how common is wetting pants in class by grade level, kindergarten through 6th grade?

Wetting pants, or involuntary urination, can occur in young children, especially in early childhood and elementary school settings. The prevalence tends to decrease as children grow older and gain more control over their bladder. Here are some general observations regarding wetting pants by grade level:

**Kindergarten (Ages 5-6)**: Wetting pants is relatively common among kindergarteners as many are still mastering toilet training. It's not unusual for about 10-15% of children to experience this occasionally.

**1st Grade (Ages 6-7)**: The incidence typically decreases as most children are more confident in their toilet use. Still, some children might experience infrequent accidents, with around 5-10% possibly wetting their pants.

**2nd Grade (Ages 7-8)**: At this stage, the number of children experiencing accidents usually drops further, generally around 3-5%. By now, most children have better bladder control.

**3rd Grade (Ages 8-9)**: Accidents become less frequent, with only about 1-3% of children experiencing wetting incidents. 

**4th Grade (Ages 9-10)**: Instances of wetting pants are quite rare, often less than 1%. Most children have established control over their bodily functions.

**5th Grade (Ages 10-11) and 6th Grade (Ages 11-12)**: Wetting pants is very uncommon in these grades (well below 1%). Most children have developed full control over their bladder.

In summary, while some accidents can occur in younger children, the prevalence decreases significantly with age. Factors such as emotional stress, medical conditions, and developmental delays can influence the frequency of wetting incidents. Parents and educators should approach the topic with sensitivity and understanding, recognizing that it can be a source of anxiety for children. If a child frequently wets their pants beyond the typical age range, it may be advisable to consult a healthcare professional.