Cursive Writing
Cursive writing is introduced this year. You may choose to take a break from other writing practice until the recommended cursive handwriting workbook is completed. After that, you should require most writing to be done in cursive for at least six months, or until your child writes as easily in cursive as in print. (Thereafter your child may choose whichever style is more comfortable.) You may continue to use the lined paper purchased in second grade for now.
History: The Middle Ages
History continues in third grade with a focus on the middle ages. There is a wealth of child-friendly biographies, historical fiction and literature for this period, from the Arabian Nights to Robin Hood. We recommend allowing more time for history this year to accommodate these and your child's maturing attention span. This historical period was a golden age for civilizations in the Americas, Africa and Asia, and this year is an ideal time to explore the cultures and histories of non-European peoples.
Science
Third grade incorporates science in the form of Ask, a monthly magazine that includes articles and comics written for ages eight and up. At this age the priority is to awaken an enthusiasm for scientific exploration, and there is nothing like receiving a personally addressed magazine in the mail each month to kindle excitement in children. Each issue focuses on a different theme, and you'll be surprised by the wide-ranging knowledge your child will pick up from reading it.
To complement your child's science exploration, take frequent trips to your local library and have him or her choose nonfiction books to incorporate into independent reading time. Beyond this, documentaries such as those available on Curiosity Stream can be enjoyed by the whole family.
If you have subscribed to the optional Ranger Rick and Cricket magazines in earlier grades, they can be continued as long as your child enjoys reading them.
Math
In third grade your child should be completing one to two short workbook pages per day in your chosen math curriculum (Beast Academy or other). Depending on the amount completed in earlier years and whether your family continues math during the summer months, you may edit the curriculum to extend the time needed for level three math.
Reading
By now your child should comfortably read chapter books for 30 minutes to one hour per day in independent reading time. Your child may be capable of reading the literature selections independently as well. We nevertheless recommend continuing to read aloud to your child at least some of the time, as long as he or she enjoys it. If you have other children, they will also benefit from hearing the literature read aloud.
Music (Optional)
If your schedule and budget allow, this year is a good time to begin lessons in piano or another musical instrument. We suggest trying weekly lessons for at least a few months, then continuing as long as your child maintains interest.