In third grade, social-studies textbooks introduce the idea of the United States as a community of many cultures. Looking beyond our borders, students compare the customs and traditions of communities from around the world with those of communities in our country. Third-graders also experience different cultures through folktales, art, music, poetry, and various holiday celebrations. Continuing their study of geography, the students examine how land, climate, and natural resources affect the way people in different communities live and work. This helps them draw conclusions about the reasons some communities change and others stay the same. Throughout the year, children study different kinds of maps, such as grid maps (including road maps), topographical maps (which depict elevation)
, and physical maps (which show the natural features of an area); find locations around the world using lines of longitude and latitude; and use a map scale to calculate distances on a map. Later in the year, the curriculum turns to the study of U.S. history and government, particularly the creation of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and the reasons we have three branches of government. Students also meet more major figures from U.S. history, through their textbooks and other materials.
Thoughts of War. As students learn more about the world around them, it's difficult to avoid discussing war. As developing thinkers
, third-graders are naturally curious about the causes of war and its effects on people. Due to the inherently scary nature of the topic, and our nation's involvement in conflicts, teachers will usually present basic facts about war, but might redirect more sensitive questions back to parents and grandparents
so be prepared to answer some challenging questions.
* Your grandchildren might have to do a school project this year on a country other than the United States. You can help them find information for these projects at reliable websites like
National Geographic's.
* The structure of the U.S. government isn’t the easiest subject for third-graders to grasp. A book like Kathleen Krull's A Kids' Guide to America's Bill of Rights: Curfews, Censorship, and the 100-Pound Giant (HarperCollins, 1999) can help kids understand difficult concepts. This website produced by the House of Representatives can help as well.
* Joanne O’Sullivan’s 101 Places You Gotta See Before You're 12! (Lark, 2006) isn’t just for kids. Filled with facts and more than 250 color photos, this book will introduce you and your grandchildren to some of the most amazing places in the world, and maybe even inspire a family trip.
Kitchen Culture. Third grade is all about getting to know different cultures. Get your grandchildren into the kitchen and let them help you cook a traditional dish or two from your family's culture. Not only will you encourage them to preserve these recipes for the future, you'll give them valuable insights into your family's history.
Globe-Trotter. Test your grandchildren’s growing knowledge of the world by having them spin a globe with their eyes closed. When you say "Stop," have them put a finger on the globe and tell you a fact about that country or region of the world. If they can’t come up with a fact, help them find one online or in an encyclopedia or reference book.
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