Prepping the class for a final, memorable year
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[An Eldorado fourth grade teacher is prepping her classroom for the final time this year getting ready for Thursday's new crop of pupils.
This is Katy Duncan's 34th year of teaching.
"At my age, younger teachers need to be here with the little ones," Duncan said.
"I saw 'Cats and Dogs' just because I know they'll be talking about it."
The more up-to-speed she is on fourth-grade pop culture, the greater the chance she can use those books and movies to present concepts in a way that engages her pupils.
Duncan has some new motivational posters on the wall hoping they will remind pupils of some of the subjects they will be discussing. Some are in the academic realm, like geometric shapes. Yes, fourth-graders are now learning algebra and geometry since those concepts are included in the Illinois State Achievement Test.
Duncan's fourth-graders will also be learning social lessons regarding bullying and hurtful words.
"Just being kind to each other. Don't gossip, think before you talk," Duncan said.
Fourth grade is about the age when girls begin talking about boyfriends and potentially hurtful rumors can fly wild. Boys appear to be more interested in playing sports at recess than talking about girls, Duncan said.
Duncan plans to start the school year out with a concentration on language arts and math. Then she will phase in science and social studies.
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DeNeal receives e-mail at mailto:bdeneal@yourclearwave.com.</li>
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