Today is the day I take a huge step forward--into the world of blogging. Who knew. . .
After thirty-three years in the classroom with 8 and 9-year olds, maybe this is just what I need to preserve any sensibility that I still have remaining.
But, seriously, I love third-graders. They are old enough to be independent (no nose wiping and shoe tying) and young enough to still think that school is fun and the teacher is cool. So, it doesn't get any better than this.
I'm always a little puzzled, though, when it comes to fitting third grade into a category. When I started teaching (way back before schools had computers) third grade was considered a primary grade. Not so much, anymore. Primary grades, generally, are K-2. How nice to fit into such a tidy grouping. When materials are listed for grades K-3, I know without even looking that they will be too easy for my kids.
Intermediate? I don't know. It depends on who's asking and who's answering. When I google intermediate grades I get a wide variety of opinions--anywhere from 3-5 to 6-8. So, stuck in the middle, we are, not really sure which group we belong with. It's a lovely place to be, though, right in the middle of the elementary years. The place where the "rubber hits the road" where kids really turn on to reading and discover they can read those "big books". I love being in the place where learning to read morphs into reading to learn. Just look at all those light bulbs turning on!
Thoughts, ideas, inspirations, suggestions, materials, resources, and just general musings of a very veteran third grade teacher.
I so agree with you here! I have taught third graders in Utah for 26 years and I don't feel we fit in anywhere. We are certainly a category of our own. I also agree that they are the best age. It is a BIG shock for first-time-parents of third graders. Do you always hear something like this: "I don't know why my child is having such a difficult time this year. He/She always was an A student in K-2. Why is this year so hard?" I have learned to say, "Because this year they have to analyze and think things like 'Do I double the last letter?' "How are they alike and different?" Using thinking skills is so much more complexed in third grade. I will be watching your blog for more information. Thanks for sharing! Lori Labrum http://emerycsd.org/webpages/llabrum/
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