Best grade to teach?

[Anonymous]

Is there an easy or best grade to teach at the elementary level?

[Anonymous]

It depends on who you ask. I teach kindergarten and there’s no way I could teach anything above 4th grade or so. I can’t stand the attitudes and sassiness. By that age, students know how they measure up and many low students have given up. Add in some hormones…. No thanks.

My colleagues who teach big kids say they tiny know how I could stand little kids. Very needy, not independent. I love little people. They love you no matter what. They aren’t judging you. I feel like a rockstar walking down the hall when past year’s students see me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there an easy or best grade to teach at the elementary level?

2nd. I don't know that I would say it's easier, but they're old enough you have more interesting content, and young enough that they don't take standardized tests. It's a sweet spot!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there an easy or best grade to teach at the elementary level?

2nd. I don't know that I would say it's easier, but they're old enough you have more interesting content, and young enough that they don't take standardized tests. It's a sweet spot!

2nd- It is the grade teachers flock to just before retirement. The kids are independent, but not talking back a bunch or taking tests yet.

[Anonymous]

I've always enjoyed 5th. Have only taught 6th otherwise, and 5th is more enjoyable.

[Anonymous]

I would say 4th. It used to be 5th, but now that puberty is starting earlier it is 4th. Capable, sweet, funny kids. But obviously I know plenty of teachers of other ages who would disagree!

[Anonymous]

4th and 5th are the best! So fun and engaged, not yet hit by puberty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there an easy or best grade to teach at the elementary level?

2nd. I don't know that I would say it's easier, but they're old enough you have more interesting content, and young enough that they don't take standardized tests. It's a sweet spot!

+1, most of them can read so you don't have to read all directions out loud. Most of those who need extra help have been id'd and are getting pull outs. They still want to be the one to hold the door, or be the line leader or turn off the lights, its very sweet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It depends on who you ask. I teach kindergarten and there’s no way I could teach anything above 4th grade or so. I can’t stand the attitudes and sassiness. By that age, students know how they measure up and many low students have given up. Add in some hormones…. No thanks.

My colleagues who teach big kids say they tiny know how I could stand little kids. Very needy, not independent. I love little people. They love you no matter what. They aren’t judging you. I feel like a rockstar walking down the hall when past year’s students see me.

So cute, and so true.

[Anonymous]

Somewhere in the 2nd-4th range. They are pretty independent but still (mainly) listen to adults. And they’re just so sweet around that age.

I also love preschoolers but couldn’t do that daily. They’re so sweet and fun and greeting but also soooo chaotic. Seriously major thanks to all the preschooler teachers out there!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there an easy or best grade to teach at the elementary level?

2nd grade definitely. Not easy, but it’s a great age and the kids still love to learn, love their teachers, and can do lot independently.

I’ve taught every elementary school grade. Kindergarten was hands down the hardest, but also my favorite and the most rewarding for me.

[Anonymous]

As a new teacher, you probably aren't going to get the best grade to teach, you might get a split grade or the grade no one at the school where you are working wants. It could be because it isn't the best grade to teach or it could be because of other factors like the most difficult, cranky teacher teaches in that grade level and your principal requires you plan together. No one can stand working with the teacher so it is always a new teacher who is in that grade level.

All things being equal, look at the hours of kindergarten. In some districts they get out at the same time as the rest of elementary school so then it is NOT good to teach, but in some districts it ends and hour or two earlier, so then it is a good grade to teach as long as you don't have to do other duties

2nd grade is great. Most testing starts in 3rd grade, kids are starting to be able to do independent work so you can run groups well. They aren't so out of control anymore like in kindergarten but aren't so jaded that you are going to hear really awful and negative things.

[Anonymous]

Definitely second or third. Maybe fourth.

[Anonymous]

5th. The kids can have real conversations.