Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Age Differences
I found that even a slight two year difference in age can make two elementary kids like night and day. I remember when I was in Elementary school and my older sisters felt so cool bringing me around and showing me off to their friends because I was so "cute." While I felt so cool hanging out with them because they were older. Now after sitting in a fifth grade, first grade, and Kindergarten classroom I can notice the difference and see why my sisters thought that. Last year at Brooklet I remember all the students in the classroom talking about how adorable the younger kids were because they were so little, however the only time this made them mad was when the older kids had to sick in the very back at the talent show becuase the younger kids were too short to sit up front. But it's not just their height that makes them different. Their attitude and how they treat their elders is also different. The first graders like to give their teachers hugs and hang all over them and please them. While the older kids want to be "independent," and are more likely to get in trouble. Younger kids are also more likely to tell you how it is and what they think. If you mispronounce a word or they do not like what someone else is wearing, they will tell you. I already had a first grader tell me that she did not want to leave my group and go to anohter group becuase the girl that was in charge of the group looked "weird." But the one thing I do love the most about the younger kids are that they are always excited to see you and sad to leave you.
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You are right! People don't realize the impact that even a small age difference can create! Even watching second graders transform into third graders will leave me in disbelieve and wondering what happened during the summer! I guess time really does fly when you're having fun....or even when you're standing still. I guess it is important that we capture the small moments because they are gone before you know it. I also think it's great that children love you so much. That means you have a natural gift with children.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true, I could remember how my cousins were only 3 years older than me and they use to show me off to their friends and categorize me as bring so adorable.I really see a big difference in my previous second grade class and my now fifth grade class. The maturity level in most of them are so much higer in a fifth grade student. I hope that the rest of your expierences in the education program goes well.
ReplyDeleteThe difference in attitudes for fifth graders and first graders is so crazy. I had a fifth grade class for ppb and although they were older they were still immature. I had a couple of students that loved to hug me, I thought it was strange but my clinical supervisor told me they always act like that. I actually haven't worked with first grade yet but I am working with a third grade class now.
ReplyDeleteI think that the difference between first and fifth graders thinking processes is very unique. Going back to Piaget, it's amazing to see how much changes through the years.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that kids have such different attitudes with each other. Even now my Kindergarten students are starting to notice the difference between each other. Those who were held back last year are noticing how tall they are and if younger children cry or throw tantrums more. It's really interesting to watch this change happen right before summer break.
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