I miss third!!

[SusanTeach]

I'm currently a "looping teacher" and loop from 3rd to 4th grade. Although I see the great advantages to it, I think I've found my niche! I've taught 4 different grade levels in the 6 years I've been teaching. I had no idea how much I'd love teaching 3rd grade, until I did it last year. I'm now with the same group of kids for 4th grade, and although I still adore them, I really miss the curriculum, innocence, etc... of the 3rd grade(rs). Thankfully (Lord willing!) I'll be looping back down to 3rd grade next year - and I'm hoping to stay there permanently! I've already told my principal, so let's hope it'll all work out. I don't know for sure yet.

How long have the rest of you taught 3rd grade? Have you taught other grades? I've always seen the good and bad with every grade, but I have to admit that 3rd grade is definitely my top choice.

 

[HONEYBUN]

Third Grade is Great

I have taught first, second, and third. While I really enjoyed second grade and looped to third with them (and stayed) I must admit third graders are wonderful. They are no longer babies and are still trusting and inquisitive enough to approach things with such vigor that I am reenergized just teaching them. I tell them they are like the energized bunny on t.v. they just keep going, and going, and going. In reality they just keep learning and learning because they don't think they know it all but they want to be able to say yes I know about that The acountability of state testing at that grade level can produce undue stress but if you are positive they accept and rise to any challenge. I love third grade.

 

[SusanTeach]

state testing

That's funny that you mention state testing - that's what I've heard other teachers at my school mention as well. Honestly, and I'm not sure why, it doesn't bother me. I'm a "benchmark" person - so I know by the time testing comes around, I've taught all the benchmarks and feel comfortable that the students know them (for the most part - there are always a few that struggle mastering them all). Maybe that's another reason I love 3rd - the state testing doesn't stress me out.

 

[LisaAder]

state testing

Obviously you are not from Indiana.....we have our testing in September! I am a benchmark person too, but when the testing is 4 weeks after the year starts..I haven't been able to cover the benchmarks. I really don't like it in September. By the way, this is my 7th year in third grade! I taught 4th grade for 3 years and k-5 resource for 1 year and high school for 10 years before that!!!!! 21 years in all! I love third grade too!

 

[Valerie]

Third Grade

I taught Second Grade for 31 years and then moved to Third Grade to meet the challenge of different curriculum, a technology oriented classroom, and a slightly different age level (but oh so different attitude and personality level). I loved second grade but I am beginning to enjoy third grade. In second grade our test scores were not as important as third grade scores in Missouri. My students met all the test score requirements last year so I am hoping we can do even better this year.

 

[Tylana]

My story

I taught first grade for six years and then due to cuts had to move to third. This is my second year in third. When I learned I would be moving I made up my mind that when one of the first grade teachers left, I would go back to first grade. After about one semester in third, I decided that I do not want to go back. I love third grade. THe kids are great! We are able to do so many great projects and I don't have to teach anyone how to blow his nose!! Woo hoo!!

 

[SheriB]

Testing Testing Testing! (Almost a Vent)

Hi! I've taught first grade (not fun), third a three/four combo (also not fun) and fourth. I like third best. The kids are just so sweet! I live in Idaho and I'm a benchmark person as well. However, we test using two major tests in September, January, and April. One test is computerized so we lose 6 weeks of our computer lab throughout the year. The other test is a reading test that is given to K-3 kids. It tests fluency and comprehension. I live all year with someone breathing down my neck about my kids scores! Enough is enough!

If they would let me teach, we'd all be a lot happier!

 

[susanm3]

Third Grade

I really agree with you regarding third grade! I have taught second and fourth grade as well and third is my "niche." This is my 11th consecutive year in third. Just submitted my letter of intent for next year and asked to stay in third. I think a teacher knows where they belong- deep down inside!! Hope that you will be able to go back to third permanently. I also know that I do my most effective job teaching where I belong. Good luck!! Susan from FL

 

[HONEYBUN]

Third Grade

I am oh so happy to hear that others understood what the testing stress is like. It has nothing to do with whether or not you are a benchmark person, it has everything to do with your administration within your building and sometimes outside. The media here attacks schools that do not meet certain standards and casts doubts on those that do better than a narrow minded society may expect. It is a double edge sword and teaching the standards and benchmarks usually wins out in the end but the process can become stressful when you are consantly questioned about how you are going to raise the benchmark scores and what percentage of your students you expect to pass the first time the test is administered. I will always love third grade and if I'm lucky maybe a different administrator will replace our current one and we can live happily aver after. :-)

 

[Hockey Fan]

I am in my 11th year of teaching and have taught in 3rd for 1o years. The third graders still arrive at school eager to learn.

I taught year of 4th and by then the social issues for girls were already beginning to come through!

 

[SusanTeach]

Honeybun

Sorry, I didn't mean to make it sound like it's wrong to be stressed about testing. I'm more of a laid-back kind of person, so I guess it just doesn't bother me as much. I just always felt like my students were ready by the time testing came around. Of course, it helps that I have a wonderful principal. She treats us like professionals, and although she's a "numbers" person (testing results are VERY important to her), she doesn't hover over us to make sure we're doing what we're supposed to. She gives suggestions, but pretty much trusts us. I hope you end up with a good administrator eventually!!!!!