Learning Guide: Third Grade

6 Ways You Can Help

1. Discuss the books your child is reading both in and out of school. The point isn't to test what she understands; it's simply to help her think about her reactions to the characters and their conflicts.
2. Encourage her to write by writing yourself; find a pen pal -- e-mail or U.S. mail -- she can correspond with.
3. Help your child set up a lemonade stand or sell objects she's made herself or grown in her garden. Show her how to keep track of expenses and revenues.
4. Let your child plan the dinner or breakfast menu for a week. Together, figure out what food items you already have and which ones need to be purchased.
5. Practice estimating. When shopping, have your child keep a running total in her head of three of four items. After the bill is totaled, see how close she came.
6. Spend time with your child on the Internet. Show her how to use search engines to find useful information.