Should sixth graders be in self-contained classrooms?

Question

Today sixth graders are being placed in either middle school are in elementary school. At the middle school, they often change classes four or more times a day. At the elementary level, they might have one teacher in a self-contained classroom. I myself attended a 4-6 intermediate school that emphasized an elementary environment. I had one teacher that taught math, science, and social studies and another teacher that taught reading, writing, and spelling. These teachers team-taught together and I thought it worked pretty well. What do you think about these concepts?

Answer 1

I was in a combined 4-5-6 class for grades 5 and 6. There were pros and cons and I think is dangerous to generalise. All of the teachers of the composite classes team taught and streamed students according to ability. As a bright student, I was able to work alongsuide the 6th graders while in grade 5. This was fantastic and kept me interested and challenged and laid the groundwork for my later academic success. It also meant that some of my friends who were good at math, but not so good at some other subject could be better accomodated with teaching according to their needs. However, I do remember that when I was in grade 6 I was often bored since I had done it all before and the topics weren't new. That said, it doesn't seem to have done me any harm, but I also know others who were bright kids but who started mucking up because of boredom.

Answer 2

12 years old...it's time to get out of the protective bubble and assimilate into the world of academics. That means change and more change. High school is just around the corner. They might as well get acclimated to a campus like atmosphere..the sooner they do the sooner they will be comfortable with it. In sixth through 8th grade for me It was one room and two teachers. Boy did I suffer when I hit a high school of 4 K students and 5 class changes not counting homeroom. I say expand their horizons at an early age. They will have enough to cope with, with out trying to figure out room changes and the hassle that accompanies it. Of course that's just my opinion.

Answer 3

Yeah I think that is a good idea. but that opinion is coming from a 6th grader too. I go to an elementary school still thought. It sucks, but thats ok. nice to meet another sixth grader. I have homework so good night! and that is a really good idea!! I love it!!

Answer 4

In 6th grade I was in Junior High... and it was grades 6-8. When I moved in 9th grade I had to go back to the JH because there it was 7-9th. I think 6th graders can handle the changing of classes and the "freedom" along with the responsibility. The place where I moved to that had 9th grade in JH had alot of immature kids because they were treated like younger kids. Kids have to be responsible for their selves at some point.

Answer 5

My 6th grader likes the variety of teachers he has in switching classes,and is adjusting very well to this,his first year of Middle School.

Answer 6

I have a couple of college degrees. I have been through the whole process, and hated it. I know a physician who has the same opinion. One thing I hated about school was confinement.
This leads to boredom.

Answer 7

kindergarten for me was one school 1st-6th another school 7th was one school and 8-12 another school. we changed classes as early as 5th which was anothe school. I dont see the point.Did you hear about the changes in public schools they wanna do now, they wanna separate boys fromgirls in all grades?

Answer 8

I am with you on this. Slow down and let the transition occur naturally, not mechanically.