On 5/14/09, Lisa wrote:
> Hi-I have taught 1st or 2nd grade for 15 years but was just
> told today I'm moving to a combo class of 28 3/4 graders
> next year. I would love ideas on classroom management,
> schedules, etc. I am being told that it would be ok to
> combine my science and social studies curriculum (ie.
> teaching 4th grade to everyone next year, then 3rd grade
> curriculum the following) and I will have a nearly full
> time aide so Ithink I'm pretty fortunate. Still....I'm a
> little frightened of the unknown. Thanks for any help, Lisa
Hi Lisa,
My last year in regular ed I taught a 3/4 combo. It was a
great experience, especially, since much of the 4th grade
curriculum is similar to 3rd. Since my 4th graders were lower
than my 3rd graders, I taught from the 3rd grade anthology
for Math. Most of the concepts are more concrete and it was
extra practice for my 4th graders. At this time we did have a
Math coach who also worked with my 4th graders. When the
students were assessed, my 4th graders did just as well on
their test as my 3rd graders. The exta practice and more
explicit instructions were a plus. For reading it was a
little more complicated. Literature Circles worked wonders
for Guided Reading, but I had to make time in the day to
teach each grade level from their own anthology. Utimately it
was challenging but rewarding for myself and the students. I
now teach Sp Ed, and I use some of the same concepts and
strategies I used in Reg Ed which has paid off for my
students.
Good Luck and have fun.

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