Hi, in your opinion or experience, what grades are best to student teach? I think K's and 1st would be more difficult because K's are being introduced to elementary school for the first time. First graders are learning to read so more difficult. Sixth has more discipline issues. I'm thinking second and fourth grades. I need to pick two grades two grades apart.
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What grade is best to student teach in..
- Thread starter SubCA
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h0kie
Senior Member
I interned in K and 3rd and then student taught in K. I loved them both. So much depends on the school and the teacher. We didn't get to pick, but I did end up getting to go back to the same teacher I interned with for student teaching. That was wonderful. The teachers I had really made my experience. Both of them.
K was nice because the kids were still excited about learning. K kids are sweet. School (for the most part) is still fun for them.
The 3rd graders could do more activities. You didn't have to walk them through each and every step.
Like I said, I liked both 3rd and K.
K was nice because the kids were still excited about learning. K kids are sweet. School (for the most part) is still fun for them.
The 3rd graders could do more activities. You didn't have to walk them through each and every step.
Like I said, I liked both 3rd and K.
TeAcHeRinFL
Senior Member
I believe a BIG factor is how well your cooperating teacher is. I was fortunate to have two excellent experiences due in part to them. I had 2nd and 4th grades. I learned alot from both classes that I took with me to my own classroom. I currently teach 1st grade and love that grade level. Teaching children to read can be frustrating, but also very rewarding at the same time. When that child gets a difficult word for the first time, the smile upon their face and the feeling you get inside is so awesome. Also, in first and kindergarten, you are able to do all those fun things like 100th day, Dr. Seuss's birthday, Groundhog's Day. etc.
Both
I have taught both. I work in K for 3 years, and 4 in 1st. I have to say I enjoyed K , I didn't think I would love another grade, but 1st is my choice now. I see them progress more and faster. Their reading capablities is amazing!
I dont have to tie that many shoes, check on them in the restroom, wetting accidents, and ect. They are a very loving bunch. But I wouldn't trade my 1st graders for another grade or for anything...
I have taught both. I work in K for 3 years, and 4 in 1st. I have to say I enjoyed K , I didn't think I would love another grade, but 1st is my choice now. I see them progress more and faster. Their reading capablities is amazing!
I dont have to tie that many shoes, check on them in the restroom, wetting accidents, and ect. They are a very loving bunch. But I wouldn't trade my 1st graders for another grade or for anything...
E
Elem Teacher
Guest
Agree with TeacherinFL
I totally agree with TeacherinFL. A good cooperating teacher is critical. If possible, you should find a supportive teacher who wants to work with you.
As far as grade level goes, each grade has its pluses and minuses. Kinder and first grade students are still getting used to going to school. Second grade is pretty easy, because the students are still on the innocent side and the material is pretty simple. In 3rd grade, they start doing mandatory testing for the students. By 4th grade, the students start to get hormonal. They start to grow, and they also grow big "attitudes" to match.
If there are too many teachers in your area, you might want to pick a grade level where there are too few teachers. Usually, there are more than enough elementary teachers to go around. If you pick middle or high school, you will probably be more marketable when you graduate.
Hope this helps.
I totally agree with TeacherinFL. A good cooperating teacher is critical. If possible, you should find a supportive teacher who wants to work with you.
As far as grade level goes, each grade has its pluses and minuses. Kinder and first grade students are still getting used to going to school. Second grade is pretty easy, because the students are still on the innocent side and the material is pretty simple. In 3rd grade, they start doing mandatory testing for the students. By 4th grade, the students start to get hormonal. They start to grow, and they also grow big "attitudes" to match.
If there are too many teachers in your area, you might want to pick a grade level where there are too few teachers. Usually, there are more than enough elementary teachers to go around. If you pick middle or high school, you will probably be more marketable when you graduate.
Hope this helps.
Does student teaching in K mean half day
I'm going crazy because I did not know I would be able to choose. I got to decide quickly or my supervisor will just one for me. Kindergarten size is not small at this school, K-3 are 22:1 ratio. I think 1,2,3 will be easier, yet K's only come to school for 3 1/2 hours. Does this mean that I only student teach for 3 1/2 hours a day?
I'm going crazy because I did not know I would be able to choose. I got to decide quickly or my supervisor will just one for me. Kindergarten size is not small at this school, K-3 are 22:1 ratio. I think 1,2,3 will be easier, yet K's only come to school for 3 1/2 hours. Does this mean that I only student teach for 3 1/2 hours a day?
E
Elem Teacher
Guest
Agree with 1dayatatime2
I did my student teaching in pre-kinder, and had two classes. If you do this, you will only need to plan for a half-day. You will basically repeat the same routine for both the morning and the afternoon.
I did my student teaching in pre-kinder, and had two classes. If you do this, you will only need to plan for a half-day. You will basically repeat the same routine for both the morning and the afternoon.