National Fourth Graders Day is dedicated to those small but already so bright and curious schoolchildren! The holiday is all about showing children that adults are always ready to support and encourage them. At this age, students bring energy and excitement to the school community.
History
National Fourth Graders Day was created by teachers Jillian Hagberg and Donna Hennessy of New Jersey. The idea was to begin the school day with a review and discussion of the holiday, as teachers realized that while many school-themed days exist, none specifically highlight this important grade level.
Why is fourth grade so significant? It’s a time of big changes: academic tasks become more challenging, social bonds start to form, and kids develop important ideas about themselves and those around them. The key is to provide a supportive environment for growth, as well as diverse extracurricular activities to channel their energy in positive ways.
How to Take Part
National Fourth Graders Day is a great opportunity for teachers to inspire and celebrate their students! Ideas for the classroom:
- Let students decorate their desks. Arrange ahead of time for everyone to bring decorations and maybe host a contest for the most creative design.
- Pick a color scheme together and ask students to dress in matching colors.
- Run fun classroom surveys or quizzes.
- Try out science experiment kits and create an engaging demonstration.
- Organize a concert or invite local musicians and performers.
Parents can join the fun too—buy a small gift, take your child to the movies, or plan a special family activity at home!
When is National Fourth Graders Day in 2026?
National Fourth Graders Day is observed on the second Monday in January each year.
Observations
| Weekday | Month | Day | Year |
| Monday | January | 12 | 2026 |
| Monday | January | 11 | 2027 |
| Monday | January | 10 | 2028 |
| Monday | January | 8 | 2029 |
