Pros and Cons of teaching 5th grade?

Question

Hi - I have taught 1st grade and ESL 2nd and 3rd grade, I am getting a new job for next year! I will be teaching 5th grade. I am SUPER excited, but scared to death too... what are the pros and cons of teaching 5th graders?

Answer 1

Pros and cons are arguments for or against a particular issue. Pros are arguments which aim to promote the issue, while cons suggest points against it. The term has been in use since the 16th century and is a shortening of a Latin phrase, pro et contra, which means “for and against.” Considering the prosprospros and cons of an issue is a very useful way to weigh the issue thoughtfully and reach an informed decision.

Many people find themselves considering prosprospros and cons in daily life, although they may not be aware of it. For example, someone shopping at a supermarket might weigh the cost of an item and the quality to decide whether or not to purchase it. People making larger decisions, like purchasing a new car or home, often spend a great deal of time thinking about the pros and cons of the purchase so that they can be sure that the right choice will be made.

In addition to being useful in daily life, prosprospros and cons can also strengthen academic papers and debates. By weighing the pros and cons beforehand, someone can consider potential objections to a point, as well as ways to dismiss a counter-argument. Skilled authors will often include pros and cons in a paper to indicate that they have considered all sides of an issue and are confident that their feelings are correct. They can also be used to identify weaknesses in an argument: if you notice a lack of discussion of the cons of an issue, for example, it is probably too good to be true.

Many politicians have highly refined the art of examining prosprospros and cons, especially when it comes to major issues. Campaign and staff advisers are kept on staff to thoroughly and carefully research issues and ultimately provide a list of pros and cons. This list can be used to build solid, well thought out persuasive arguments that can be used on the campaign trail, in political debates, on the floor of a legislative body, or to counter statements made by opponents.

When using prosprospros and cons to reach a difficult decision, many people find it helpful to divide a piece of paper into two columns, writing the pros in one column and the cons in another. Sometimes providing a clear visual guide allows the decision to become obvious, as one side may overwhelmingly outweigh the other. If nothing else, weighing the pros and cons will allow someone to consider every aspect of a situation.

Answer 2

i like 5th grade because they are very independent.  i am able to work more one-on-one with struggling students while other students are able to work on their own or in groups without needing my attention all of the time.  

i also like teaching 5th grade because the content in science and social studies is more in depth and more interesting to me.  

i also like teaching 5th grade more than 6th grade because not all of the hormones are around...yet...they start in the spring of 5th grade.  

5th graders are also very helpful around the classroom, allowing you more time to instruct.  my 5th graders have a bunch of jobs that they LOVE doing...it helps me keep the classroom neat and tidy, and it teaches them responsibility.  they also value the room more because they are the ones who help take care of it.  

a con to teaching 5th grade is attitude.  there will be some students who developed an attitude in 3rd or 4th that tends to escalate in 5th.

Answer 3

After next year, you will have had experience teaching several different grades and you will be able to answer this question better.

If you have already taught 3 years, you have a huge head start over a new teacher.  You will need that confidence with 5th graders.  Good luck!

Everything is gonna be just fine.

Answer 4

well, I have a 5th grade sister and I teach middle school.

The thing is... you will experience change because 1st grade vs 5th grade is a LOT. THe little once alwyas need you there but the 5th graders are old enough to handle themselves and everything... they are going into middle school!!!!

they're practically adults.

I think you'll have fun. :)

Answer 5

little kids - tattle, difficulty working individually, grading papers isn't difficult or time consuming, lots of parents like to volunteer

5th graders - more mature, work on their own or with partners, more papers to grade (and takes more time, esp. the writing), more tension with parents, adm. etc.

If you like children, stick to K-3.  If you like curriculum and testing your mental facilities, work with the older ones.