Challenges of a 5th Grade Classroom: Concerns of a New Teacher

Abstract

Name: Psychology 3302 – Spring 2022 – Final Exam – Must be typed, and is due Friday, May 13, 2022. Imagine that you are a new fifth grade teacher. It is August 2022 and you have finished your first week of the 22/23 term. Your Teacher/Mentor has asked you to share any concerns you have about your class. You prepared the following notes for your meeting with the mentor regarding some students and situations that concern you. Felipe M. Felipe’s record indicates that he repeated the third grade, and with a mid September birthday, is about 18 months older than any other student in the class. He’s a big boy, at least a head taller than the other boys. Neither his record nor your observation of him in class contains any negative behavioral issues, but several girls in the class have privately told you they’re afraid of him. The record contains a reference to a complaint against him in the fourth grade, but offers no details, and states that no finding of any wrongdoing by Felipe was reached. You have overheard the nickname “Creepy Felipe” several times. Thuy T. Thuy, who goes by Annie, moved here with her family from Southeast Asia this summer. However, she attended an English-speaking school on a US military base in her home country the last academic year. When called on in class, Annie looks at the floor, speaks very little, and appears unable to understand, but her written work shows a clear, if not above average, understanding of English. Heather K., Michael G, and Jimmy L. This trio is frequently disruptive in class, making jokes, inappropriate comments, laughing, mocking other students, etc. Nothing threatening or vulgar, but nevertheless, making for a less-than-ideal environment. Heather has emerged as a leader in the group, and the two boys seem to really want her approval. When Heather is absent, interestingly, the two boys...