight very tough. To me that is the worse. In first grade, your child will continue to build on these concepts using hands-on manipulatives like Cuisenaire rods and snap cubes to more concretely visualize basic addition and subtraction (within a range of zero to 20). Today is all about teaching tricky words and phrases in an informational text! I can't believe they can get away with that. That is not the heart God gave me. I don’t quite get that yet. I love both grades but I go home EXHAUSTED every single day. Hands-on experiments and concepts for this age should have more detail than the early elementary grades. During book clubs, we have deep discussions about the book. Cliques are common too (especially during lunch and recess), and trying to help kids who feel excluded gets exhausting.”. The Verdict: Which of these factors is a dealer breaker for you? Then there's all the germs. That by itself makes me content to stay put in first grade.”. Standardized Tests: Making Our Students and Teachers Sick? If you know you want to teach younger elementary or Pre-K, an early childhood certification will allow you to teach children from birth through grade 2 in most states. Cons: “Oh gosh, kinder! Of course, there are challenges inherent in elementary school teaching, too, from problem students to difficult parents to malfunctioning classroom technology. To get from my desk to the door, I have to wade through a miasma of teen-product vapors that make me want to shower in bleach. I think they are the cutest kids ever, well for an hour or two. best. In the earlier grades, students might collect, sort, and observe leaves. if it's only up to 6th, it's definitely 6th grade, but kindergarten teachers are about the hardest working, most patient teachers I know (I've worked in elementary ed for 20 years) 8th grade … Pros: “First graders are more independent than kindergartners. At the time, it was a perfect fit. I hear several times- in 3rd grade.... We also have the writing test to prepare for, and they don't get much writing in previous grades so we basically start from scratch. After returning from maternity leave, I had the option to take a fourth-grade English Language Arts position. How you define “hard”, whether that be physically, emotionally, or mentally, contributes to your threshold of tolerance. I like hugs. We have three tests to cover: reading, writing, and math. I would not enjoy teaching early elementary or high school. It's all drama. First of all, I wasn't even trained to be a computer teacher. Kindergarten. career tips and money advice page for educators. It’s hard to catch them up with little support and limited resources. My preference is to analyze and discuss figurative language in a novel with a bunch of fifth graders, you know?… I definitely think kindergarten is the hardest elementary grade to teach!”. So, what’s the hardest elementary grade to teach in your opinion? Some people are meant to teach the younger one, but I'm not one of them. 1st was the hardest for me. I’m really curious to know what YOU think! The Praxis exam measures your knowledge and skills in the specific grade level or subject area. It's not that I don't love all kids, it's just that I know the age that makes me melt and that's what I need! Below are the results of what I discovered. I think there are things I liked and didn't like about them. Being at grade level is meaningful at any age, but third grade is the crucial year when students make the leap from learning to read to reading to learn. Pros: “Being a guy, I was definitely a little nervous about teaching such a young age, but I’ve found them to be really awesome. Get Free Hardest Elementary Grade To Teach now and use Hardest Elementary Grade To Teach immediately to get % off or $ off or free shipping. We departmentalize, so I also enjoy teaching three different groups of kids in a day…the kids are very independent, and with the appropriate structure, they are amazing forces to be reckoned with.”. What’s considered “hard” to teach at the elementary level is subjective. Do you have more pros or cons? For many of them, it’s their first time in a formal school setting, so I’m shaping how they see ‘Big School’ for the very first time! 10 Tips to Teach Multiplication to Elementary Level Children 4 min. Fifth graders have to cover a lot of content, so I feel like the paperwork never ends. Your ability to connect with children, energy level, value system, outlook on life, and personal goals all play an important role in determining which grade is right for you. January 13, 2012. I reached out to a few teacher colleagues and asked for their genuine feedback. Below are 3 articles that discuss the realities of standardized testing in elementary schools. The Verdict: Fifth grade~ what a special grade. I felt so responsible for their reading as they were first learning...If they didn't get what they needed in first they would lose their foundation for sounds/words. Phonics expert Wiley Blevins shares key phonics skills, the approximate age most kids master them, and illustrations of mastery — all in an easy-to-read chart. Two years ago, I taught high school English. Is the Use of Standardized Tests Improving Education in America? I did not like the hormones and the attitude. It was my favorite grade level. The principal wants me in the lower grades. I've taught 1st, 3rd, and 4th. So I guess my tolerance level is higher since I’ve “battled” high schoolers.”