[shel312]

Tell me all you can about 4th graders. I currently teach 5th and am thinking of putting in a transfer for 4th. Tell me all--the good, the bad, and the ugly!! Thanks

[petlover]

I made the move to 4th Grade this school year. I moved from 1st (after 11 years). I am just now feeling adjusted and am starting to enjoy 4th. You moving down from 5th would be a much eaasier transition (you already know what the curriculum expects them to know by the end of 4th.

Do you currently teach in a whole classroom situation, or do your 5th graders move from class to class? In my school system 1-4 are totally contained classrooms, but in 5th grade the students move between teachers (like Jr. High). If this is the case, you would have a big adjustment going to being the main teacher for all subjects (not just one).

I would say the biggest issue is grading - there is just so much to grade - and everything takes so long to grade (tests, essays, writing assignments....)

The best thing is that this age loves discussions. I truly enjoy the questions and how much they want to investigate everything. My lessons almost always take longer than I have "scheduled" them into my lesson plans because we get talking about the subject and they just want to know more and more.

Good luck with your decision!

[shel312]

Thanks petlover. I am in a self contained 5th grade, so that wouldn't be that different for me. We are in a middle school where the rest of the school is run as a typical middle school with 5th grade staying self contained. I'm just thinking it would be nice to be in an elementary school. I was wondering how 4th graders are socially and in classroom situations. My guess is that they are not that different from 5th graders. Thanks again for your response.

[TexTeacher]

I don't think the kids are that different. I moved after teaching 4th for 10 years up to 5th this year. So far, there hasn't been much difference at all. The things that worked with 4th graders, still work with 5th graders. The teachers tell me the hormones will start kicking in during the spring, so maybe my opinion will change a little.

The one real difference I see is that you will spend a lot of time getting them to "grow up" in the 4th grade. 4th Grade is really a transition year between the primary and the intermediate. I gave a lot of "first B's" so that can be hard. I also spent a lot of time getting kids to be more organized and more independent with their work.

Good luck in your decision.

[Tatum]

I agree with the poster who stated that 4th is a big transition year for the kids. They need to start reading to learn instead of learning to read. Much more is expected out of 4th grader than a 3rd grader at least in MA. The state testing is much more intense. The kids are expected to write a 5 paragraph essay using the 6 traits of writing. YIKES!

Fourth graders are so much fun. They are gaining a sense of self control, a sense of humor and their personalities start really coming out in this year. fourth graders love hands on learning and class discussions...mine LOVE to debate. We use the topics in Scholastic News to debate about and they love it. They love music and drama too...at least mine do! They are willing to please the teacher at this age and their attitudes do not come out until spring. Fourth graders will start to create cliques if you don't watch out. Watch the girls especially....The boys are still silly at this age, but fun. Have fun with your Fourths. I love mine!

[4thIsFun]

I think 4th is FUN! After 10 years in 5th grade, the hormones got to be more than I was willing to deal with. Our 4th graders don't have the attitude that comes with that extra year of experience. They are learning to be independent learners. They are "little kid" enough that they want to please you, but "old" enough to carry on conversations and many of them get your jokes.

[shel312]

Thanks to everyone who responed to my post. Keep them coming!!

[Phyllis]

. . .4thIsFun. Fourth graders are so terribly nice. They are much calmer than 5th. I was in fourth for 35 years (also in 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th) and loved almost every minute. The can do a lot on their own, but are so teachable. They want to learn and to please the teacher. They appreciate fairness and being given a choice where it is possible. I'm convinced they are the very, very best humans there are.

There is NO bad and No ugly in 4th.

[Candiqueen]

4th graders are talk-a-holics!!! I do agree wth Tex that you spend a lot of time teaching them how to be responsible and assist them with their growing up!I do like 4th.....they are young enough to like to still do things without feeling weird in front of their peers, but old enough to get most of your jokes! This si the first time our students see letter grades...so quite a few parents experience "sticker" shock! A C in writing means your child is average...first quarter report cards are tough!