Ask someone to email you the management plan the previous
teacher used.
Go in and be responsive to the needs of the kids. They are
sensitive, but they have had a week to process, now are scared
of what comes next. Spend some time getting to know them, and
have them help recreate the classroom plan for you. Have them
explain the reasons for the rules, have them create T charts
so that YOU know what all the little nuances are that they
have developed over their year in 5th.
5th graders are still willing to help, let them. Need them.
They are at an age where they will rise to your expectations.
Do a lot of the things that are normal for a new teacher to
do. If you take the time to establish respect now, you will
be able to get lots done in the 4 weeks left. If you go in
too heavy handed, or too unstructured, you will have less time
to teach over the next 4 weeks.
On 5/05/08, Melissa wrote:
> I'll apologize in advance because I do not really have a
> specific question, but I need all the advice I can get!
>
> I was recently hired to teach 6th 7th and 8th grade at a
> school starting in August. I have only ever taught third
> and fourth grade, so this is new to me. Unfortunately,
> the current 5th grade teacher passed away suddenly last
> week, and they need to replace her in the next few days,
> so I agreed to take over for her class. These are the
> same kids I will have for my 6th grade homeroom next
> year.
>
> I will be basically starting from scratch in a very
> sensitive time for these kids. I do not want to come in
> with my own complete classroom management agenda, since
> they, I'm sure will be used to the way their teacher
> taught and I don't want to change everything, especially
> since there will only be 4 weeks left of school. At the
> same time, I don't want to go too easy on them since I
> will have the same kids next year and I need them to know
> I mean business. Since I have never taught 5th grade, I
> guess I just need some tips on managing this grade,
> especialy in a time like this when they will still be in
> the grieving process. FYI The class size is really small,
> probably about 10-12 kids, and I won't have a chance to go
> to the school since I am out of state on vacation until
> the day I start next week. Any advice would be greatly
> appreciated!
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