This week we asked our group of 5th grade Peer Mentors: What does the ideal 4th grade graduate look like? What does every 5th grader need in terms of skills and knowledge to be successful when they begin middle school? Here’s what they created:

In case you can’t read my handwriting, here’s a few off of their list:

time management
executive functioning skills
organization
good sportsmanship (“So good it’s Gucci”, they said. Oh, tween slang)
confidence
perseverance
independence
responsibility
inclusivity
self awareness
self control
courage
humility

Pretty incredible, right? I’m co-running this Peer Mentoring exploratory with our school’s Guidance Counselor, and we were so impressed with their list. The experts then met with 4th grade teachers (without us in the room!) to discuss their Ideal 5th Grader and find out where the current 4th grade might need help. Our hope is to use this feedback to create customized mentoring plans and help our 4th grade buddies turn into this well-rounded student.