How to Teach Two Grades in One Classroom
Teaching two grades in a classroom is becoming an increasingly common problem as school budgets are cut, teachers are laid off and classes are combined. Strict organizational skills will be necessary to effectively teach two different grades in one area and at one time. Develop a system to separate the classes and keep both groups busy simultaneously. By giving both grades relatively equal amounts of attention you can build a stable learning environment where neither grade will feel slighted.
Instructions
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Arrange the desks to group the students of the same grade together and as far away as possible from the other grade.
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Hang a dividing curtain from the ceiling to accentuate further the separation. Position your desk in the middle of the room with a clear viewpoint of the two grade groups.
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3
Establish a consistent schedule with the two grades. You cannot be in two places at once, so you will need to develop a system, so one grade is not sitting idle while you teach another or give instructions on a project.
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Choose one grade that will work independently for the first portion of the class period and relay the class schedule to the grade on the first day of class. Write an assignment on the board every day, prior to the class entering for that grade group, such as an assigned reading. Write a time frame, such as a half an hour, for the grade to complete the task.
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Instruct the grade with the assignment to begin their assignment immediately upon entering the room. Meanwhile, teach a lesson to the other grade during this time frame. When you reach the designated time the first grade was to complete the assignment, assign a task to the grade you were teaching in the first segment of the task. Leave that grade to their task and begin the lesson or discuss the reading with the other grade.
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Limit large group, in-class projects with either grade, as group discussions can become loud and distracting to the other group. Have students work independently or in pairs to limit volume.
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Plan all lessons and tasks for both grades before the class to limit any downtime. Keeping the two grades constantly engaged on either listening to a lesson plan or on completing a task or assignment will help establish a schedule and keep students attentive.
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Explain all instructions associated with tasks and assignments clearly and simply. Questions that come up during a task will distract you from the grade you are suppose to be teaching. Cover as many questions as possible before leaving the students to the assignment.
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