I also began my career teaching high school, moved to seventh and eighth grades and was eventually asked to teach sixth. I'm back to teaching eighth, but if I was asked to move, I would do it again. It is a new curriculum, so it was exciting working with new texts and different writing assignments. Things can be challenging, though. Sixth graders are much less mature than eighth and need more guidance to stay on task especially in group work. They tend to need to move more, so I tried to allow for that in my lessons. I really enjoyed them, however. They are sweet and more eager to please; not so concerned with being "cool" like many eighth graders are. Also, it helped me appreciate all my colleagues do to prepare students before they get to eighth grade. Finally, in this economy it never hurts to "buy" your boss's good will when you can. Good luck with whatever you decide. Aimee ArmstrongWindsor Middle School
From: [email protected] Subject: lit Digest, Vol 53, Issue 13 To: [email protected] Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:00:07 -0400 Send lit mailing list submissions to [email protected] To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://mail.literacyworkshop.org/mailman/listinfo/lit_literacyworkshop.org or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to [email protected] You can reach the person managing the list at [email protected] When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of lit digest..." --Forwarded Message Attachment-- From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2010 20:44:43 -0400 Subject: [LIT] Considering a move, but need some advice I am considering a monumental move. I moved from high school to 8th grade 4 years ago, and it was a huge eye-opener for me. I love the age, the curriculum, and my colleagues, despite the fact that I always defined myself as "high school" teacher. The transition was smooth and fun, and I've never looked back. I was approached today and asked to think about teaching 6th grade -- same building, same boss, same administration. I never saw myself as a 6th grade teacher, but this position has some great benefits to it that are very appealing to me. We are a suburban middle school, grades 6-8 of about 1000 kids, funneling from 3 K-5 schools and into one 9-12 high school. I need some advice from those of you who have been on both ends of the spectrum. I know 6th and 8th are totally different. What advice would you give to someone moving from one end of that spectrum to another? I have not made a decision yet -- I work for an amazing department head who will support me either way -- but I'd love any input or advice! Ms. Liz McGivern 8th grade Language Arts Hudson Memorial School -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] on behalf of Alice Cortigiano Sent: Sat 3/13/2010 9:05 AM To: 'A list for improving literacy with focus on middle grades.' Subject: Re: [LIT] Grading writing assignments faster First, I always have a rubric so I am grading the focus of instruction. Then, I divide them into 3 groups quickly (high, middle, low) so I can see what the general understanding is. I like to score the higher ones first and then work my way down....don't ask me why it just works for me. Next, I grade using a 1 - 6 scale. I transfer those into a grade for the report card. I don't like to put a percentage grade on the paper but I do need it for report cards as we're still in the dark ages when it comes to reporting data to parents.....they need a percentage score! Alice Cortigiano John Martinez Magnet School "Where the Sun Always Shines" -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Nancy Carroll Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 6:03 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [LIT] Grading writing assignments faster Hi Everyone, I would like to know if anyone has any proven, fun ways of making grading essays faster and less painful! Any hints? Would love to hear your tips and tricks, from veterans and new teachers alike. Happy Thursday! Nancy Carroll _______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org. Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive _______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org. Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive --Forwarded Message Attachment-- From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2010 05:39:06 -0400 Subject: Re: [LIT] Considering a move, but need some advice Liz, As someone who has taught at almost every level from high school to elementary and now middle school for the past 16 years, I can't recommend the move to 6th grade strongly enough! One of the best parts of being a 6th grade teacher is the process of helping kids transition from elementary school to becoming middle school students. I find developmentally working with 11 and 12 year olds to be so enjoyable too. They love being treated as older, more independent students, yet still love when you give them praise and tell goofy stories to help them learn. I think that you enjoy teaching middle school kids to begin with, and have already had a smooth transition from high school, as well as never regretting it, will make your decision easier as well. Although I enjoyed teaching 8th grade in the past, and loved helping them prepare for high school, I still prefer 6th grade. Let us know what your decision is. Best of luck! Laurie Wasserman Gr. 6 Learning Disabilities/National Board Certified Teacher Teacher Leader Network/Boston Writing Project Andrews Middle School Medford, Massachusetts [email protected] -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of McGivern, Liz Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 8:45 PM To: A list for improving literacy with focus on middle grades. Subject: [LIT] Considering a move, but need some advice I am considering a monumental move. I moved from high school to 8th grade 4 years ago, and it was a huge eye-opener for me. I love the age, the curriculum, and my colleagues, despite the fact that I always defined myself as "high school" teacher. The transition was smooth and fun, and I've never looked back. I was approached today and asked to think about teaching 6th grade -- same building, same boss, same administration. I never saw myself as a 6th grade teacher, but this position has some great benefits to it that are very appealing to me. We are a suburban middle school, grades 6-8 of about 1000 kids, funneling from 3 K-5 schools and into one 9-12 high school. I need some advice from those of you who have been on both ends of the