How do you achieve success in teaching a combo class (i.e. 4th/5th grade class)?

Question

If the focus is on test scores, how does a combo class make sense? How is it fair to students, let alone the teacher?

Answer 1

The focus would not be on test scores it would be on learning.

A combo class is probably the easiest class to teach because the students will be pretty much at the same level if you teach to all just slow down when needed.

I have taught a combo class for many years in private schools.
I find that if I teach to the fifth graders first then the fourth graders who are ahead go right along and the slower fourth graders get a little more attention until they catch up. By the end of the year you will have figured out how to present the subject matter to both grades at the same time.

Answer 2

I grew up in a small city the place there wasn't quite some funds and instructors so as that they could frequently mixed the instructions. i replaced right into a 2d grader in a 2/3 and a 4th grader in a 4/5 split. the youngster will artwork on difficulty-free 5th grade point, yet in a fashion that's trouble-free for the 4th grader to appreciate. So particular the 4th grader is greater progressed and the 5th graders are toddlers that want a splash greater time to appreciate the lesson. it is not that the 5th grader is stupid, its basically that its much less complicated for them to evaluation in a various way, a much less complicated way. Does that help?

Answer 3

We find that in smaller schools in our district, more and more teachers are being expected to take on this task---certainly not an easy one! I think that if you were to utilize the Workshop model (mini-lesson, group/independent work, share) it would allow you to better tailor the instruction to the individual needs of each of your students. We've been using this for at least 5-6 years and I find that it not only encourages active participation of all students, but enables me to better modify lessons for the needs of my students. Be sure to pair your students carefully and allow them to investigate.
Hope this helps! :)