Should I switch to 4th grade?

Question

I currently teach 8th graders but now have the opportunity to switch to 4th grade. I have been unhappy the past two years in my position and would like a change. Any advice?

Answer 1

4th graders are way less hormonal than 8th graders, and they still (usually) love their teacher and pretty much like school in general.

I love 4th grade-- and subject matter is easier to grade also. There are lots of pros to making this move, so if you have been unhappy, then you ought to at least try!  There are so many websites (someone else mentioned one or two) that you can use for curriclum ideas and teaching resources.  

Answer 2

I am currently an 8th grade teacher.  If you are unhappy where you are and have the chance to move, please do.  Junior High students are intuitive enough that they know when their teachers like their job or not and when they sense that you do not really like what you do, then that leads to more behavior problems, which makes the job even harder on you.  I personally love 8th grade, but I have GREAT co-workers and a pretty good administration.  Make the move, if you realize that you dislike 4th grade, there will probably be the chance to move back to the junior high later on.

Answer 3

It seems to me like you already have the answer to this question in your heart- you said yourself you have been unhappy in your position.  Would this change mean that you are changing schools?  I don't know where you are located and how the grades are divided up, but where I am 5th grade is the last year of elementary.  The kids in 4th grade will definitely offer you a different atmosphere than those in 8th grade did, and if it was co-workers that you were unhappy with, this could be your opportunity.  Honestly, the only way to find out is to give it a try, and I think you should go for it.  Check out some resources online, there are great online communities, including http://www.atozteacherstuff.com that can offer you a ton of great ideas for getting started in fourth grade!  If you do decide to check out that website- click on the discuss tab, then there are a TON of forums, one for each grade, too!

Answer 4

if you are unhappy you should!  

Answer 5

Yes. 4th graders are fun to teach.

7-8th graders are the most moodiest and the hardest to deal with.

So take the opportunity! you don't want to be unhappy all your life, do you?

Answer 6

Fourth grade children are very sweet and are still needy when it comes to affection and attention.  They are very giving, as well.  The boys are typically more emotional, in my experience.  I really enjoyed fourth grade, but preferred fifth because of the curriculum.  

Answer 7

Yes, yes, yes! I used to teach 7th graders. I left to teach 5th grade a few years ago and I never looked back! Adolescents are going through puberty and their changes affect their attitudes. They can be difficult. I'm sure you already know this.

The younger kids (but not too young) are easier to handle and are more motivated. 4th grade is really fun (I've taught 4th also). I was assigned to a 2nd grade class for the upcoming school year but I will miss 4th and 5th. The only thing that sucked was the state testing madness for the older kids. But definitely go for it. You have  nothing to lose, especially since you said you were unhappy in 8th. Why are you unhappy? Is it the children, administrators, school culture, curriculum, or something else?

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Answer 8

If you are unhappy in 8th grade, then it wouldn't hurt to try the 4th grade position.  4th graders are a fun group to work with.  Make yourself a list of the pros and cons of switching and then decide.  Remember if you're not happy, your students probably know this and their actions will reflect that.  Good luck in whatever decision you make.