> --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!
Way back in the day, I taught 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. It's been a long time and now I've been with 7th graders for many years. With that being said, there is a huge difference between all three grades, but the gap is even wider between 6th and 8th graders. From the tone of your email you already sound really enthusiastic about the move. I agree with the many replies you've already gotten, 6th graders are fun to to teach because for the most part they don't have the attitudes yet, are still eager to please, and just plain nice yet. You didn't say what you would be teaching them, but I thought it was language arts or reading. Let us know what you decide and if you need any support in the new position. Good luck, Sherri P.S. I'm still interested in the information on your "notebook" system you used for independent reading. _______________________________________________ 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
