Third grade is a very important milestone in your child’s learning experience. It marks the beginning of more serious concentrated study and the mastery of important concepts. Math becomes challenging, and reading skills are tested in a variety of ways. Science and social studies are more detailed and there is an increase in homework assignments. You can help your child through third grade. Here are some tips to make it a fun, interesting, and rewarding learning experience.
Third grade math builds on second grade math and introduces new concepts. These include multiplication and division facts, time, money, simple geometry, fractions, decimals, and graphs. You can help your child master new math concepts with a little creativity and time. Use flash cards to help your third grader learn multiplication and division facts. Everyday experiences such as shopping etc. can provide opportunities to teach a third grader about money. Allow your child to pay for a few items when you go shopping. Play coin games to help with the identification of money and its value. Purchase an analog watch for your third grader and encourage time telling whenever you run errands, shop, etc. Measure objects around the house to reinforce measurement concepts and facts.
Reading and spelling is very important in third grade. You can help your child feel comfortable about reading by practicing it often. Schedule a day and time each week for a library date. Most libraries have a reading section equipped with chairs, tables etc. in the children’s section. Select a wide variety of reading materials. You should also include books that are on topics that interest your child. Encourage your third grader to read to you. You can also reinforce other subjects by choosing reading material about science, nature, health etc. The entire family can help to promote reading by telling stories around the dinner table or while riding in a car. Purchase interesting character building books on topics such as honesty, kindness, acceptance, etc. and place them where they are visible to your child. Playing word games, i.e., Scrabble, word puzzles, etc. can also help with word recognition and spelling.
Third grade science covers the human body, with an emphasis on the sense organs and how they work. Students also learn about plants, animals, and classifications. The science curriculum also includes life in the ocean, pond, desert, forest, and fields. A study of the weather is also covered. Plan trips to zoos, science museums, butterfly gardens, aviaries, ponds, and the ocean. Set up several bird feeders and birdhouses in your backyard and encourage your child to be a bird watcher. Have your third grader keep a diary of the different types of birds and their habits. Use experiments to help enhance science concepts, especially the five senses. Utilize the resources available in your library. Libraries often carry simple craft/experiment books and videos that make science interesting to young children. You can also purchase a subscription for a nature magazine for your child.
Social studies includes history and geography. Paying attention to special holidays such as Washington’s birthday can reinforce history. Use this opportunity to talk and read about American heroes and world events. Make play-dough models of Columbus’ three ships and the path they took to reach the New World. Purchase interactive software that will help your child identify continents, oceans, countries, and seas. Play a game with the globe. Help your third grader with a floor puzzle of the United States.
Third grade will be a positive experience for your child if you develop a good working relationship with the teachers. Ask them for feedback as your child progresses through the year. Ensure that your child is equipped with a planning calendar, assignment notebook, and book bag. Help your child have a positive attitude toward homework by scheduling it after recreation and dinner. Since third graders are easily distracted, homework should be done in a quiet section of the house.
Helping your child through third grade requires time and effort. However, it will be very rewarding when your child finishes third grade successfully and obtains a thorough knowledge of the subjects taught.
