Knowing Your Fourth Grader

Fourth graders are ready to take a cognitive leap forward; it is an exciting time both academically and emotionally. They are starting to be able to grapple with abstract concepts, such as analyzing perspectives and motives in literature, historic and current news events, and, importantly, with respect to their interpersonal relationships. They are intensely drawn to their friends and peers, who are beginning to influence them, and there is a desire for increased independence. They do not always know, or want to acknowledge, that they still need nurturing and guidance from the adults around them. In fourth grade, we are helping them grow intellectually and emotionally as they begin to navigate and understand themselves better in relationship to peers and the larger grown-up world of politics and popular culture, about which they can be tremendously curious. We focus on issues of fairness, conflict resolution, and the development of a strong, independent voice.