The Upper Elementary Years
Ensuring Success in Grades 3-6
- Christine Finnan - College of Charleston, USA
Teaching in Primary Schools
Sheppard Accelerated Elementary School, Santa Rosa, CA
Help your upper elementary school students thrive and achieve!
A positive educational experience in the upper elementary years sets the stage for a child's long-term success in school. With increased testing and accountability requirements, upper elementary teachers are challenged to help students master required content while responding to each child's unique needs and way of learning. This inspiring book presents a child-centered teaching approach for Grades 3–6, one that helps build students' sense of confidence, belonging, and accomplishment.
Written by a passionate advocate for upper elementary students, this guide offers teachers detailed information about child development and effective teaching practices uniquely targeted for 8- to12-year-olds. Readers will find:
A thorough look at how upper elementary children develop as learners, based on comprehensive research
Teaching strategies and assessment techniques to help students master upper elementary curriculum
A discussion of diversity issues, including race and ethnicity, gender, socio-economic background, language, and exceptionalities
Informative case studies and firsthand insights from students, teachers, and administrators
Gain the knowledge you need to grow professionally and serve your upper elementary students more effectively.
"In most states, tests designed within the context of accountability mandates target students in Grades 3 through 8. The more we understand about middle childhood, the more we as educators are able to meet children's needs and the demands placed on educators by accountability legislation. The author makes a substantial contribution to this increased understanding."
"This book reminds me that I became a fifth grade teacher because that time in a child’s life is amazing and critical. This book should be required reading for every teacher, especially ones going into the upper elementary grade levels."
"Finnan elaborates on the needs for educating upper elementary students: acknowledging their strengths, ensuring their engagement in learning curriculum content, and delineating the required professional development and supports for teachers."
"This book introduces the complex, multifaceted world of the upper elementary school student. With so much focus on standards-based learning, teachers must consider the whole child. The author presents research showing that children come from distinct and different backgrounds that affect the way they approach learning. Educators can use this information to help these children navigate the complexities of their lives and the expectations placed on them."