Whats The Difference Between Teaching 1st And 5 Grade?
I am going to be a teacher. But I don’t know what grade. 5th grade. What is the difference between 1st grade and 5th grade?
I am going to be a teacher. But I don’t know what grade. 5th grade. What is the difference between 1st grade and 5th grade?
They are completely different! Something like the difference between a grilled cheese sandwich and a 6 course dinner!
I have teacher colleagues who say the most rewarding grade to teach is 1st because you can see so much growth. They go from knowing so little and leave knowing so much! Personally I would never teach 1st grade. Those teachers are exhausted at the end of the day. Those little kids are on the go all the time and there is no down-time for teachers.
On the other hand, 5th graders are extremely independent. You can have meaningful conversations with them and, when I taught 5th grade, I really felt like I was effecting their lives. The down side, they really hold a grudge, so if they get mad at you, it could be for days. Also, the hormones are raging and that’s both annoying and scary.
I teach third grade and I think that’s the perfect grade. They are just developing their sense of humor, so they get some of my jokes. Also, they don’t hold a grudge. They are becoming independent learners, so I don’t have to be ON all the time. I have some time to enter grades in the computer, etc.
Good luck in your teaching career. If I can help, email me.
1st grade is fundamental for kids to learn how to read. By 5th grade, kids know how to read. Instead of spending your time sounding out words, you will spend your time having more meaningful conversations with 5th graders. By 5th grade, most students know the routine of school. They know how to walk in a single file line, they know how they are supposed to act in the school and in the classroom. They know how to raise their hands. In 1st grade, you are still teaching all of this. To each his own. It’s whatever you like. BUT you don’t always get to pick what grade you teach. You will most likely go to interviews and they will say “We have an opening in this grade, would you like it?” And you will say yes to anything because you will get experience which will make you more marketable. Once you sign that contract, you are employed within the school district. If you want to move to a different grade, it is more likely that you are able to since you already work for them.
Wow, there’s a big difference there.
In first grade, the “fun” part is, of course, the kids. They are adorable at that age. And if you’re the kind of teacher who likes to be silly, read stories to the children, finger paint, and get hugs all day, then it might be for you. Of course, there is a lot more to it than that – I’m just bringing up some of the fun stuff
The hard part about little ones is that they are very, very dependent. Trying to get a roomful of 6-year-olds to do even the simplest task – like write their name on a piece of paper – can be a huge challenge. The job involves a LOT of “hovering” and checking in on the kids to make sure they are following every step of your instructions.
With 5th grade, the fun part (in my opinion) is their independence. When you’ve got a good group of kids, you can really give them interesting things to do, and sometimes get amazing results. A lot of higher-level thinking goes on at this age. You can get them really involved with projects, reports, etc.
The tough part about 5th grade is discipline. Don’t let anyone tell you that little kids are angels all the time, that’s not true. But when they’re older, there are different issues involved. They are testing their independence and seeing how far they can go outside of your rules. Unfortunately this is also the age where you need to start looking for serious problems like smoking, sexual activity, etc.
First graders
CONS:
First graders are very needy.
They will be in your face constantly needing your attention.
They don’t play well together.
They pick their noses and eat what they find.
You will be tying shoes often.
PROS:
They are smaller than you.
They are not as smart as you.
If you get good advice from experienced teachers, you could be good at teaching in 3 years.
You can teach them and enjoy seeing them learn.
Grade 5:
CONS:
They can be really rude.
They can be loud.
They love to sabotage whatever your plan is.
They talk back.
They can be bullies
You will spend a lot of time testing & grading.
You will be constantly ‘ON’ and need to go to bed early to survive the next day.
PROS:
They can play well together.
They don’t need your constant attention.
If you are an adult (mature) it’s possible that you will be able to do it without becoming an alcoholic.
Teaching is VERY difficult, but it has it’s rewards.
Good luck!
Four years/. It brings maturity and knowledge.
Well elementary certification is usually 1 – 6 grade. You usually don’t have a choice when you are a new hire.
Grade 1 – kids are illiterate. You teach them to read, write and know numbers and numerals, plus basic math skills. You set the tone for school discipline for the other grades. They are very immature and extremely dependent on you. They love to play. Parents are more involved in the classroom. Classes may be smaller.Their attention span is 2-5 minutes. You also do not have to worry about the STATE tests.
Grade 5 – The kids are more mature. They are more rambunctious. They are more difficult to control. You have varied levels of reading, writing, math, science, social studies, etc. They begin to socialize with the opposite gender. Tempers may fly with males. Fights may break out. They enjoy fun activities. They need special supervision in that they want to be more independent, but are still very immature.Their attention span is 5-10 minutes. You have the STATE test on your back.
Both groups are good kids. It is just the age that you prefer.
there is a big difference. first graders aren’t mature, but they don’t screw off as bad as fifth graders. also, most first graders can’t read, or spell for that matter.
the kids are brats
The biggest difference is that in grades K-3 students are “learning to read” and in grades 4 and up they are “reading to learn” so if you can decide if you are more interested in early literacy skills (teaching reading) or if you’re more passionate about content area that will be a big help to you. If you’re interested in the literacy skills I would recommend doing your masters degree in Literacy. I did that and it has made me an awesome reading teacher!
Most colleges don’t do enough to prepare their undergrads to teach reading . Good luck!
Maturity and their ability to read, write, and do math. Fifth graders will give you a better “adult” conversation than first graders. There is less crying, tying shoes, zipping pants, and tattling.
First Graders pee their pants by accident, fifth graders pee their pants on purpose.