tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802999883498799816.post1093528544186017614..comments2010-07-15T08:54:46.956-07:00Comments on Education Stimulation: The Best FitMrsHoneahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02661853289018180307noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802999883498799816.post-90911643756249418302009-04-30T10:29:00.000-07:002009-04-30T10:29:00.000-07:00I'm inclined to think as you do. :)I'm inclined to think as you do. :)MrsHoneahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02661853289018180307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8802999883498799816.post-70966884711076728312009-04-29T14:27:00.000-07:002009-04-29T14:27:00.000-07:00That's definitely a difficult question because, as...That's definitely a difficult question because, as you mention, there are pros and cons of each grade level...particularly in Elementary Ed. I hope to teach High School or Junior/Middle School English (11th or 12th grade would be my first choice). The curriculum in the secondary grades varies a little bit and certainly the kids personalities differ as well...but in the Elementary schools, the variation is huge.<br /><br />I have 3 kids of my own. The oldest is in third grade, the middle in first and the youngest starts Kindergarten in the fall. Observing the various classroom settings as well as the kids themselves, it's amazing just how different each grade needs to be approached. Admittedly, many of the same skills and techniques will apply throughout all of the grades, but there is still definitely a large need for some specialization. And yet, as you point out, the school system to train teachers doesn't really make much distinction between the elementary grades.<br /><br />And finally, as you indicate in your conclusion, there isn't always the luxury of too much choice. While I'd prefer 11th or 12th grade English, I'll apply for any job I'm qualified for and may end up in a 7th or 8th grade class, which is perfectly fine with me. I think it definitely makes sense for instructors/trainers to try and help prospective teachers be as versatile as possible...not only does it provide for more effective teachers in the field, but it could also broaden our perspective in that we may discover that we might have a passion to teach in a discipline/grade we had previously steered clear of.Okiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01393689307300304035noreply@blogger.com