Profile of a 4th grader?

[PhilotheaZ]

I have been teaching CCD for 6th graders and Confirmation (grades 6-8) for several years. This year I will be teaching 4th grade for the first time. I don’t know any 4th graders at the moment, and it’s been a long time since my daughters were that age. So, from all of you who are teachers or parents of 4th graders … what can I expect?

• What is a typical 4th grader like?
• What is their reading ability?
• This year’s curriculum is on Scripture. Does their reading level allow them to read selected passages directly from the Bible? (with a little help, of course)
• If the adult Bible (NAB) is too difficult for them, can anyone recommend a children’s Bible that is easy enough for them to read, but not too first-grader-ish? It would be great if there were one that actually had chapter and verse markings, even if abridged, so they could get used to the practice of looking things up in the Bible.
• What kinds of activities interest them?
• Are 4th graders adept at using the internet? (e.g., if I wanted to recommend a website for them to check out)

 

[KarenElissa]

I have been teaching CCD for 6th graders and Confirmation (grades 6-8) for several years. This year I will be teaching 4th grade for the first time. I don’t know any 4th graders at the moment, and it’s been a long time since my daughters were that age. So, from all of you who are teachers or parents of 4th graders … what can I expect?

I think for the most part they will be fairly similar to a you 6th grader. A little less advanced on skills and a little more kid like in interests instead of preteen, but I don’t think the switch should be too crazy.

What is a typical 4th grader like?

4th grade is kind of that funny in between age, they aren’t quite young kids but aren’t quite preteens. They are just getting to the stage where they want to be cool.

What is their reading ability?

Should be pretty decent, although, like any age, you will still get one or two that struggle.

This year’s curriculum is on Scripture. Does their reading level allow them to read selected passages directly from the Bible? (with a little help, of course)

Most definitely! I always had them read a section and then would stop and ask what just happened and for the most part they could tell with reliability, as long as they were listening . They’ll need help on some of the crazier names, but so do I!

What kinds of activities interest them?

It will just depend on the kid. They are still young enough that games and crafts are fun. They are also still young enough that while it may take a bit of pressure to get involved, they usually will. They are also a bit young for too much discussion and introspection. A little how does this apply to me is good, but that self awareness will still be pretty basic.

Are 4th graders adept at using the internet? (e.g., if I wanted to recommend a website for them to check out)

That will depend on the kid and the family. Some will be perfectly adept and be allowed to use the internet alone. But they are still young enough that some families may not really let them use the internet much at all yet. You will just have to get a feel from the kids.