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I have been full-time teaching for a few weeks now and I have to say the day goes a lot faster! One of the reasons it goes so fast is because the 5th graders change classes. It has good points and bad points. I like getting to see different faces and getting to know all of the students. However, when it comes to grading tests and collecting the activities they do, it is just triple the work! I graded their chapter test one night and I had to grade 70 tests altogether. It took me a little over 2 hours to do so. I can't complain though, thats just one of the things that goes hand in hand with teaching haha all the extra work that is done outside of the classroom. It is one of the best feelings while grading papers and seeing students who struggle do well. I'm so proud of them when I see that they can exceed their expectations of themselves. I also love seeing their faces when I pass the tests out and their "YES" expressions. I know they feel their hard work has paid off. It still breaks my heart when those select few don't do well though. I make study guides and try my best to help them but I just don't know how to get them motivated and really study the material at home. I've asked students who don't do well if they studied and most responses are no that they didn't have time to or they forgot. They know in advance when the test is and I make sure everyone writes it in their planner. I feel their homelife is a factor and if the parents or whoever their guardian is isn't making studying a priority then they most likely will not. Maybe more communication with parents and asking to them play an active role could help.