That's what I teach

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That's what I teach
By Tammy

I agree with Jana -- a transitional class is a wonderful place for those who would otherwise be lost in a "straight" 1st grade placement. This is my first year teaching such a grade level. I have a K-1 split -- 6 "real"
first graders (not kept for extra time), 4 transitional 1st graders, and 10 kindergarteners. My t1's really struggled to keep pace with a first grade curriculum -- so what I did was to find a bridge of materials between K and 1st and help them. Those 4 really function best at a K level -- apparently last year in K was a waste for them because their social skills were terrible, academically

weak, etc. My biggest problem has been making the T1s understand that sometimes the other 6 (with whom the attended kindergarten last year) must work on different materials/activities. Usually, we work in center activities so the difference in materials are not that obvious.

It does take some getting use to -- learning to juggle different levels of material but we do that anyway! Plus, there will always be a teacher or two who has to make derogotory remarks about the abilities of the children in your room (I've had run-ins with about 3 teachers over this very thing).

I love it-- it's a challenge and it's exhausting but it keeps me on my toes!

Tammy