Dear Lucas, Fourth Grader
Darling boy, I usually reserve these letters for birthdays. But I feel the need to write you today, on your first day of fourth grade, and tell you how proud I am of you. You are embarking on what I’m certain is going to be an amazing year. I see your skills blooming every day, and I know that you are ready to take on the world. I am delighted in your many interests. I am astounded by your can-do attitude. I think you have wowed me every day of your life.
I know that some things come easily for you—being creative and solving problems are your superpowers, I think. I also know that you’re going to have to learn some new skills, new discipline, and good habits that will carry your natural talents to the next level. You will be tasked with bigger projects and more involved work. Homework is part of our journey this year. Spelling tests will continue. I am not sure how to teach you to care about these things; I hope that you will automatically, now that you’re older. I am not saying that it’s good to live or die by these things (certainly my own obsession with grades often worked against my best interests). But I do want you to strive. How does a parent teach that?
I don’t know. We’ll be learning together, that much is sure. Our collective brilliance will need some focus this year, of that I am certain. My hope is that we can learn to work effectively together in this new way.
I love you. Here we go!
Mama
April 14, 2013 at 11:30 pm
Nice job Lucas on your painting for your animal report! I am a fourth grade Waldorf teacher and was browsing pinterest for animal report ideas for my own class. Just had to take a minute and say, nice job! And good job to you too mama!
April 16, 2013 at 1:23 pm
Hi Tracy,
Thanks very much for leaving a comment! Lucas worked very hard on this and it’s been a real confidence builder for him. Thanks for your kind words!