Fourth grade is an adjustment year for your student in elementary school.  There are many developmental characteristics that happen around the age of 9-10, and learning takes on a new form during this time.

Learning
The focus is no longer on learning to read, but reading to learn information. A big curriculum shift is now on nonfiction. Many of the projects that we do in class or that I assign for homework are based on putting together information. Many of our class projects will be based on text structures, text features, and putting together information in a nonfiction text format.

Behavior
Some other concerns might be regarding behavior. This is really a time when students start developing their independence. They start to form work habits and are expected to take on many more responsibilities. Some new behavior problems may start to exhibit themselves around this age.

These are some generalizations that may not represent your child at all, but don’t be surprised if...

• boys start to test authority
• girls start to have friendship issues...and who they like and don’t like can change quickly

Students at this age still struggle with establishing roles and test boundaries. Discussion at home and at school of appropriate behaviors and expectations should help guide students to think more about the choices that they make.

Below are some articles or links that may help with children at this age.

Ages and Stages: Fourth Grade
Brought to you by the American School Counselor Association
(taken from the myschoolonline website)

Is your nine-year-old on track? Below are some general development milestones to help you understand your child's progress over the school year. Keep in mind that every child is different and may not fit perfectly into this framework.

Where They Are
Nine is a time of general confusion for kids. Nine-year-olds:

• Want to put some distance between themselves and adults, and may rebel against authority.
• Need to be part of a group.
• Seek independence.
• Possess a high activity level.
• Can express a wide range of emotions and verbalize easily.
• Can empathize.
• Can think independently and critically, but are tied to peer standards.
• Begin to increase their sense of truthfulness.
• Are typically not self-confident.

Where They're Going
School isn't just academics. Your child's teachers are also helping them grow socially. At nine-years-old, your child is learning how to make decisions and set standards. You can help by encouraging your child as she or he:

• Begins making decisions.
• Gains a greater sense of responsibility.
• Sets personal standards.
• Develops personal interests and abilities.
• Develops social skills.
• Learns to engage in group decision-making.

Here is an additional link for parents of fourth graders:

Homework Helpers