In less than two months, the sun will set on our current fourth graders’ experiences in the Lower School, and these most senior students of Beasley will become fully-fledged members of the fifth-grade class in the Middle School at MICDS. This change from Lower to Middle School can be full of a variety of emotions: excitement, anticipation, wonder, and also stress. To help ease any nerves about this big leap forward on their educational journeys, fourth graders got a preview of fifth grade this week with a special orchestrated visit.
“This visit gives fourth graders a snapshot of what to expect as they transition into the middle school environment,” explains Christine Mayer, Fifth-Grade Dean and Spanish Teacher. “Moving to a new division of the school can feel like a big step, so having the chance to see classrooms, meet teachers, and interact with current fifth graders helps them feel less stress or anxiety. It can build confidence, answer questions they may have, and help students get a taste of what life will be like for them next year. Also, the visit creates excitement about moving up as students experience parts of a typical fifth-grade day. The time also helps to create connections with teachers so that incoming fifth-grade students feel welcomed and supported before the school year even begins.”
Over Monday and Tuesday, April 20 and 21, fourth graders divided up into small groups to visit classes in fifth-grade English, history, math, science, and Spanish. In some classes, they observed a sample fifth-grade lesson; in other classes, they were mixed among the fifth-grade Rams to participate in the lesson directly. They met several Middle School teachers, including English Teacher Beth Garcia, History Teacher Kayla Helton, Spanish Teacher Dhaniela Sousa-Charleville, and Science Teacher Leslie Smart. The two-day experience was coordinated overall by Ms. Mayer. From exploring the cause of tides in science to pondering the Greek historians in history class, fourth graders got a sneak peek of what’s ahead in their studies at the next level.
Packed within the visit was a tour of the Middle School that was led by fifth graders, lunch in the Middle School Dining Hall, and a question-and-answer session. During the Q-and-A, a panel of fifth graders honestly answered some frequently asked questions for their younger counterparts. They talked about homework, the dress code, lunch, and much, much more!
“When it was over, many fourth graders felt more excited than nervous!” exclaimed Ms. Mayer. “The activities not only supported the fourth-grade students but also gave a boost to our fifth graders, who take on the role as leaders. We loved having them and look forward to welcoming them in the fall!” Thank you to the teachers and fifth-grade students who helped prepare the soon-to-be Beasley graduates before the sun rises on their next chapter at MICDS!