As teachers, we know that each grade has its own special elements. The time spent with students every day also depends on the level. Preschool and elementary school teachers spend most of the day with students, which builds a very special family type unit each year. Middle and high school teachers and students usually spend an hour together every hour or two a day, depending on the schedule. What if it would be like to maintain this familiarity for the second consecutive school year together? This gives us an understanding of the concept of loops.
What is a loop?
The term loop refers to a teacher who advances to the next grade with her or his students. It usually happens for two consecutive years. This is great for teachers and students. Although the idea may be new, children at Montessori schools often stayed in the same teacher for several years, according to U.S. News & World Report. Similarly, Waldorf’s schools have been in use for more than 100 years.
Benefits of cycling with students
Most teachers think they have favorable experiences when cycling with students. Education Week investigates teachers who cycle with students at some point in their career. It turned out that 79% described their experience as favorable, 16% reported being neutral, and only 5% said it was negative.
As someone who goes to second to third grade in the previous grade, I can tell you first-hand that it has many advantages.
First, teachers who cycle with students have established a strong rapport with them and their parents.
This strong bond brings many other benefits. Leigh Wedenoja, John P. Papay, and Mathew A. Kraft’s 2022 study found: “Repeat teachers improve achievement and reduce absences, desires and suspension.”
The cycle saves a lot of time at the start of the school year.
Teachers know where their students left what, ideally already know their strengths and weaknesses. When it comes to reading level, math ability and behavior, every child must figure out where to start. The guess has been taken from the equation.
As Papay mentioned, saying with a new teacher: “There are upfront costs – learn names, talk about goals, know family. If you have students for the second year, you don’t have to do that. There is less diagnostic work.” Just like my experience, students and parents are already familiar with the teacher’s rules and routines, making a seamless transition to the new school year after the summer vacation.
The study also showed that students who cycled with teachers improved their scores in standardized tests.
In a study by Andrew J. Hill and Daniel B. Jones published in the Economics Review in June 2018, they concluded: “A student who matched a specific teacher scored higher on the standardized terminal test for the second time than the standardized level test paired with the same teacher for the first time.
Disadvantages of cycling with students
The benefits of pointing all favorable outcomes to all parties involved in the cycle. Of course, like anything, loops have some drawbacks.
First of all, not all teachers and students always get along.
So, no issues from the previous school year will go away. The same is true for unresolved teacher-parent problems. Regardless of the relationship level, students and parents who maintain higher levels will remain highly maintained.
Secondly, not all students always get along like any class.
Children who have problems with each other will not change suddenly. These groups also seem to remain the same. Students who are difficult to make friends are likely to be on the same boat.
Several new students added to the combination (if applicable) may not always be suitable.
Depending on their personality, they may feel excluded or have difficulties. I witnessed both elements happening among the four new students in our group, but for the most part they were lucky enough to adapt and make friends immediately. We had a great rapport and it didn’t take me much time to get to know them. In fact, it’s easier to know that only four new students and twenty new students are getting. I also give them extra attention to know them and make them comfortable.
Wednoja’s research supports my experience. She reminds us: “Teachers have limited time and energy. If there are only a few new kids to know, you can spend more time building these new relationships.”
Let’s not forget when teachers will achieve grades, they must learn a brand new course.
No matter how long the teacher spends in the first grade, teaching new courses is by no means walking in the park. In addition, it is easier to improve things that are already familiar when teachers stay in the same first grade for a while.
Some people just want a change or a new beginning for each school year. This applies to everyone involved: teachers, students, and parents. As reported in Edward Dia: “Parents are worried about the prospect of a child drawing a weak teacher for two consecutive years.
Teacher Tips for Cycling with Students
- Start with a clean slate for a year. Negative things may happen to students or parents starting from the previous year.
- Make a mix of old and new. Keep the effects of last year’s rules, routines and rewards (my 3R) but always add something in a blend of new and fresh approaches. This is a great time to find book sharing as a book to read aloud, you didn’t read aloud last year.
- Do not repeat the same activities for holidays or special commemorations. Not only will the kids get bored, but you will get bored too!
- This is a great time to challenge students to perform higher-level activities when applicable. You already know the pros and cons of the entire class. Meanwhile, find interesting ways to remedy the topic, where most classes struggle so that you can do it on this basis.
- Accept the fact that although some people have changed, some are not. This applies to students, parents and even colleagues.
- Surrender to the process! At the same time, as students grow and mature, you may be shocked in good ways and bad ways.
- If a parent is made (they should), don’t accept it in person if a few choose to have children with other teachers the following year. They have legitimate reasons, which may not be related to you, and will most likely share their concerns with you. But, if not, please don’t remember. (I know, I know, it’s easier said than done!)
The final thought
I have been having a happy cycle through the courses this past school year. As soon as I heard that I was improving my grade level, my first question immediately asked my principal, “Can I cycle with the class?” Of course, I was angry because I had to change grade level, learn brand new courses, join a new team of teachers, then pack up and move to a new room. But it’s all worth it.
This is one of my first favorite students and parents, so I don’t think it hurts to ask for a second round with them. For me and them, this is the first one. It’s really special to make them a second time. The bonds we have built are indescribable, and the universe has a reason. I would miss these kids and their families so much, just thinking that they would bring me a warm blur!
