This year, fourth graders typically grow in self-esteem, social interaction, and interest in the wider world. As "joiners" in games and groups, they bring a realistic perspective to the human need for rules and standards. At their own level, they are ready to appreciate the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the teachings of Jesus. With the support of interested adults, they are ready to reach out to others in service and responsibility. 

Your fourth grade students left off on the Seventh Commandment. We have included discussion topics for your family to use to talk openly about sin and the Commandments.

Seventh Commandment calls us to live out the peace and justice of Jesus Christ. God wants us to respect the property and dignity of all people. If we have taken something that belongs to another or benefited from theft or fraudulent activity, we need to make amends. 

Discussion Topic:
Talk to your child about what it means to make amends.  Ask your child if they have ever had anything taken from them. How did it make them feel? Did the other person make amends? Has your child ever had to make amends with another?

The Eighth Commandment teaches the importance of learning and living the truth that comes from God. When we choose to speak a falsehood with the intention of misleading or deceiving, we are lying. Truthfulness often is difficult, but ultimately it is rewarding. As Jesus promised, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Discussion Topic:
Discuss the Eighth Commandment and being a faithful and true witnesses before God. Discuss times when it is easy and when it is difficult to tell the truth.

By following the Ninth Commandment we can live out the virtue of modesty and purity of heart. 

The Ninth Commandment requires us not to covet our neighbor’s wife. At first glance the commandment may not seem to apply to all of us. Yet, when we study the commandment more carefully, we realize it offers us other timely challenges.

Discussion Topic:
The Ninth Commandment also directs us toward modesty. Discuss with your child how they can  practice modesty. They should keep hidden what should remain hidden and act respectfully toward their own body and those of others. Discus how they can approach life with discretion, by refusing to meddle in other people’s business and treating our neighbors in a decent and courteous manner. 

By following the Tenth Commandment our hearts will be filled with love and generosity, not with envy or greed. 

According to the Tenth Commandment we are not to covet our neighbor’s goods. This commandment warns us against envy, and greed.

Discussion Topic:
Discuss envy and greed. Ask your child if they have ever been jealous of another. How did it make them feel? Explain that a heart filled with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience has no room jealousy, envy, and greed. Remember to let the peace of Christ control your hearts.