4-5 Grade Character Developmental Stage:
8-11 YEARS OLD - Read seasonal reflections here:
Children this age need similar opportunities for nature activities as their younger peers but in larger scale (Typically extends longer for boys than girls because of the earlier onset of puberty and adolescence in females). This age group creates strong friendships especially those of the same gender identity and want to belong to a group that is socially secure. Imagination can be exercised in activities that they see as adventurous; that support growth of confidence through autonomous action (fort building ex.); space large enough to pretend to be lost. Territory expands and collecting and classifying becomes popular.
During late elementary years our Adventures follow a theme titled “Bodies, Behaviors and Biodiversity”. The Adventures cycles continue to emphasize creating a community, cooperation, communication and conflict resolution with similar experiences to their younger peers but in larger scale. Students know this as “Play Hard”, “Play Fair” and “Play Safe”. As an example students may continue their investigation of insects but identify species with a field guide and explore insect biodiversity from four different model habitats in our observation field.
These experiences will elicit conflicts that might escalate and students will learn to use specific conflict resolution strategies.
LATE SUMMER: Edible forest - I CAN PRACTICE RESPONSIBILITY BY DESCRIBING AND APPLYING SYSTEMATIC DECISION MAKING TO THE 3-5TH GRADE ADVENTURE NORMS OF PLAY HARD, PLAY FAIR AND PLAY SAFE.
FALL: trees as tools - I CAN PRACTICE COLLABORATION BY PROBLEM SOLVING IN MY WORK TEAM TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE WELL-BEING OF OUR CREW AND OHANA.
WINTER: ethnobotany and kapa haka - I CAN PRACTICE COLLABORATION BY LEARNING FROM CONFLICTS AND CONTRIBUTING TO GROUP GOALS.
SPRING: life cycles - I CAN PRACTICE COURAGE BY IDENTIFYING WHAT IS A HEALTHY AND AN UNHEALTHY RISK.
Seasonal curriculum maps and lesson overviews can be READ HERE. Please remember I am being vulnerable opening up my teacher planning book and it is MESSY!!!! As we are learning from the Coronavirus of 2020, Nature, seasons and Mother Earth are dynamic, constantly changing, just like our classrooms and things do not always go as planned.
K-8 SCIENCE CONNECTIONS CAN BE READ HERE: