katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,448
Jun 25, 2014 23:25:39 GMT
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Post by katybee on Aug 12, 2022 21:44:46 GMT
ANOTHER UPDATE: I’m sorry I haven’t updated sooner! It’s been exactly one week since I found out I’m teaching sixth grade, and today was the first day of school! It’s gone by so fast. The kids were big, like I expected. And they acted like they were WAY too cool for school—and me. But I saw right through them and they really are just big babies. I mean, they were BORN in 2011. I have shoes older than they are. It’s going to be a challenge, but it’s going to be fun. My principal and everyone I work with have been so welcoming and helpful. And YOU. The packages are still arriving and my classroom is looking FLY. Im not quite done—I’m going back in this weekend to finish up. And I promise I’ll take pictures. I also owe many of you thank-you’s, so look for those tomorrow. And a BIG thanks to flanz for the supplies, dinner and hanging my bulletin board paper. It was so much fun meeting her. Right now—I’m going to lie on the couch and fall asleep watching tik-tok videos. Thank-you again! UPDATE: Thank-you so much for all of your advice and support! I had my little panic attack and now I’m in full on planning. I started thinking last night about the 5th graders at my previous school that just moved to middle school. I love those kids…and these kids are the same age. I can do this. 😊 Big shout-out to flanz who has already connected me with local 6Th grade teachers—such a gift! Several of you asked for a wishlist, so here it is. I don’t normally beg, but all of my stuff is “cute”…and LITTLE. (When I taught 3rd grade, I moved into an already beautifully decorated room mid-year). And I’m not ashamed to admit I spent most of my disposable income making this move to California. So I appreciate everything so much! www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/YV84U32168GS?ref_=wl_shareOP: I am teaching sixth grade. I’m in shock. I’m not even certified to teach 6th grade in Texas. The highest I’ve ever taught is 3rd. California is SO weird. I never would have applied or interviewed for a 6th grade position. I am passionate about early childhood education. I’m having myself a little cry and then I’m going to suck it up and start trying to learn (in a week) everything about 6th grade as I can. It’s still elementary school here, not middle. There’s only one other teacher. I do;T know if we departmentalize or not. Anyone with 6th grade experience, I sure could use some advice!
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Post by scrapperal on Aug 12, 2022 21:52:48 GMT
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,448
Jun 25, 2014 23:25:39 GMT
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Post by katybee on Aug 12, 2022 21:53:28 GMT
Nope. I’ve taught kinder for 18 years and 3rd for 1.
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Post by mom on Aug 12, 2022 21:55:35 GMT
Well yay for finally knowing what grade! Im sorry it wasn't the grades you wanted- I always thought if I was a teacher 5-6th would be the grades I would want. Old enough to know how to do things independently but still curious and willing to participate in class. Good luck -- I hope this new year pleasantly surprises you!
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Post by christine58 on Aug 12, 2022 21:56:50 GMT
Anyone with 6th grade experience, I sure could use some advice! They are sponges!! 6th graders can be a lot of fun. They are almost but not quite teens. You will be fine
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Post by flanz on Aug 12, 2022 21:59:46 GMT
Katy, I just texted a close friend. He's one of my favorite people on the planet and a long-time 6th grade teacher who retired a couple of years ago. He taught in a different district, not SB Unified. I've just texted him to see if he'd be willing to speak or meet with you. He's truly a doll. His wife is also a recently retired teacher (2nd grade). Their daughter teaches 6th grade in a very low socio-economic setting in the bay area. Fingers crossed.
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Post by leannec on Aug 12, 2022 21:59:50 GMT
Awwww! I'm sorry! Being disappointed really sucks ... cry a bit this weekend! I teach grade 7 so I'll be seeing very similar students on Monday! I'm in Canada so I can't help you with curriculum but I will say that this age group can be a lot of fun! They are exploring being big kids with all the drama that entails and still require some TLC from their teachers ... it's a challenge in the classroom but once you know each student it will get easier. I know you will do great!
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Post by flanz on Aug 12, 2022 22:05:46 GMT
Katy, I just sent an email to another friend, our kids 6th grade teacher. She retired a few years ago after a very long career teaching 6th or 5/6 combos. I nominated her for a teaching award, which she won, back around 2000.
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Post by malibou on Aug 12, 2022 22:15:05 GMT
6th graders in elementary school are very different than sixth graders in middle school. I bet you will find the sixth graders in elementary school to be eager learners that are happy to help with the younger grades.
Good luck! When does school start up there?
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,448
Jun 25, 2014 23:25:39 GMT
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Post by katybee on Aug 12, 2022 22:15:30 GMT
Katy, I just sent an email to another friend, our kids 6th grade teacher. She retired a few years ago after a very long career teaching 6th or 5/6 combos. I nominated her for a teaching award, which she won, back around 2000. Thank-you so much. ❤️ I feel kind of lost right now and my principal is no help. I hope she’s just busy.
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Post by Merge on Aug 12, 2022 22:15:57 GMT
They are giant, stinky kindergarteners in a lot of ways. They don’t know how to do anything. They can be very sweet. I’m sure you’ll do an amazing job.
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,448
Jun 25, 2014 23:25:39 GMT
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Post by katybee on Aug 12, 2022 22:16:10 GMT
6th graders in elementary school are very different than sixth graders in middle school. I bet you will find the sixth graders in elementary school to be eager learners that are happy to help with the younger grades. Good luck! When does school start up there? One week from today. 😩
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Post by flanz on Aug 12, 2022 22:28:08 GMT
Katy, I just sent an email to another friend, our kids 6th grade teacher. She retired a few years ago after a very long career teaching 6th or 5/6 combos. I nominated her for a teaching award, which she won, back around 2000. Thank-you so much. ❤️ I feel kind of lost right now and my principal is no help. I hope she’s just busy. She already got back to me and is happy to talk to you .... I'm going to send you a PM with my phone number. Can you please give me a call?
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Post by flanz on Aug 12, 2022 22:30:29 GMT
I think you can start making your Amazon wish list now...
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Post by flanz on Aug 12, 2022 22:31:55 GMT
If you call soon I can hook you up with the first teacher asap
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Post by monklady123 on Aug 12, 2022 22:36:02 GMT
I always wonder why school districts do things like this. I mean, with the teacher shortage you'd think SURELY there would have been a lower grade to put you in. Especially because you weren't even certified to teach 6th back in Texas, which means you've never taught it. Well I certainly don't have the experience that other people here will have... But, I suspect they'll be a bit like our 5th graders here since we only go to 5th in elementary. They're now Kings and Queens of the school so that comes with a little bit of an attitude. lol. But I enjoy them, and omg you can actually talk to them and have an actual conversation. Of course you can talk to kindergartners too, but it's not the same thing. hahaha The only time I don't care for our 5th graders is at the end of the school year when they are totally full of themselves. But of course I'm just a sub... they won't be like that for you as much because you'll be their regular teacher. I think you'll be great once you get into it, but wow such short notice to get ready! I know you're feeling stressed about that.
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Post by christine58 on Aug 12, 2022 22:45:02 GMT
They are giant, stinky kindergarteners in a lot of ways. They don’t know how to do anything. They can be very sweet. I’m sure you’ll do an amazing job. That is a perfect description~!!
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Post by Merge on Aug 12, 2022 22:50:12 GMT
They are giant, stinky kindergarteners in a lot of ways. They don’t know how to do anything. They can be very sweet. I’m sure you’ll do an amazing job. That is a perfect description~!! If I could have had just 6th grade choir I might have stayed in middle school. It was the 7th and 8th graders that did me in.
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Post by Merge on Aug 12, 2022 22:53:32 GMT
katybee is it self-contained or departmentalized?
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Post by scrapalotomous on Aug 12, 2022 23:25:03 GMT
Oh they are my favourite to teach. The thought of early childhood terrifies me 😂 Set boundaries, make sure they know that you like them, they enjoy humour and not being talked to like they are little kids.
They are in that confusing age of hormones running but still sometimes want to play with toys. Most of them will be on social media if some sort and a lot of their issues and friendship crap will come from there.
Like early childhood they respond well to routine and don’t like change too much. They like to help and feel like they have a voice. They can be passionate and incredibly self centred at the same time 😂.
I am in Australia so can’t help with curriculum but there are some awesome TPT sellers that even if you don’t use all their packets can be a good place to start with ideas, even from just looking at the preview.
Good luck. I love this age group.
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Post by putabuttononit on Aug 13, 2022 0:15:59 GMT
I predict you’ll enjoy them! I taught sixth graders. They are a bit big for their britches (lol) but inside quite insecure and worried they aren’t mature enough for the next step, etc. Big plus is they aren’t out of elementary yet!
You’ll be fine. They are fun!
