What I've Learned (so far) Teaching 5th & 5th Grade Graduation

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Top 3 Tips for Teaching 5th
Wrapping up my first year of teaching was so fun! I learned a lot from my fabulous group of 5th graders and want to share 3 top tips I have learned so far about teaching 5th graders.
  1. Listen To Them. 5th graders have a lot of opinions and are able to deconstruct a lot of information about the world around them- and they want to share what they think with their teacher. I was really open with my class that it was my first year teaching and I wanted their feedback about how class was structured, what books to read next, etc. I gave out surveys to students and listened to their feedback in morning meetings. Students in upper grades want to feel like their voice is being heard and when they see their ideas put into action are more likely to join the class community. 5th grade is also a time of change and transition for a lot o
  2. Hold Them To A High Standard. At most elementary schools students in 5th are the oldest kids in schools and may think they are "too cool". I liked to use this as incentive for students to do their best every day because they were role models for younger students.
  3. They Love To Help-Let Them. I am moving schools so I enlisted the help of students to help me take down displays, pack up books, and wheel supplies in a wagon down to my car. I also set up students who struggled socially to work with lower grade classes- they loved being seen as a leader while helping others.
I still have a lot to learn about 5th graders and teaching! Leave a general teacher tip or upper grade teacher tip in the comments so I can continue working to learn and grow!

Graduation


Teaching 5th grade is bittersweet- they are fun, independent, and curious, but at the end of the year they head off to middle school. I love being able to send them off into a new journey and celebrate with them as we reflect on their accomplishments together. At NHE we hold a end of year celebration where we give each student a certificate, show their baby pictures, and celebrate with the students' families. Go class of 2024!!

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