BEST grades to teach and WHY?

Question

I am a sophomore in high school and I have always wanted to be a teacher. I've always wanted to teach 3rd or 4th graders cuz they are more independent so you can do more activities with them and not have to worry. But after doing VBS for my church i really like being around the K and 1st graders but idk if i would like teaching them. They are so sweet and innocent and I love just hearing what they have to say. If you have any experience with teaching elementary, please give me your opinion on each grades and which ones are the best to teach! Thanks :)!

Answer 1

I would say 2nd or 3rd grade because the kids are old enough to read directions and write and they are mature enough to sit still for longer periods of time. They don't tattle or whine or cry as much and they know the basic routines so you don't have to spell everything out as much. They also tend to be more appreciative. Little kids are more demanding.

I am currently ending my first year of teaching first grade. I have experience student teaching and substituting for K-5 so I've worked with all  elementary grade levels. First grade is hard because the kids are so demanding. They cry over lost pencils and wet pants. They still have tantrums and it's hard for them to really understand the deeper meaning behind things. Yes, they are cute, but it's easy to feel taken for granted and to get lonely when you feel like you're babysitting at times. 4th graders are great but you usually get a large class size, at least in CA. 3rd grade has 20 students max. and the kids are more mature but still innocent and haven't started puberty yet!