spectrum. I know 6th and 8th are totally different. What advice would you give to someone moving from one end of that spectrum to another? I have not made a decision yet -- I work for an amazing department head who will support me either way -- but I'd love any input or advice! Ms. Liz McGivern 8th grade Language Arts Hudson Memorial School --Forwarded Message Attachment-- From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2010 05:45:57 -0400 Subject: Re: [LIT] Considering a move, but need some advice I have taught 6th and 8th grade, and currently teach both right now. I would jump full time into 6th grade in a heartbeat. You have less "attitude" from the kids. They are not as jaded as the older ones and are more excited about learning. Pat www.pawsofwood.com --Forwarded Message Attachment-- From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2010 08:15:37 -0500 Subject: Re: [LIT] Considering a move, but need some advice Keep in mind if you decide to move that 6th graders are just beginning to transition from concrete thinking into formalized thinking, and as a group they will be everywhere on the spectrum between those two points. They also work much slower than your 8th graders and high school students, so be prepared to allow more time for assignments, or to begin the year with shorter assignments. They will quickly catch on to your in depth lessons and they do love to be treated like they're older. I often say to them that I'm telling them a secret that usually only 8th graders get to learn. They eat up that kind of praise. I too have taught both levels, and I thoroughly enjoy 6th grade learners. DeAnn Kaduce Swinney Dual Language School 1106 W. 47th St. Kansas City, MO64112 (816)418-6275, ext. 0307 FAX: (816)418-6280 Stop planning for teaching and start planning for learning. ________________________________________ From: [email protected] [[email protected]] On Behalf Of [email protected] [[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2010 4:45 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [LIT] Considering a move, but need some advice I have taught 6th and 8th grade, and currently teach both right now. I would jump full time into 6th grade in a heartbeat. You have less "attitude" from the kids. They are not as jaded as the older ones and are more excited about learning. Pat www.pawsofwood.com _______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org. Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive --Forwarded Message Attachment-- From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2010 08:47:59 -0500 Subject: Re: [LIT] Considering a move, but need some advice I teach primarily 6th grade, but I'm fortunate to have one writing class of 7th/8th students. The kicker is that I always wanted to teach 2nd grade. Now, I would never teach lower - and I really have little desire to teach higher full time. We deal with transitioning our kids into a middle school. I agree with the statements earlier - they are still young enough they want to please (less attitude) but old enough they get my sense of humor. I also try to work with the 7th and 8th grade teachers to help introduce writing/reading concepts not tested in 6th but that will be later (for example, our students are tested on persuasive techniques, but I introduce them so they have at least heard the terms).. Your knowledge of the spectrum of your curriculum will help you guide your students and give input to your school's needs. Good luck on your decision!! Carrie LaRue -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of McGivern, Liz Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 7:45 PM To: A list for improving literacy with focus on middle grades. Subject: [LIT] Considering a move, but need some advice I am considering a monumental move. I moved from high school to 8th grade 4 years ago, and it was a huge eye-opener for me. I love the age, the curriculum, and my colleagues, despite the fact that I always defined myself as "high school" teacher. The transition was smooth and fun, and I've never looked back. I was approached today and asked to think about teaching 6th grade -- same building, same boss, same administration. I never saw myself as a 6th grade teacher, but this position has some great benefits to it that are very appealing to me. We are a suburban middle school, grades 6-8 of about 1000 kids, funneling from 3 K-5 schools and into one 9-12 high school. I need some advice from those of you who have been on both ends of the spectrum. I know 6th and 8th are totally different. What advice would you give to someone moving from one end of that spectrum to another? I have not made a decision yet -- I work for an amazing department head who will support me either way -- but I'd love any input or advice! Ms. Liz McGivern 8th grade Language Arts Hudson Memorial School -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] on behalf of Alice Cortigiano Sent: Sat 3/13/2010 9:05 AM To: 'A list for improving literacy with focus on middle grades.' Subject: Re: [LIT] Grading writing assignments faster First, I always have a rubric so I am grading the focus of instruction. Then, I divide them into 3 groups quickly (high, middle, low) so I can see what the general understanding is. I like to score the higher ones first and then work my way down....don't ask me why it just works for me. Next, I grade using a 1 - 6 scale. I transfer those into a grade for the report card. I don't like to put a percentage grade on the paper but I do need it for report cards as we're still in the dark ages when it comes to reporting data to parents.....they need a percentage score! Alice Cortigiano John Martinez Magnet School "Where the Sun Always Shines" -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Nancy Carroll Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 6:03 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [LIT] Grading writing assignments faster Hi Everyone, I would like to know if anyone has any proven, fun ways of making grading essays faster and less painful! Any hints? Would love to hear your tips and tricks, from veterans and new teachers alike. Happy Thursday! Nancy Carroll _______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org. Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive _______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org. Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850553/direct/01/ _______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org. Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive
