Split-Grade Classrooms

[meghan1982]

Help!

I just got an interview for Monday, for a few different positions teaching split-grade classrooms. Can anyone offer some advice for teaching two grade levels at once? What are the difficulties? What works well?

Thanks! Really appreciate any help!

[Boxcar]

I was a student in a third/fourth split room. I remember that the teacher would teach a lesson to one side. That group would do an assignment while the other side was taught. On things like art and music the groups came together. One problem was that you couldn't ask questions about the assignment when the teacher was busy with the other side. So, you either had to ask a classmate or stay lost for the duration. Ususally, the students in splits are advanced, so this isn't a problem. (Perhaps, I was the exception.)

On a different note, I have three, fours, and fives. The lessons and activities for the group are the same, but I differenciate the goals depending on the child's development.

[Mamaste]

Google "Jim Grant" for articles and ideas about multiage classrooms. Try to find out if you'll be teaching the grade levels separately, together, or both. There are noted benefits of having older and younger children together, particularly if you keep the kids for 2 years.