Looping... going from 3rd to 2nd

[missjenni]

Hi everyone. I have been teaching 3rd grade for 3 years.. .but I have always been interested in looping. I was approached and accepted an offer from one of the 2nd grade teachers.... she will loop with her 2nd graders this year and take them to 3rd, and I will start my loop in September at 2nd grade. I am very excited, but also a little nervous. I am looking for anyone with insight about looping at these grade levels? I did my practicum and student teaching in 2nd grade, so I guess I will just have to refresh my memory a whole lot! Thanks ahead of time, Jennifer

 

[2ndGradeChick]

Looping

Jennifer...welcome to 2nd grade again. I've never looped, but i think it's a great idea as you already know the parents, learning styles, what works for different students and don't need to start over again...
The down side is the beginning of 2nd grade will be a shocker. Just coming from 1st, they won't be as independent. They are so willing to please and if you start your year training and teaching your routines, I'm sure you'll have a great year.

let us know when we can help!

 

[love looping]

I teach in a K-2 building and all of our 1-2 teachers loop. I love the experience-not everyone does. I agree that the hardest change is to go from the end of the older grade back to the beginning of the younger grade. I have done this for 5 loops now (10 years and it still surprises me every year!) The best organizational tip I have found is to have seperate folders or boxes for each grade level. I actually have 2 file cabinets- one for first and one for second. It has helped with that problem of you not remembering what you did the year before - but the children do! There is nothing worse than having a project or activity all prepped ready to go and "We did that last year!" is all you hear.
The advantage the second year of knowing the families and being ready to start where you left off is wonderful!! Good luck!

 

[missjenni]

Thank you so much for your feedback! THe two file cabinets is a great idea! I know the kids would remember if I did the same thing as the year before... they never forget! Thank you so much!

 

[Cubsfan]

I love looping!

Hi Jenni,
I have just finished my first complete loop. I looped 2nd and 3rd grade. I can tell you that I absolutely loved it. The hardest part for me was saying goodbye to the best group of kids that I know. I found a really great book on looping that I could tell you the name of, if you are interested. Also, keeping activities totally seperate is also very important. In between 2nd and 3rd grade I offered very short conferences with my parents so that I could tell that what should be worked on over the summer. I would be happy to let you know more if you are interested. I think that you will really enjoy looping.