Should I teach grade 4/5 or grade 6/7?

Question

I'm going to be teaching a grade 6/7 class next year, but a grade 4/5 just opened up in my school, and it's been offerred to me. I'm having trouble deciding whether or not to stay with the 6/7. I've always taught a grade 5/6. The other grade 6/7 teacher is willing to share her unit plans with me, which will cut down a lot on my planning and prep. She also wants to platoon, which will further cut down on my prep. I taught about half of my next year's students this year, and so I know them well, but there are a few behaviour problems in the class. If I teach the grade 4/5, I will have a smaller class but no one to help me plan. I prefer the younger kids, but I like the grade 6/7 material better. Which class do you think I should teach?

Answer 1

Hey! Personaly....i love teachers that teach older kids and higher grade than younger.... :) I think you should teache 6/7. It's a lot harder though, and you never know what to expect... :)

But then again younger kids are adorable. lol

Ima 8 grader....teach higher...

Answer 2

It sounds like you already have your answer--with any class there is always going to be behavior problems. If you enjoy this teacher that is going to pay off a ton, plus you will be enjoying what you will be teaching.  Anything to cut down on planning and prep work would be a huge blessing.  Good luck! ;) I know you will make the best decision!

Answer 3

I have taught all four of those grades and would take 4/5 in a heartbeat, they are old enough to teach, but not so old that they are smart aleks.

Answer 4

I think 4/5 may be better even though they can be annoying and a little more work at times grades 6/7 be thinkin they all tht at that period in time and be wantin to mouth off and give u more of those kinds of problems;; but they may be easier to teach and not as much like "baby sitting"... well 6 graders can b annoying in tht sense to tho.

I say 4/5 cuz i couldnt deal with no 6/7 acting like they can walk all over me if i was a teacher.

Answer 5

There are a couple of factors that only you can determine the importance of:  First, do you handle kids with behavior problems with relative ease?  If so, go with your kids and the 6/7 position.  If not, go with the 4/5 split.  The smaller class seems like it would be attractive.  If it is for you too, then go with the 4/5 split.

If it was me, I would go with the age group that I loved the most and not worry about planning and prep.  Planning and prep will be less of a chore with kids that you love.

Answer 6

Heads 4/5, tails 6/7.