An Open Letter to my Fourth Graders

Dear Fabulous 4th Graders:

Tonight, I had some guilt about the last hour of our day together. I was feeling bad that we spent some time playing and laughing and having some fun - we don't always have time for that. But it warmed my heart to watch you encourage each other and I am still laughing from our conversation about "Call of Duty" (yes, that would be a conversation ACTUALLY about DOODIE - welcome to 4th grade). You are hysterical, compassionate, kind and you work hard for me every time I ask you to go above and beyond. You exceed my expectations on a daily basis and you are growing into some pretty fabulous kiddos.

The guilt came over me because I felt like I needed to use that last hour as "optimal instructional time." You don't know what that means; all you need to know is that I am expected to make sure there is learning going on at all moments. There was a little voice inside me saying, "There's too much to do... Maybe you should teach the math lesson...Maybe we should be reviewing for those looming state tests coming up..." But then I remembered that you had spent the entire day writing an essay for a bunch of strangers at the state to evaluate. You did the same thing a week ago. Many of you harbored anxiety about today that you shouldn't have to endure. You're 9 years old. Anxiety shouldn't exist for you.

Many of you speak multiple languages; English not being your primary language. But you are still expected to write two separate essays (as well as take a Reading test AND a Math test in a couple weeks). Many of you didn't have breakfast this morning, but your test will still be scored. Many of you are stressed out about things that have NOTHING to do with school, but you are expected (I know, I'm guilty of having these expectations for you too) to perform at your highest capacity.

I went into teaching because I wanted to be a part of passing on the joy of learning to you. I LOVE learning because I had teachers who instilled that in me. I went into teaching because I love being with kids like you. Your curiosity, laughter and perspective inspire me and I want to tap into that as much as I can.

These tests don't define you, even though it may seem like they do. You do NOT have to have anxiety about this stuff. This is not on you. It's the responsibility of me to prepare you, and it's the responsibility of the boneheads in Washington to create a system that assesses you FAIRLY - which they are NOT doing. They are not assessing your ability to work with your peers. They are not assessing your sense of humor, your grit, your compassion or ability to forgive others. They are not assessing your willingness and ability to take care of each other.

I just want you to know that I AM paying attention to those things. Who you are is MUCH more important to me than ANY test score. What you DO and how you TREAT EACH OTHER weighs much heavier on my heart than whether or not you can do long division.

It is these things that help me to remember that you are HUMANS - little ones at that. And a little fun never hurt anyone, right? This afternoon was one of my favorites we've had and I'm so glad we got some real time together. It's good for you to know that I'm a human too.

You should be proud of who you are becoming. I love you, you little rascals.

Sincerely,
your crazed loving teacher