Online Courses for Teachers

Best Practices for a Successful 4th-6th Grade Classroom

(Grades 4-6) / Flex Course

PDI Course Number: 16T02 / UCSD Course Number: EDUC41573

Course Description

Are you struggling with how to motivate and manage your 4th through 6th grade students given the many challenges both students and teachers face on any given day? This online course for teachers is designed for educators of grades four through six who are interested in exploring best practices for developing, managing, and maintaining a successful classroom. This course covers strategies for implementing comprehensive grade-level standards, while managing and organizing your time so that all content is covered. Behavioral issues, including bullying, are covered along with overall classroom management techniques that focus on positivity, engagement, and motivation. Teachers will also learn how to respond to a variety of teaching challenges, including how to effectively reach at-risk populations such as English language learners, students with special needs, and students who live in poverty. Ideas for making the most of available technology to enhance your lessons are provided. We also share suggestions for addressing a lack of classroom resources. Techniques for differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all students in our widely diverse classrooms are covered as well. Finally, ideas for efficiently and successfully working with parents and families are also shared. By the end of this continuing education course, teachers will feel better prepared to successfully manage a middle grades classroom. This online professional development course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units/5 quarter units (50 hours of training) from University of California San Diego (UCSD) Division of Extended Studies. For detailed information on receiving university credit for your PDI professional development course, visit our credit page.

Need help? Kimya Nabavi, PDI Program Coordinator, is ready to assist.

"Excellent course and resources! I enjoyed the selected readings as well as the links and videos. Good stuff!!" - Heidi Smith