VI.

Putting it Together-Tekeyla Jones

My observations of students in elementary school matched what I learned in

understanding the development of four year olds through twelve year olds. Cooperative learning,

role playing and exploration are essential to learning in elementary school age children. I was

surprised however to see ten to twelve year olds need physical activities and opportunities to rest

during the day. I would love to know if there is a correlation between low test scores and lack of

physical activity for schools that have removed physical education or recess from their daily

schedule. Physical education is currently a hot topic in North Carolina with many districts

fearing they will lose this course if classroom sizes are reduced in K-3. In addition, it would

benefit fourth and fifth grade teachers to continue snack time in the schedule as food is needed

throughout the day for this age group.

I did learn that there is a difference in the classroom for Kindergarten through second

grade and fourth and fifth grade. Kindergarten through second grade classes seem to be

developmentally appropriate in that there is plenty of movement for students and their cognitive

ability is understood. However, classroom routine and schedule appears to change when a

student enters third grade. Some schools follow a middle school model of switching teachers,

eliminating recess and reducing classroom movement. Again, I believe this could contribute to

behavior issues and low academic performance. Students need recess, snack time, and

opportunities to explore the world around them. I believe centers should still be utilized in third

grade and beyond.

 Understanding development of elementary age students is important to not only academic

planning but to helping students emotional and social. If a teacher understood that students in

fourth and fifth grade students value their peers approval more so than the teachers, teachers can

make consequences to behavior more appropriate to the setting. For example, a teacher should

not try to embarrass a student in front of peers as the student may react negatively to impress the

peers. Overall, teachers may respond differently to students when they understand why the

development of students.