(We will need updates of course 😋
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SabrinaP
Pearl Clutcher
Busy Teacher Pea
Posts: 4,407
Location: Dallas Texas
Jun 26, 2014 12:16:22 GMT
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Post by SabrinaP on Aug 13, 2022 0:32:41 GMT
They are giant, stinky kindergarteners in a lot of ways. They don’t know how to do anything. They can be very sweet. I’m sure you’ll do an amazing job. That’s what I was going to say. I loved teaching 6th grade in elementary. A few years ago they moved them to an intermediate school and I did it for 2 years and was done. 6th graders are hilarious and so independent. You can give them tasks and let them figure it out. They love connecting with their teacher. I still read aloud to my 6th graders and they loved it. 6th grade is actually my favorite grade I’ve taught.
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,448
Jun 25, 2014 23:25:39 GMT
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Post by katybee on Aug 13, 2022 0:39:22 GMT
katybee is it self-contained or departmentalized? IDK. I asked my principal and she had no idea what departmentalized meant. So I’m guessing they are not…
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Post by Merge on Aug 13, 2022 0:45:47 GMT
katybee is it self-contained or departmentalized? IDK. I asked my principal and she had no idea what departmentalized meant. So I’m guessing they are not… It’s ok. You’ve got this! My guess is with your years of experience you’re going to end up leading your team. It’s an awesome new challenge. If you survived Covid teaching, you can do anything.
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CeeScraps
Pearl Clutcher
~~occupied entertaining my brain~~
Posts: 3,894
Jun 26, 2014 12:56:40 GMT
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Post by CeeScraps on Aug 13, 2022 1:06:02 GMT
The first year out of college I taught 6th for 3 years. I did it to get in the door! I too wanted younger kids. After 3 years I was able to move into a 2nd grade room and then 3rd grade.
You can do anything for a year! Remember your teaching face…..structure is important to 6th graders too.
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Post by librarylady on Aug 13, 2022 1:25:16 GMT
Maybe you will have the luck I did. I was forced into a 6th grade situation and got as prepared as possible over the summer. Then school began, I spent 3 days in the 6th grade and then "enrollment was leveled" and I was sent back to the grade level I loved.
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Post by elaine on Aug 13, 2022 1:41:23 GMT
I LOVE 6th grade. Because HR screwed up, I lost my 6th grade position (and they hired someone before I could get HR to fix things), and then was offered a 3rd grade position in my school when it came open a few weeks ago.
I haven’t spent much time in a classroom below 4th grade, so am feeling a bit apprehensive about teaching 3rd graders - I am so comfortable with 6th graders. LOL!
I’ve spent the past 2 days setting up my classroom (the last teacher - who quit with no notice 3 weeks ago - left every single cupboard loaded with her junk - and I mean, JUNK). And hoping that I do okay with 3rd graders, so I understand your hesitancy. 😀
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Post by sean&marysmommy on Aug 13, 2022 1:42:39 GMT
Do they changes classes for 6th grade, in that school? Will you have just one class?
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Post by happyOCgirl on Aug 13, 2022 2:20:04 GMT
I taught first grade for 22 years and then moved to middle school (6-8). You know what...6th graders are just taller first graders! The content is different, of course, but my style of delivering instruction is the same. You are used to being animated and able to effectively deliver content to primary students...it's the same with 6th graders. I still play games, tell silly stories, rhyme directions...and they get sarcasm! I think being consistent and 'real' is what they really appreciate as sixth graders. They love having more mature responsibilities and they can handle it! They want a fair teacher. I really try to give a lot of specific praise and compliments to my students, too. I feel that students are students, they are just all taller than me now!
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Post by freecharlie on Aug 13, 2022 3:10:03 GMT
I am teaching sixth grade. I’m in shock. I’m not even certified to teach 6th grade in Texas. The highest I’ve ever taught is 3rd. California is SO weird. I never would have applied or interviewed for a 6th grade position. I am passionate about early childhood education. I’m having myself a little cry and then I’m going to suck it up and start trying to learn (in a week) everything about 6th grade as I can. It’s still elementary school here, not middle. There’s only one other teacher. I do;T know if we departmentalize or not. Anyone with 6th grade experience, I sure could use some advice! I started in pre-k as a para. Never wanted to go higher than 3rd. My lead teacher told me to try both primary and intermediate when I was student teaching. My student teaching experience was in 5th grade and I LOVED it. I was terrified going in, but I loved it. Now I teach high school. I love it even more. I know itbis a shock, but the older kids give you something completely different than the young ones. They need you on different ways. I hope you are pleasantly surprised with your grade level this year, but we'll be here if you want to vent.
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