. Pros: “I’ve taught third grade most of my teaching career, and I love it. But if you talk to elementary school teachers, they’ll be quick to tell you that a love of children and an enjoyment of teaching keeps them going even when the going gets tough. Hopefully this information will guide you in making a sound decision about which elementary grade is “hardest” or “easiest” and therefore help you determine which you’d most like to teach. They tattle, cry, and are always moving. To me, Kinder is the hardest. The key is to realize what is most challenging for YOU, not what others think should be considered “hard” for you. I agree that the toughest grade would be different for different teachers. I have taught 1st-3rd and 5th. I teach 7th & 8th grade and 9 our of 10 times the response I get to that is YUCK, You poor thing. It’s chock full of information! . The kids are great ones they have developed that routine but the first two months will have you pulling your hair out. I can’t get down with all those germs, runny noses, and other uncontrollable bodily fluids. level 1. Tenth Grade: Samaritans “I teach high school SPED reading and 10th grade inclusion ELA. Kindergarten! Stage Design - A Discussion between Industry Professionals. Whichever elementary grade you choose (or are assigned), you can make it “less hard” by seeking support from colleagues who have “been there and done that” successfully. The kids are out of control, do not listen to authority and think everything is the biggest thing ever. Though many people equate “hard” with level of physical exertion, teaching others, especially young children, can take an emotional toll that at times goes way beyond words. But overall, second grade was MUCH harder because her teacher hated her. share. I can't imagine first is much better... personally I love 2nd, 3rd and 6th .. As an upper elementary teacher, the pressure of standardized tests is sometimes intense plus there are lots of papers to grade. An example is learning about changing colors in leaves. Jimmy: 4th grade is the 7th grade of elementary school. I can only speak from a sub's point of view. So much is demanded these days that maybe this would also apply to Kindergarten... which I taught for 26 years. The third link shares a more balanced perspective regarding these exams. My daughter has teachers at the sr high level and they say they would never teach elementary. For me an easy grade to teach was second grade. Pros:  “I always have people commenting that fifth grade must be the hardest elementary grade to teach because of hormones, attitudes, and the curriculum. Pros: “The curriculum is my favorite thing about fourth. I would not enjoy teaching early elementary or high school. And they really want to do their best for the teacher.”. Second graders are a welcome calm in that regard. At my school, this is where they are really starting to be held accountable. Since elementary schools typically are not departmentalized by course topic, most elementary school teachers will teach social studies. Suddenly reading isn't optional... they have to do it. They are so self-focused. I don't think I could do middle school again. And yes…they’re really cute and lovable! I don't even mind the sweaty kid smell after PE or recess! Only you know what feels right for you. By far, the hardest for me was jr. high. Parents can be a little anxious because they are seeking guidance on how to best help their child transition to middle school smoothly and successfully. All have taught for at least 5 years and in at least two grade levels. You’ve only got two more years left at the school and you’ve got some peons below you, but you’re still not the king of the school so you don’t matter. The middle schools seem to have the hardest around here with adjustments emotionally, etc. If you list more pros than cons, teaching fourth may be the elementary grade for you! The teacher makes a mistake, they must be stupid. You may get a “bad batch” of learners one year that could permanently alter how you perceive a specific grade level. They are a lot less independent and need more guidance not only academically, but socially/emotionally as well. I am in fourth this year and my heart is just not in it. My favorite is first, I know in my heart I am a primary teacher. I taught 6th grade math for 9 years. I have spent the past 17 years teaching Kindergarten or First Grade. I have taught 1-5th, and this is my first time in 1st grade. I also found the kids very needy....they are only 7 after all. Those training to teach physical education were the most likely to achieve QTS in 2017-18. It’s an academic hurdle that, if missed, can leave kids in the proverbial dust, struggling through letter sounds as their more fluent peers gain new knowledge at what seems like lightning speed. To be the one to start their whole educational life.....yeah too much pressure for me! As far as discipline, I’ve had no major issues, but I’m coming from high school which is a different ball game. Created by TeacherQuizzes On Oct 23, 2018 It's the only year that you are required to teach a completely new skill: reading. At this age, students recognize the social struggles in high school but, given a safe space they relate well with each other.” –Joanne M. Eleventh Grade: Pressure Cookers “SO MUCH PRESSURE. Taking into consideration standardized testing, do you think third grade would be the hardest elementary grade for you to teach? They do tattle a lot, so if anyone has any solutions for that problem, I’m all ears.”