5th grade is great

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5th grade is great
By Sue

I've taught 5th grade for 11 years now, and I agree with Tanya 100%. Unlike you, I was moved from a higher grade (high school English). I had numerous chances to go back, but never did and never will (even though I enjoyed
that job too). 5th graders are exactly as Tanya has said. I love the curriculum---it's very interesting. We do all sprts of projects. Projects are VERY apprproate for this age: puppets, maps, dictionaries, salt maps, can people, etc. Do LOTS of hands on, fun thimngs. They love learning games. I love the age, too, even though Tanya is 100% right about the hormones. 5th graders have a sense

of humor, and they also understand what you mean if you even look at them (what I call a "Mommy look," and whether you're a mommy or not, I'm sure you know what I mean). They DEFINITELY DO need to be told procedures more than once, and held to them! They are clever and will try to get away with things (some of them will, anway). I teach procedures, procedures, procedures in the beginning. Start out right (friendly but FIRM) , and it will be easier all year. If you say you're going to do something, stick to it! They respond to candy and stickers and nice notes and praise very well. I also communicate with parents regularly. This is my favorite age group ever (I have been teaching since 1972).