In Grade 4, students continue to flourish as independent thinkers and learners. The curriculum is structured to help students broaden their abstract-thinking skills. Literacy, social studies, math, science and art are often integrated to help students deepen their understanding of concepts and expand their learning processes. Group work allows students to enhance their critical- and creative-thinking skills, and collaboration further strengthens their ability to respect and build upon different learning styles and opinions. One of the first Grade 4 field trips is an extended day trip to a local coastline. Teachers of all disciplines chaperone the students as they set up camp on the beach; engage in physical-education activities; and participate in science projects, including monitoring ocean salinity. This trip fosters team-building skills and group work, which translate back to the classroom. K–4 teachers help establish their classroom commu­nity within the first six weeks of school and throughout the year. As part of the Responsive Classroom practice, students help create their classroom rules, engage in morning meetings and use collaborative problem-solving strategies. Students are encouraged to care for themselves, one another and their school community. As the oldest students in our building, Grade 4 students assume additional responsibility, including helping to run the weekly assembly. By the end of the year, each student has at least one opportunity to lead a community assembly.