How to Survive Third Grade

Surviving third grade

Going to third grade can be a little scary. But what you are feeling is not fear, it's the anticipation of what is to come. If you are going to the third grade, you must not worry because it will fun and you will learn a lot. However, there are some things you can do to make sure that your experience in the third grade is the best one.

Instructions

1. Don't be fearful. Keep in mind that everyone in your class is also wondering what the third grade will be like. It's not just you. The third grade is about developing the skills you will need for future grades, building relationships that will last for years to come, developing social skills and learning about discipline and respecting others.

2. Get a good night sleep so you wake up well rested. This will help learning become easier because you will have the energy needed to participate in all the daily activities your teacher has planned for the class. Also, it is important that you limit your absences so you don't miss out on important lessons and end up having to catch up constantly.

3. Approach everyone with a friendly attitude. In the third grade, many classmates will be your potential friends for years to come. Although you don't need to have a specific "best friend," you should at least find classmates that you can interact with on recess or sit with at lunch time.

4. Participate in all activities. Don't miss out on physical education, music class, computer lab or library time. Even if you don't automatically like it, make the best of it. In the long run, you will have more fun, and your grades will also improve since teachers grade these activities based mostly on participation and effort.

5. Treat your classmates, teachers and other school personnel with respect and how you want to be treated. Set a good example by going out of your way to be helpful and kind to other students, specially, new kids and shy or disabled children. In the third grade, the way you behave will be remembered by others and making a good impression will take you far and will set your apart from the crowd.

6. Pay attention and listen to your teacher. Since you will be spending many hours of the day at school, it is important to develop a strong bond with your teacher by showing that you are eager to learn, and displaying an attentive, helpful and patient attitude. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you need help, but keep in mind that other classmates are also there to learn, so try not to take all of your teacher's time, and avoid talking about topics that are not related to the lesson.

7. Do well in class. Get in the habit of reading daily and mastering spelling concepts. Also, work on upcoming projects or review math lessons each night, so you won't have to catch up the night before an exam. This is a good habit to develop in the third grade because in future years, this habit will make things much easier for you to get good grades.

8. Communicate with your parents, teachers and principal if someone is bullying you or if something is affecting your experience in the third grade. Don't be scared to speak-up and express your concerns, but do it in a respectful manner.

9. Don't make fun of others or make jokes about other classmates. By making fun of others you will make yourself look like a bully, and you may regret it later. For instance, if you make fun of others your teachers and classmates will look at you differently than if you are nice to others.

10. Stay true to yourself and what you believe in. Don't do something you don't want to do. In the third grade, kids are more aware of their surroundings, and there may be some troublemakers. You don't have become a troublemaker to be "cool." Focus more on learning and making friends; that will make the third grade much easier and fun.

References

• Education.com: Third Grade Activities

Resources

• Laurie Lawlor: How to Survive Third Grade