looping

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looping
By Julie

I looped with my kids from fourth to fifth grade as well. It was the best thing I ever did. I would definitely do it again. There was so much success with it. Now I am going to sixth grade but the kids won't stay together.
You will see such growth educationally. You can jump right into teaching the first week and/or day. The kids already know your routine and procedures. It really gave them the opportunity to grow as a class. I had no behavior problems my second year. The kids also learned to get along better and care for all of them. I started to protect and watch out for one another. You will

see such growth in their work because you know what they already know. You will be able to help those in certain skills because you already know their weaknesses. Parent communication is tremendous also. The hardest part was the last day of school in fifth grade. We all cried and I did too. The last few weeks of school you will see a behavior change and emotional change. They start to realize that the time together is coming to an end. They will act up because they don't want their "family structure" to break apart. I had just about perfect attendance from all of them too. I only missed one day of school as well. There is no fear in the children either because they know you. This alleviates half of the problem in the beginning o the year. You will also bring out the shyness in many. As for the kids who struggle you will see them excel too. You will really really really love this experience. I would do anything to do it again. The school year will fly by too. There is a sudden change in liking one another. They were a lot more immature in fourth grade than in fifth. They are liking one another, starting to go out to parks and malls together, and you will see it carry over into the class room. Have a lot of fun and enjoy every minute. You are very lucky to experience this!!!!!E-mail me if you ever have any questions.