Unbelievable! You are almost finished with your first week of 4th Grade. I knew it would be a big change for you. I think of Kindergarten through Third Grade as a time of preparation. Of course, you were learning in those grades, learning things that I never dreamed of knowing until I got much older, but it’s still a time of gentle molding into the standard methods of school. You learned the rules; you learned how to conduct yourself on the playground and in the cafeteria. Teachers provided you with study tools that will become the foundation of learning as you progress through the halls of education. Now, Fourth Grade! That’s a big step because now you’re not considered a “baby” anymore as far as school is concerned. Evidently, your new teacher follows that same philosophy. She expects you to stand to answer a question (I love it!!), and she is teaching her students hand signals to use before they speak: use the restroom, have a question, make a comment, answer a question, etc. These methods certainly make for a more chaotic free learning environment. So far, I don’t think you are impressed with this change, but as the year goes on, I think that you will find out that learning is much easier when all students are focused and on task.
I loved 4th Grade. I remember being a little cautious at first because I had enjoyed my 3rd Grade teacher so much; in fact, 3rd Grade was when I decided that I wanted to be a teacher. I didn’t know if I would like 4th Grade. First, the classroom was located on the front hall. This was a huge change. Up until then, our classes had been located in the back of the school; our playground was the back lot of the school. Now we sat in a different kind of desk, and we had social studies and science books in addition to our English, reading, spelling, and arithmetic books. And we had tests. Yikes!! On days that we could have recess outside, which was most of the time (three times a day!) we played on the front yard of the school which had only one set of swings so we usually made up our own games, hula hooped, jumped rope, or played baseball with the boys. Our new teacher was a petite lady who dressed like she was going to church. She even wore heels – every day! Although she was sweet, kind, and soft spoken, she did not “put up” with any silliness or nonsense. She had rules and goals for her students. I learned to love her and 4th Grade just as much as I had loved 3rd Grade. Sadly, I never developed a great love for science or social studies.
Because I love you so much, I am inclined to want to protect you from anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or sad; in fact, many parents and grandparents attempt to do that very thing. They want to run interference for their child. They complain to the principal about the teacher or the administration. These parents are called “helicopter parents” because they hover over their children constantly to “protect” them; however, avoiding challenges and never encountering change in your life is not how you grow. Growth comes when we accept the challenges, embrace changes in life, and learn to overcome disappointment because – that’s life and it’s gonna happen!! I can’t wait to watch you grow through this year. You are amazing and just remember – I’m pulling for you!
Love,
BB
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