3.  Kids will still read, write, and do math, but the way they do them will start to shift.  The focus shifts from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.”  The focus shifts from “learning to write” to “writing to communicate.”  Students begin to work more independently.  Curriculum starts to have more weight.  Students move from being the “little” kids to becoming the “big” kids.

4.  At the end of third grade, students should be able to…  Add and subtract large numbers.  Know the basic multiplication and division facts.  Understand how place value works in our number system.  Round numbers in order to make a reasonable estimate.  Use tools such as rulers to measure the area and perimeter of squares and rectangles.  Differentiate 2- and 3-dimensional shapes.  Find fractions of a whole and fractions of a set.  Understand basic probability and statistics.  Understand how bar graphs, line graphs, and tables communicate information in math.

5.  At the end of third grade, students should be able to…  Read with understanding and fluency.  Understand the meaning of synonyms, homonyms, and antonyms.  Identify the meaning of compound words.  Use graphic organizers to aid comprehension.  Make reasonable predictions.  Identify the main ideas of passages.  Identify character traits.  Summarize what they have read.  Have a larger sight vocabulary.

6.  At the end of third grade, students should be able to…  Communicate in writing.  Use writing to inform others.  Use writing to persuade others.  Identify nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in a sentence.  Use adjectives to describe things and enhance their writing.  Correctly use conjunctions (and, but, or, etc.).  Correctly use common spelling rules.  Identify sentence types.  Write compound sentences.

7.  At the end of third grade, students will be able to…  Observe, record, and communicate changes.  Classify objects and organisms.  Understand systems.  Know characteristics, basic needs, and habitats of organisms.  Know how organisms fit together in a food chain.  Understand how forces such as earthquakes, glaciers, volcanoes, and erosion change the earth.  Work in small groups to conduct experiments and record results.

8.  At the end of third grade, students should be able to…  Create symbols for real-life objects.  Identify cardinal and intermediate directions on a map.  Identify the equator.  Identify the four hemispheres of the earth.  Identify basic landforms.  Understand three types of communities: Urban, Suburban, and Rural.  Understand why communities have laws.  Understand the three branches of government.  Understand the law of supply and demand.

9.  “So much of school is about being organized and responsible.”  At school, students are expected to…  Organize materials in folders provided by the teacher.  Record homework assignments in agenda daily.  Gather materials and books needed to complete homework assignments.  Pack their own backpack.

10.  Tips for helping your child succeed in school…  Focus on homework.  Teach them how to keep their backpacks neat.  Use time efficiently.  Always look ahead.  Use technology.  Prioritize what must be done.  Communicate with teachers.

11.  Tips for remembering information…  Help them understand the information they need to remember.  Help them form an association between what they must remember and a person, place, object, situation, or emotion.  Have them recite/write the information several times.  Help them divide information into smaller sections.  Use graphic organizers.  Help them form a picture in their mind.  Help them apply the information.  Color-code notes.  Use acronyms.  Help them test themselves.  Try to make remembering a fun activity by using flashcards.