| ||||||||
| ||||||||
| ||||||||
|
Home : 2001 : October : 20
I am a looping teacher. I understand your dilemma completely. I hear you saying that you have worked incredibly hard this year with the idea that next year you could use what you've already done/learned to make
However, it's not just looping teachers who have to work hard. Teachers always seem to be working hard for one reason or another -- new curriculum, new textbooks, new strategies to try, new administrators with new ideas, etc. My point is that you should not choose to loop or not to loop on the basis of would it be hard work learning new grade level material. Looping has so many rewards that make it well worth all the hard work. Knowing your students will make some of the work load much easier. You'll know your 3rd grade students' strengths and challenges from the very first day of 4th grade. You can start "teaching" immediately because so many of the beginning of the year activities will fall into place naturally since students already know your "style" of organization, etc. From a classroom management perspective, I think you'll find it far easier the second and third years. And even though you have the new grade level materials each year, I think you'll find it runs smoother if not easier from an instructional perspective. What if you do get a difficult child and have to face 3 years with him or her? I don't know if it would work the same in your school as it does in ours, but everyone involved -- teacher, student/parents, administrators -- has the opportunity to assess whether that child should stay in or opt out of the looping class. My personal opinion is that a difficult child you already know in your looping class could be way better than the difficult child you stand a chance of getting every year with a new class. (It's the bird in the hand is worth two in the bush philosophy!) I also believe that a difficult child can benefit greatly from the continuity provided by looping. I'm not sure if this helps. All I can say is that I am on my second loop cycle with 4th and 5th graders, and I have found it a very satisfying program for me, my students, and their parents. My greatest concern is whether I am doing enough to prepare my students for middle school. For two crucial years before middle school, I am their only shot at getting what they'll need for the big step up in 6th grade. You are right! There are pros and cons. You ask what I think . . . I think looping is a win-win situation for all participants. I am thankful every day for the opportunity to be a part of this program. I love my wonderful students, and the only thing better than getting them for one whole school year is getting them for two whole school years. Just think, you'd get yours for three whole years! Good luck as you make your decision. If I can be of assistance to you in any way, please email me.
What people are currently discussing in the ProTeacher Community: |
| |||||||
