I'm exceptionally lucky to work with two amazing teachers during our two and a half hour language arts block. One is a reading coach at our school. Her job is designed for her to be in a classroom co-teaching for half the school day and coaching teachers the other half of the day. I get to be her partner this year. The other teacher is one of our special education teachers who used to be a first grade classroom teacher. I am learning a lot from them both.
Yesterday we cracked down on behavior during center time. We're raising our expectations of their stamina and focus. The students who were reading to a stuffed animal (really just more independent reading, but with a twist) were sitting in a tight little triangle together. I went over and had them each turn around so that their backs were to each other. One girl really didn't want to do it. She kept saying, "Now we won't have any fun."
I'm beginning to think that their switch from kindergarten to first grade might feel as shocking to them as my switch from fifth to first feels to me.
3 comments:
It's interesting to observe the continuity of progress from kindergarten to first grade. I was actually contemplating that exact transition today. One little bruiser of a six year old that I taught last year in kindergarten was in my class again today. He has made great strides from two months ago, even though he is still less mature than some of my new kindergarteners. It's nice to be able to witness the changes and be able to congratulate him on those changes.
Moving kids from doing what they want to doing school agenda is hard work for child and teacher.
I also moved from 5th grade to 1st. It has been a very positive experience for me. Although, it was a big adjustment. This will be my 4th year of teaching 1st and I don't know if I would ever go back.
I do miss things about 5th, but there is nothing better than watching a child learn to read!
Enjoy!
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