Many teachers struggle when it comes to preparing to teach a new grade. Typically, it’s unlikely that a teacher will teach the same grade for the entirety of their career, and while changing from teaching one grade for a few years to having to teach a new grade might be exciting, it can also feel a little daunting – and maybe even a touch scary.
If you’re a new teacher, you might wonder why you might need to move from teaching one grade to another when you’ve grown comfortable teaching your current one.
There are many reasons, including:
- Gaining new experiences and developing new skills.
- The district’s needs, changes in student enrollment, staffing levels, or other factors may lead to faculty gaps.
- The desire to new teaching methods and stay engaged and motivated in a teaching career.
Sometimes, teachers might even enjoy the challenge and rewards of teaching different age groups and subject areas. They may have a passion for working with students at different developmental stages.
No matter the reason, I’ve got a few tips on how you can prepare to teach a new grade, which will help ease your mind and even make you feel more excited about the change.
Helpful Tips When Preparing to Teach a New Grade
Familiarize yourself with the curriculum.
When you teach one grade year after year, the curriculum outcomes become engrained in your mind. While there can be changes to the curriculum, many things stay the same, and you have a general idea of what to expect.
Now imagine that you’ve moved from teaching elementary school to teaching middle school – a whole new set of curriculum outcomes you’ll have to reach with your students! Ensuring that you take the time to review what students will need to learn and make a plan will help you feel more secure in your new position.
Take advantage of free long-range plans.
Look online for free long-range plans that can give you examples of what topics/units are covered at that grade level and the lesson pacing. Check out these free long-range plans if you teach Grades 6, 7, or 8.
Communicate and meet with your new teammates.
When preparing to teach a new grade, meeting with your new team teachers for that grade at a new or current school district is always constructive. When I changed grades, I wanted to meet the staff I would be working with.
Ask the principal for the names of the people you will be working with, then send them an email introducing yourself. Ask them if they would like to meet with you before the school year begins. If you are expected to team teach with someone you will need to be on the same page before students enter the room.
Take the opportunity to observe the new grade.
If your principal tells you that you are changing grade levels before school is out, then take the chance to observe that new grade level. You will get a feel for typical student behaviours and actions. Make observations and take notes on content or methods that you feel will be effective. Observe how students interact with each other, their energy levels, and attention spans.
Get to know your school or grade procedures.
Like many other teachers, my first year of teaching was one of my most challenging years. I tried to learn my district’s policies and guidelines. You don’t have to review the approaches to the point of knowing them by nature, but you should take the time to familiarize yourself with all the procedures you need to know.
Go easy on yourself.
When preparing to teach a new grade, remember that changing grades can be overwhelming and intimidating. Change can be tricky, but you’ll find that change is also good!
Set realistic expectations, give yourself a short to-do list each day, and remember that you cannot accomplish everything overnight. Take it one day at a time. Form a game plan and take the time to start the preparation. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Have faith and confidence in yourself and your abilities.
When I advise teachers who are new to teaching or changing grades (which can feel like being a new teacher all over again) I tell them to pick one subject area as their main focus. You cannot plan rockstar lessons every day for every subject. You will need to prioritize based on the focus areas of your school district.
Gather resources.
Collect teaching materials, textbooks, and resources specific to the new grade level. This includes lesson plans, activities, assessments, and supplementary materials.
Not sure where to start? If you teach grades 6, 7, or 8, my Teachers Pay Teachers or Shopify stores have a wide selection of resources for social studies, history, geography, science, and English language arts. If you’re teaching other grades, Teachers Pay Teachers is a fantastic place for finding materials and resources to use in the classroom.
Finding ready-made lessons and units will be a big help, especially if you’re teaching a grade or subject you’ve never taught before. Need more convincing? Check out this post: Why Ready-Made Lessons Are Perfect for Teachers.
A Final Reminder
Change is hard on everyone. Our students do it year after year, changing classrooms or schools. Go easy on yourself and prepare your students for the upcoming year. They’ll be excited to see you on the first day of the new school year!
More Great Reads
- Helpful Tips for New Teachers
- 7 Sanity-Saving Strategies for Teaching Split Grades
- Best Strategies For Teaching Split Grade Classes
- The Ultimate Teacher’s Guide to Back to School Success
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