departmentalizing

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Home : 2004 : January : 26

departmentalizing
By Janett

I am also departmentalized with 5th and 6th graders this year. I teach in a small rural school. There are only two 5th grade classes and three 6th grade classes. We teachers get along GREAT, none of us have problems with
tweeking the schedule for "special" occasions. Our math teacher LOVES the schedule. She uses the Accelerated Math program, so that is a big help. I think I am the only one who has vowed to NEVER do this again. 1. You can not teach reading- effectively- in one hour per day. 2. Yes, you're only planning one subject, but in each class I have 3-4 groups because of reading levels.

3. I am SO TIRED of hearing myself say the same thing by the fifth class!!! 4. You do not form the kind of relationship with students that the 5th graders still need, especially at the beginning of the year. I have departmentalized 2 ways- I taught all Lang. Arts to two classed and Soc. Studies to my homeroom and my pair teacher taught math and science to both classes and SS to her homeroom. Last year I taught Reading and Spelling, someone else taught Math and English, and the third teacher taught Soc. Studies and Science. I liked both ways- depending on what your favorite subject is and if you get to teach it!!! I will say, the more times you change, the more behavior problems you encounter. I also think 5th graders are not ready (mature enough) to change 5 times!!!