Third vs. Fourth

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Home : 2006 : April : 26

Third vs. Fourth
By NJ Teacher

I have taught both third and fourth. I think it gets harder the more grade levels down you go when making a switch. They both have their positives. Third graders have tremendous enthusiasm for learning--it still isn't too
"uncool" to like school and their teacher openly. The downside (although 4th grade might have this too, depending on your state) is the No Child Left Behind testing mandates that do drive the curriculum. I like the depth of children's literature for discussion in fourth, as opposed to third. Third grade math introduces multiplication, which is big. Third graders develop independence, but

fourth graders of course being older, will be more independent at the start. If I were you, I would look at the curriculum in your school, and at this point, I would see if I could observe a second grade and a third grade class. The second graders at the end of the year would be close to your incoming third graders, and the end-of-the-year third graders would be close to beginning fourth graders. Good luck with your decision.