4/5 combo class

[Unregistered]

I will be teaching a 4th and 5th grade combo class this year. I have never taught a combo class before. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Marcy Davis- 3/4 teacher]

Centers work great for times like this. I do almost my entire instruction with centers. Give them a try.

[Unregistered]

how do you do most of your instruction in centers? please fill me in. im interested. i teach 3rd grade.

[Unregistered]

I taught a 4/5 combo last year. For Math I had one grade work on computing problems in their books, or working in small groups to solve word problems while I gave direct instruction to the other grade then we switched. So if I started the day with 4th grade D.I. the 5th grade would be working on review problems from yesterday or earlier in the week, or they would be working in small cooperative groups to solve word problems. Then I would set the 4th grade to practice solving some problems from the lesson I just taught and I would switch over to 5th grade, review their assigned problems and then move on to the days D.I. -Note- I have great classroom managment and my students really work hard independantly. That is the key to your success.

For reading I have a district mandated reading program so I used the 4th grade series and then I modified and supplemented for my fifth graders to make it more challenging ( I had 21 4th graders and 11 5th graders- 3 went out for reading).

For science I did 2 units of 4th grade and 2 units of 5th grade since our state tests 5th graders on 4th and 5th grade science.

[Unregistered]

I will be teaching a 4th and 5th grade combo class this year. I have never taught a combo class before. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Although it is not the ideal situation for you or the students, it can work with a little extra planning. I teach a 4/5 gifted/high ability combo and I have found that if I assess all students before teaching math concepts or language arts skills, then I can effectively provide instruction to 2 ability groups as opposed to grade level groups. Then, I know that I am addressing their needs more. In certain subjects like social studies and science, I team with the other grade teacher. My partner agreed to teach all the science to our 4th graders and even my 5th graders, and then I teach the social studies to both groups. If I didn't have her assistance, it would mean teaching those grades separately while the other grade worked independently on something else the vice versa. The main thing is to use your 5th graders as role models and encourage your 4th graders to meet up to the challenge.

[Unregistered]

I wanted to just let you know that if you go to www.ocup.org you will be able to find units (i.e. Math, Science, etc) that are designed to deal with split grade classes (as well as for straight grades). These units are designed to meet the Curriculum expectations for Ontario -- but you may find them helpful in looking how to structure things (and to get good ideas).