You've made it to the back hall, and we are so excited for you as you begin this new journey through elementary school. Third graders have the big job of reading to learn, which is different from when you were learning to read from kindergarten through second grade. Your teachers cannot wait to join you on your learning exploration this year. Please use the educational activities and challenges below to help prepare for 3rd grade.
Have your child read a book for 20-30 minutes each day. You can find digital books on his or her reading level through EPIC and Sora. The links are on the second page of the reading challenge.
When your child knows his or her high frequency words, it makes reading comprehension easier. To review words from 2nd grade words use this list. To begin working on the 3rd grade words use this list.
Headsprout is a phonics program that was purchased by Rock Spring Elementary. If your child was enrolled during the 219-2020 school year he or she should have an account. Contact your child's previous teacher for login information.
Writing is an important skill for second graders. The best way to help your child become a better writer is to encourage him or her to write everyday. You may want to give them a summer writing journal or keep a folder of what they have written. Then at the end of the summer you can go back and look at what they have written.
You can let them pick a topic or use the Summer Writing Challenge ideas. Children can also draw pictures and write about their picture. Providing children with a choice in what they are writing will help motivate them. If they love superheros, unicorns, or space have them write about something they love and know a lot about.
Your child may ask for help spelling words, but as they are writing the focus is on getting ideas down on paper. Tell your child to sound out the word the best way they can and circle it. You can then work on spelling after he or she has finished writing. When you help with spelling, ask your child to sound the word out and write down each sound. My students also kept a list more difficult works in the back of their writing journals, and you may decide this is a strategy that you would like to use with your child as well.
Have Fun With Math!
It's summer and your child is ready for fun, but we also know that we don't want our children to forget the skills they worked hard to learn this year. Use the games in this section to help your child prepare for 3rd grade in a fun way. The Henry Count Schools math resources are also available for your child to use over the summer. Below you will find directions on how to access the HMH website.