Emotional Adjustments
Home Life
Fourth graders can often feel overwhelmed or insecure by the huge social and academic adjustments of upper grade, so, naturally, your child may experience a series of emotional adjustments as well. Some of these adjustments may be experienced in the classroom, while others may be experienced at home. For example, your child may become more whiny and emotionally needy. In contrast, they may become sassy or even sarcastic as they attempt to push away from their identity as a "little kid." They are no longer little kids, but they are not yet teenagers. You are about to have a pre-teen on your hands!
Challenged Fantasies
Common childhood beliefs are not directly discussed in the classroom, but you should be aware that they ARE often discussed by the students on the playground, specifically before the holiday season. I always defer to the parent on these situations, but I do want you to know that this topic has come up EVERY year.
You should also know that some of these fantasies have been seen on past fourth grade California STAR and SBAC tests as fact vs. fiction questions. It is not my place to make any suggestions on how to parent these possible discussions with your child, I only want you to be aware of this very common situation in fourth grade, and the potential for those types of discussions.
You should also know that some of these fantasies have been seen on past fourth grade California STAR and SBAC tests as fact vs. fiction questions. It is not my place to make any suggestions on how to parent these possible discussions with your child, I only want you to be aware of this very common situation in fourth grade, and the potential for those types of discussions.
Integrity and Rewards
In my classroom, we are character builders! We discuss lifeskills as well as the Seven Habits each week to promote student maturity and good citizenship. Some of these lifeskills include “perseverance,” “respect,” “responsibility,” and “empathy,” but it is my overall goal to encourage students to act with integrity: to do the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do, even if it's not easy, popular, or “fun.”
I reward academic achievements at awards assemblies once a trimester, and as they meet AR reading goals throughout the school year. Principal's Recess is also awarded to those students that have not only behaved throughout the week, but also met academic expectations. As a whole, good behavior is simply a fourth grade expectation.
I reward academic achievements at awards assemblies once a trimester, and as they meet AR reading goals throughout the school year. Principal's Recess is also awarded to those students that have not only behaved throughout the week, but also met academic expectations. As a whole, good behavior is simply a fourth grade expectation.