. Like a PP said, I do think that it is a personal preference. I would rather be with the little ones. Lots and Lots of curriculum. Our high school teachers get two 40 minute plan times every day. I learned this one last year from a 4 th grade teacher: ... Philipp, 2000): fraction division is probably the hardest elementary topic to teach. I subbed too so I've had it all. Now I’ve been told I’m teaching 5th grade!!! save. I have taught grades kindergarten through grade eight. 67% Upvoted. But by third grade, students can perform an experiment to determine why leaves change colors. Their deep thoughts amaze me! They were old enough to know how to read so you weren't teaching reading from scratch. I haven't taught multiple grades, but I think it would be any grade you are called to. When there are behavior issues, it’s mostly done in innocence. I think First Grade is the hardest... and SOOOO important. Stressed Out: The Psychological Effects of Tests on Primary School Children. For those of you who have taught multiple grades, what is the hardest grade to teach in your opinion? Doing Internet Research at the Elementary Level. This thread is archived. Maturity is a major issue. Unfortunately, I have been stuck in K and 1 for 6 years now. I could never, ever teach k-2 again- I would be certifiable at the end of it! Behavior is sometimes an issue like talking back. My student teaching experience was all 9th and 10th grade … Why? The problem is not just standard BO, like you’d expect. Our district recognizes the fact that all teachers work hard to teach their grade levels. Everything builds on it! It is HARD. Is standardized testing a deal breaker for you? The DfE tables show that 97 per cent of students achieved QTS in PE, 96 per cent achieved it in the classics and 95 per cent achieved it in design and technology. I have taught K-5 and kindergarten is the easiest as far as curriculum but the hardest with discipline and behavior. First grade is a year to explore and introduce the concrete building blocks of math, which include problem-solving, operations, and number sense. Sort by. I thought 1st was harder than K though. I would say the hardest grade I have every worked with was 8th. They enjoy school and want to do a good job for the teacher. Cons: “Fifth graders sometimes arrive to school upset for no reason…hormones I guess. I teach a combo class that are both high stakes testing, so perhaps my answer would be different if I only taught one of the two grades instead of both! I am still hoping maybe I can go back to third. 10/05/2015 13:34 (I've done 26 years). Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine how much I would enjoy teaching at this level. Therefore, rather than general proclamation of an “easiest” grade to teach, we may better serve our readers by simply highlighting some of the most notable, widely known attributes of the four, primary grade groups: early childhood education, elementary education, middle school, and high school. I’ve really found my calling with this age. I never want to do it again. When considering which age level is most ideal for you from a professional standpoint, you may wonder what is the hardest elementary grade to teach. However, the number training to teach design and technology has been highlighted as a concern. They’re so squirmy, touchy, and extremely needy. I love 3rd and will probably stay there until I retire. They can display a bit of a negative attitude at times, but if you speak with them, they can at least talk through their feelings. You have three basic choices: young children (preschool and elementary school), adolescents (late elementary school, middle school, and early high school) and teens who are nearing adulthood (high school). I have taught to some degree k-8th. Kindergarten or first grade would get my vote. I do love how they are still young enough to do fun things, but are old enough to understand. The problem is the stuff students use to cover it up. I've taught multiple grades and I know which are in my heart and which aren't. But I love it. I like the idea of preparing them for middle school and watching them transition from elementary. Find out which grade you should teach based on your personality. The Verdict: Think you have the heart to teach third grade? I’d describe it as a base of BO and nachos, with bright, nostril-burning top notes of AXE body spray, finished with a haze of sixteen different Bath and Body Works scents. I've taught K, 2, 3, 4, and 5. I prefer 5th grade or middle school. What makes it frustrating is that they don’t ask to go to the bathroom in time. It was a terrible year for me and I'm so glad to be back to 4th grade. During my brief grade school music teaching career, I was at a school three days after it had opened in September. Teach With Phonics Skills Chart. Wow! It's nasty. Only you know what’s a deal breaker for you, and that will depend mostly on your preferences, personality, and tolerance level. First is a challenge. DD had the hardest time academically in fifth grade, because that was the year she was figuring out how to try in school. I have a lot of respect for anyone who teaches this grade level.