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  • Parenting

Is my child ready for 3rd grade academics?

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A young student holding a pencil filling in a test.

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

1. Why is 3rd grade a pivotal year?

2. What can I expect to change in the classroom environment?

Once your child reaches 3rd grade, they have successfully completed half of their elementary education. Even if they feel comfortable in their school environment, academically they will be introduced to new challenges in this milestone year.

“In grades kindergarten through 2nd grade, students are learning to read, memorizing facts and learning strategies,” says Maria E. Lloyd, Principal at Limestone Creek Elementary School. “In 3rd grade, learning shifts from the reading process to applying all of that knowledge to challenging content, comparing and contrasting, and analyzing and synthesizing information.” 

Part of this change also includes standardized testing in the classroom, which is required for all 3rd grade students and learning levels. 

“Students move from writing sentences or short paragraphs to five-paragraph essays,” Lloyd says. “Math changes from number problems to multi-step word problems.”

Olivia Marino, Supervisor of Therapy Services at Community Partners of South Florida, suggests keeping open communication with your child as they are introduced to these more advanced subjects. 

“Offer to assist with homework each day. You can always quiz your child before a test,” she says. “Keep contact with the child's teacher to ensure the child is on schedule in their educational development.”

As students are maturing, and understanding more about their interests and abilities, their independence is also reaching new heights.

“As this is the stage where children are developing decision-making skills, 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,” says Nida Paul, Supervisor of Education and Prevention Services at the Center for Child Counseling. 

“Encouraging children’s abilities, and focusing on them while reflecting on their feelings, can help children feel understood and empowered,” she says.

With these added academic pressures, students may feel overwhelmed at times or in need of assistance beyond the classroom instruction.

“We have an additional reading teacher who works just with selected 3rd grade students who are struggling with the reading process,” says Principal Lloyd. And “each (public elementary) school has a guidance counselor and behavior health professional for students who are having a difficult time in school.”

Simply letting your child know you are available for them can go a long way.

SOURCES


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