Elementary Teachers, what would you consider the most challenging grade level?

Question

I am a new teacher that will begin in august. What do you condiser the most challenging part of your job in general?

Answer 1

5th...the hormones start to hit and the girls go nuts.

Answer 2

I now teach first grade and it is very difficult with all the whining, tattling, short attention span, etc. mixed with a full day schedule of classes and NCLB. First grade is when students have to master reading, writing paragraphs,  addition and subtraction, time, graphing, measurement, animals, weather, etc. etc. (at least in CA). On the plus side, students in first grade don't take the CSTs (state tests) so there is a little more flexibility in our curricular time table.

From substituting, I would say that kindergarten and fifth grade are the most challenging for me. Kindergarteners start from scratch learning the letters, numbers, and how to basically do everything including when to use the bathroom and how to stand in a straight line. I could never teach kindergarten without going crazy! The only plus is you usually only have to teach half day. Fifth grade is awful because the girls are all hormonal and have attitudes. The boys aren't much better either! They can be very rowdy.

My favorite grade levels are 3rd, 4th, and 2nd. 2nd and 3rd graders are sweet and hard working, but 2nd graders tend to still tattle. 4th grades usually have larger class sizes. Next year I will be looking for another job. I think I am going to try 2nd or 3rd grade!

Answer 3

I teach 5th and the hormones are flying now!  The girls are going nuts on each other.  They are at the point now where they are done and don't care what you say.  They also have no problem telling you that.  

I would imagine that all grade levels have their difficulties.