Sunnyvale fourth graders put their teamwork to the test after reading a classic children’s novel.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume is perhaps one of the most-read stories in all of children’s literature. And of course, it resonates with no one more than fourth graders.
“4th grade students enthusiastically relate to the themes within Tales From the Fourth Grade Nothing,” fourth grade teacher Carissa Hancock said. “Peter, the main character, learns to cope with sibling relationships, navigate friendships and deal with ever-growing responsibilities.The characters are engaging and Peter’s experiences and emotions resonate with young readers. Fourth graders find themselves laughing at the amusing dialogue and fast-paced plot. Students learn to develop empathy towards the character’s frustrations and triumphs which leads to meaningful class discussions about family dynamics.”
One of Peter’s frustrations centers around a drink called “Juicy-O.” In the story, Peter’s dad works in advertising and because his client is the President of a company that makes a drink called “Juicy-0”, Peter has to endure drinking it —but he is NOT a fan of flavor.
Enter Sunnyvale fourth graders!
“Students work in groups to create a better version of the juice and design an advertisement,” Hancock said. “Students create samples of their juice in teams and perform their advertisement to the class. As a class, the students decide on an ultimate class juice winner. There are eight fourth grade homerooms. Each winning juice team competes in the ‘Final Juicy-O Showdown’ with Mrs. Staley, Mrs. Barnes, and Mrs. Stancliffe sampling each of the either class juices. The final teams also perform their commercials in front of the entire fourth grade class. In the end, the Juicy-O judges pick a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner!”
Students learn much more than the taste of new juice flavors and the fun of making commercials during the contest.
“This project allows students to build relationships and their skills at teamwork,” Hancock said. “Students collaborate on the types of juices they want made and learn to navigate disagreements and develop problem-solving skills. It also allows a variety of perspectives and work towards a shared goal. Students are encouraged to have a positive tone for the classroom culture since ultimately, there can only be one winner. Students learn business concepts on how products are developed and from brainstorming to marketing. This project is humorous, fun, engaging and memorable.”
And of course… fourth graders get to read about Fudge, Peter’s younger brother—and one of children’s literature’s most beloved characters.
“Fudge is recognizable for the outrageous and silly behavior he exhibits throughout the story,” Hancock said. “Fouth graders learn about understanding impulsivity as Fudge tends to act on impulse that leads to chaotic situations. They also learn about the consequences to how his behavior affects others. Fudge displays a range of emotions which helps our readers understand that expressing ourselves is okay. Fudge undergoes some growth which reminds our students that everyone can learn and change over time. And ultimately, Fudge is loveable and humorous which teaches students the value of finding joy and laughter even in challenging times!”
Did You Know?
Tales of the 4th Grade Nothing is the first of a five book series! Students are encouraged to go find the other stories which they will, no doubt, enjoy just as much as the first!