Noting that enthusiasm for teaching has everything to do with attitude and a willingness to change and collaborate, this book discusses how an experienced teacher approaches teaching fourth-grade students in a school in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Topics covered include setting up the classroom, organizing for teaching, individualizing instruction, giving homework, assessing students, and dealing with required curriculum and grading. The book's introduction, "There Is No Ceiling in Our Room," explores the teacher's teaching philosophy and reflections on change. Chapter 1, "What Do I Know about Fourth Graders?," notes that, among other things, fourth-graders work hard, value friendships, and respond to humor. Chapter 2, "Community Building," includes a discussion of the importance of the physical environment, creating bulletin boards, and establishing rules. Chapter 3, "Fostering Independence," explores topics such as encouraging self-discipline and promoting organizational skills. Chapter 4, "Writing Our Stories," discusses strategies for teaching writing, including sharing models of good writing, discussing what writers do, and finding authentic purposes for writing. Chapter 5, "Becoming Proficient Readers," discusses components of a reading program that include modeling, reading aloud, and literature discussion groups. Chapter 6, "Success in Mathematics," includes a discussion of the use of manipulatives, individualizing instruction, and assessment. Chapter 7, "Implementing Science and Social Studies," discusses preparing a unit, including gathering information, presenting findings, and letting students evaluate their work. Chapter 8, "Self-Assessment," includes a discussion of standardized testing and letter grades, student self-assessment, and student-led conferences. Chapter 9, "Together We Can ...," includes a discussion of grade-level teams, teacher support groups, and mentoring. (Contains 103 references.) (LPP)