Preparing for 3rd Grade (and beyond!)

Have you ever had that freak out moment when you realize your new group of students are not ready for what you have planned? You’re suddenly stuck and begin thinking, “Do I move forward with my lesson? Or do I back up and ease them into the concept?”

Unfortunately for me, the freak out happens at the beginning of every year. As you may know, I teach third grade (and love it!). The developmental gap of a student moving from 2nd to 3rd grade is like crossing the Grand Canyon. 3rd grade tends to be a beast due to students taking the mandated standardized state test for the first time. As 2nd graders, the pressure of classroom expectation and performance is lower, the maturity level is young and independence is almost non-existent. 3rd graders are independent, mature, and responsible students. But, how do we get them there?? I try to figure out how to take these babies and turn them into mini adults, not to mention teach all the 3rd grade curriculum (with the assumption they understand it the first go-around…a dream, I know!) in time for the test. It’s a huge undertaking.

I realized this yearly anxiety attack could be avoided if I would just chat with 2nd grade teachers and encourage them to gear their students up for the transition by 4th Quarter. Maybe then the process would not be so daunting for them, their families, and the teachers.

Some suggestions I made to the teachers were…

• Have students write down their own homework in their daily agenda (posting on a website should be a back-up plan, not a crutch)
• Create an accountability system for students to ensure their name is on their paper. Having to double check this minor instruction takes away from the importance of the curriculum and becomes a nightmare when grading.
• Ensure students make up all missed work. Allowing students to miss school and not be held accountable does them a disservice when each assignment aids in their understanding of concepts but also is part of their final grade.
• Allow students to share feelings, but whining and excessive crying need to be discouraged. Create a safe place for students to take a moment and collect themselves. Crying because something is “too hard” or “not right” is distracting to one’s self and others. Not to mention, a lot of material must be taught and time should not be wasted.
• Hold students accountable for having test papers signed or paperwork filled out and returned. Students need to communicate important information to their parents. A follow-up email could be delivered to parents as a reminder, but encouraging students to take responsibility for what needs to be done on their end only helps them develop independence and maturity.

My list sure sounds harsh. However, I am only asking these things the last quarter of second grade so that we can hit the ground running day one of third grade. As a teacher I can’t do this on my own. I need the students to step it up, and these few suggestions could make things not only easier but create opportunities for a greater success for all students. Students are capable. Make the expectation clear by having an open discussion about why things are going to change in the classroom. If students feel they are part of the process and included in the discussion, they will be more apt to participate fully. I have seen some of the most “young” second graders develop into the strongest children in third grade. It’s a beautiful transformation to watch, but you must provide the opportunity and insight.

Of course, I then met with the 4th grade team to see what I could be doing fourth quarter with my 3rd graders to better prepare them for 4th grade . The list was shorter because the gap is not quite as large. However, it was insightful to see the expectations of the next grade level. I believe this is the first year my students will be 100% successful the following year because I took steps to ensure that reality. They deserve only the best. As teachers we are a team, not a grade level. Communicate, communicate, communicate!!

(This post was inspired by the many upset parents I had this year who felt that last year their child was babied and now they were expected to go out and take on the world. Students were under-prepared, not just at my school but throughout the district and state). I want to report that all students made the transformation through blood, sweat and many tears. But, I prefer to end this anxiety ridden cycle, don’t you?!

If you would like more tips for teaching this grade level, read my post on “What to Expect when Teaching Third Grade.” And, if you are in need of resources to teach third grade, click here.

What would your suggestions be to the grade level below you??

About the author, Gretchen

I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.

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