Fourth - Fifth Grade
Developmental Characteristics
Physical
May be careless about their clothes, room and body cleanliness
Girls may have sudden growth spurt and beginning signs of puberty
Enjoy physical activities that master specific skills
Enjoy competitive games
Possess a high activity level
Enjoy games that allow for comparison of skills
Enjoy games that allow for self-improvement
Social Emotional
Enjoy small, peer-dominated group discussions
Like to join organized groups
Are anxious to grow up
Are intensely loyal to their peer group
Form a close one-on-one friendship
Have a growing desire to assert individuality and independence
Can be daring and competitive
Can be critical of peers and adults
Are self-conscious of their abilities
Cognitive
Ask many questions and what thoughtful answers
Can often understand other points of view
Developing strong interests, hobbies, and collections
Enjoy daydreaming
Enjoy problem solving games and puzzles, etc.
Enjoy rule-based games
Are beginning to develop view about social/global issues
Beginning to enjoy humor by telling jokes and understanding sarcasm
Freeze Frame
In this interactive drama-based lesson, students act out and resolve realistic conflicts to practice problem solving, teamwork, and honoring group agreements.
Charity and Justice: What’s the difference?
Students explore the difference between charity and justice by identifying root causes of societal problems and proposing systemic solutions to address them.
A Tight Squeeze
Students engage in a fun, space-limited team challenge that builds problem-solving skills and cooperative communication.
A Sorting Challenge
Students explore nature and build problem-solving skills by sorting natural objects in multiple ways and using them in a creative art project.
Solving Problems, Part 1 (Second Step)
Students learn to identify and state problems without blame using the first step of the Second Step Problem-Solving model, setting the foundation for respectful, solution-focused conflict resolution.
Building Relationships by Learning Names
Students will learn and practice their classmates' names in order to build a sense of connection, safety, and belonging in the classroom.