Helping your child adjust to 3rd grade

In this article, you'll find answers to questions like:

1. What can we expect as my child enters 3rd grade?

2. How can I reduce my child's anxiety?

HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD ADJUST?

While 3^rd grade introduces a new set of academic challenges, including advanced learning processes and standardized testing, it also can bring big changes physically and emotionally.

Maria E. Lloyd, Principal at Limestone Creek Elementary, says there is plenty of pressure in 3^rd grade because educational expectations increase, and the stakes are much higher.

“Standardized testing is a huge change in 3^rd grade,” she says. “Students are expected to read long, challenging and, most times, unexciting passages to comprehend, analyze and compare.”

3^rd grade is also a benchmark to see if your child should progress to the next grade level based on these standardized tests; however, Lloyd says, there are opportunities to succeed in other ways if your child struggles.

As for the students themselves, their personalities are taking shape as they understand their likes, dislikes, and what is comfortable to them in a social setting.

“At this age, children enter the middle childhood stage where puberty may begin and the hormonal changes may lead to emotional and behavioral changes,” says Nida Paul, Supervisor of Education and Prevention Services at the Center for Child Counseling. “This is also the stage where children focus more on friendships, and socialization becomes very important.”

HOW CAN I REDUCE MY CHILD'S ANXIETY?

Paul says 3^rd graders are developing decision-making skills and beginning to question authority. But a caring adult can help guide them through these tough times.

 “It is important to help them see the options to guide them through the decision-making process, rather than telling them what the decision should be,” she says. “Encouraging children’s abilities and focusing on them while reflecting on their feelings can help children feel understood and empowered.”

 Paul also says these changes can come with anxiety, especially if students have experienced it in the past.

 “Asking open-ended questions to help children express their feelings and experiences is the key in helping them feel comfortable to share,” she says.

Olivia Marino, Supervisor of Therapy Services at Community Partners of South Florida, notes school stressors may cause direct changes in behavior at home. This could range from your child becoming more reclusive, getting angry more easily, or not complying with rules and requests.

“If you detect a change in behavior and discussion with your child is not proving helpful, a call to the teacher could shed insight,” she says. Once there is a clearer understanding of the issues, introducing the proper resources and specialists may help.

Marino says there are a variety of options to try, including having your child talk with the school guidance counselor, speaking to a child therapist, or even talking to a family friend or someone they trust.

“Each situation has many solutions, and problem solving is key to helping your child the best you can,” she says.

 SOURCES

•  Olivia Marino, Supervisor of Therapy Services, Community Partners of South Florida
• Nida Paul, Supervisor of Education and Prevention Services, Center for Child Counseling
• Maria E. Lloyd, Principal, Limestone Creek Elementary