What's the biggest challenge with teaching elementary children?
2007-01-24 07:40:03 · 6 answers · asked by Thirty-five 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
The biggest challenge in my opinion is NOT the children. They are wonderful, given the right classroom environment. Classroom management is something you learn to do well with experience.
However, poverty, second language issues, parents who don't understand the importance of their child's education (or are unable to help them), NCLB (which makes ALL teachers mediocre teachers and forces a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching), a press that sensationalizes education ("US students score below ...blah blah blah"), and hence the general public perception that teachers are all bad (except for all the private school teachers, of course), are far bigger challenges for elementary (and other) school teachers.
Check out Susan Ohanian's website, and you'd get a general idea of what teachers have to deal with on a daily basis.
2007-01-24 13:02:52 · answer #1 · answered by elljay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My biggest challenge is grading papers. I teach fourth grade and do not have an assistant. We do a lot of writing and extension problems that take a while to grade. Also, I have an issue with time. It seems that after our specials, lunch, snack, recess, and restroom breaks we hardly have time to learn. I would suggest reading "Ron Clark's Essential 55." It has great ideas on classroom management and ideas for organization. It is inspiring and really got my class motivated (as well as me).
Basically, every teacher is different and will find their own grove and style, which means different challenges. It also depends on the grade you teach. When I worked with Kindergarten, my biggest challenge was whining (she touched me, I miss my mom). I like the older students because we can do more abstract concepts. But just like style, every teacher fits better with a different grade. You'll just have to see where you fit best.
If you are still in school, make sure you have a lot of experience in different grades so you can decide which one you like best. Good luck. It truly is the most rewarding career!
2007-01-24 18:48:59 · answer #2 · answered by Rin 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a hard question to answer ... it depends on the school you are at. In some inner city schools it may be just making sure the child's physiological needs are met...did they eat, sleep etc. I think for a new teacher it may be identifying a child's special needs before they are known. I had one child who I knew was not quite running correctly and I noticed a few other things, I had him evaluated and it turned out he was just begining to get muscular dystrophy. Lack of funding is a huge challenge for teaching. I don't think there is any one answer.
2007-01-27 23:10:45 · answer #3 · answered by Kathy M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My challenge is classroom management. The kids would rather do anything besides learn and they talk and play too much. I teach 1st grade in Detroit.
2007-01-24 15:44:52 · answer #4 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having them to sit down and listen .But have no fear it take them a while to adjust to teacher they would try their best to outgrow you with what you know.Beaware: think as a kids and what they would soon they know that you don't play.
2007-01-24 19:48:54 · answer #5 · answered by diva 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
parents!
2007-01-24 22:19:25 · answer #6 · answered by Library Eyes 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