The Joys of Teaching a Combined Grade Class
Written By Abena Sey
November 1, 2023
“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.”
Teaching a combined grade class has its unique set of challenges, however, this teaching assignment has many aspects that can bring you joy.
Joy is seeing your students engaged in the lesson and learning activities you carefully crafted and passionately delivered. You gave it your all, and they soaked it all up. This feeling is affirming. Joy can also be the shared feelings of satisfaction and pride you experience with a student who finally understands a learning concept they previously struggled with. Your hard work and commitment to helping your student has paid off! You sought different strategies to help this student understand and persisted through his initial discouragement.
As a combined grade teacher, an additional challenge is bridging the social gap between your students. Fostering kind attitudes and actions, establishing boundaries, and encouraging respectful relationships help your students understand the true meaning of classroom community. This is paramount. You made this your mission, because you understand that in order to increase learning, students’ social and emotional needs must be met. Happy students are better prepared to learn, and happy learners bring a dedicated teacher, like you, joy. This is a great mission, because you understand that there are circumstances outside of your control, such as your students’ home life or social or economic situation; but within your classroom, there are elements within your control. You can set the tone for how students will treat one another and approach their learning. You will do your very best to set your students up for success.
Joyful moments are also in the relationships formed between students of both grades. When younger students and older students develop true friendships based on respect and common interests, and demonstrate advocacy for one another, the relationship transcends the potential barriers of grade level or age. It is evidence of mutual respect and support. When students feel safe enough to show vulnerability, make mistakes or admit when they do not understand, you have created a respectful climate and culture that values caring for one another. Students thrive in the safety of this learning environment. There are times when you will have to acknowledge the differences in grade levels to help students understand your pedagogical decisions for them, yet teaching values such as respect, kindness and empathy is not grade specific. Your students will develop strong interpersonal skills in order to co-exist in this unique learning environment.
You can experience joy in collaborating with your team teacher. You are not alone. Be intentional with how you will use the support provided to you. Joy results when the team uses its collective teacher efficacy to support students’ academic growth and personal development. The teaching team focuses on ways to collaborate and support one another towards the learning goals set for the students.
Joyful moments can be found throughout your teaching day. From the time spent with your students to the time spent in successful planning and collaboration with your teaching team, joy is in your service to your students.
Reference
1- Quote: https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/joy-quotes