What interesting things have we been up to in third and fourth grade? In a way, that’s a hard question. On the one hand, we’re dipping into some pretty awesome content, from the narratives of I Samuel in religion class, to the lives of Diocletian, Polycarp, and Constantine in history, to fun medieval-themed literature in English class. But momentum is only just picking up here at the start of Week 4. There aren’t any impressive assignments or projects going on yet. So what, you might well ask, have we been doing these past three weeks?
We’ve been setting up for success, that’s what! Our third and fourth graders have worked very hard to learn all the procedures, transitions, expectations, and routines of the classroom. Ever since the first day of school, they have practiced a great deal of obedience and self-discipline. They know how to prepare for their morning as soon as they arrive in the classroom, make an efficient transition from one class to another, walk silently through the halls, and work without talking during a study period. Of course, students are not perfect at these skills, all the time. But the habits they’ve built up will be invaluable for saving time and energy all throughout the school year. The time put in now, at the beginning of the year, will save a lot of time in the eight months to come!
And it’s not just about having an efficient school day. When I say we’ve been setting up for success, I’m also talking about the students themselves! These years in 3rd and 4th grade are key for building up the habits and virtues of an excellent, self-governing student: orderliness, responsibility, self-control, and time-management. Students are no longer told how to organize their desk, for example, but they must keep it tidy one way or another (and pass a Friday desk check before going out to their afternoon recess!). Students learn to keep track of a wider variety of homework, some of which is due later than the day it’s assigned. They also work to use their study periods well: resisting distraction, working silently, and prioritizing assignments wisely.
Now, in case all of this sounds like a terrible drag of boredom, be it known that we are having a wonderful and very happy year! Third and fourth graders love order and predictability, and there is plenty of room for fun within those boundaries. With some guidance and encouragement, the students enjoy not being just “little” kids anymore, but accomplishing things on their own. They also love having quiet time to read in our lovely reading nook! It gives me great happiness to see half a dozen children curled up on pillows, comfy and at home, with their noses buried in a book.
In third and fourth, we’re all looking forward to a fascinating year of learning, from the life of King David to the stories of Robin Hood to wild facts about animals. And as the weeks go on, we’ll continue setting ourselves up for success to enjoy that learning to the fullest. This class is so dear and so delightful, and I, for one, can’t wait!
In Christ,
Miss Hahn
