The First Weeks in Third Grade

St. Bernard’s Junior School is full of learning, growing, and fun, but don’t take our word for it.  This week we spoke with some third graders to learn the inside perspective, and fun was a word that every boy used when describing third grade.
 
Mac M. describes third grade as a little more challenging but fun.  They have computer instead of crafts and get to play recorders in music.  In each day they do many things, such as meditation and listening.  Mac explains that in third grade you will never be bored.  Even if you finish your assignment early, there is always something to do.

Henry W. enjoys the different subjects throughout the day, like history, math, phonics, reading, science, and computer.  Henry really enjoys computer class where he is learning how to type.  The typing games have already taught him a lot, and he is looking forward to improving his typing throughout the year.

One of the best things that happened to Hunter M. this year was finishing a lot of work with time to spare.  At first it was hard to think about multiple things at the same time, but when he figured it out, it felt good and became fun.  His advice to someone starting third grade is to have fun and to do the best you can. 

Lucas T. enjoys the different classes throughout the day, such as history, finish-up, and listening class.  In listening class, a teacher reads a story to the boys and then the boys answer questions about the story they have heard.  He is also enjoying history.  They have started learning about the history of New York, which is really fun.  His advice to someone coming into third grade is to always try your best and to work a lot.  If you do this, you’ll succeed. 

One of Griffin V.’s favorite activities this year was drawing patterns.  He learned how important it was to plan out your design ahead of time to make that sure everything was symmetrical.  Griffin is very happy with his class and teacher, but he knows that you will have fun in third grade no matter what class you’re in.

Jack Z. had a great day at school on his birthday.  When he walked into school, the whole third grade sang happy birthday to him.  It made his day.  His advice to someone starting in third grade is to be prepared.  He also said that if you need a friend, just go to one of the kids and say hello and start talking.  St. B’s is friendly and nice. 

Rowan Q. is excited to play instruments in music class this year.  He is looking forward to the day when the entire third grade performs a recorder song at an all-school assembly.  He also finds that typing is especially fun in computer.  He has been reading a lot this year and has read seven books from the Geronimo Stilton series.  He’s having fun talking about the series with many of his friends.

Ben B. agrees that learning how to play the recorder is awesome.  He has noticed a few changes, such as new lockers, some harder subjects, and new subjects like mindfulness, where the boys listen and take a rest.  His advice to someone starting third grade is to finish your homework, be on time, and read better books.  He would also say that St. B’s is a good school, and it’s a fun place to be. 

Robby B. has noticed some differences this year —recorder, computer, and a new teacher (Mr. Risinger) in music.  They have a mindfulness class, which is a nice time to relax.  On Mondays they have listening class, and they enjoy listening to their teacher read a story before answering questions about the plot and characters.  On the first day of school Robby received a letter from a fourth grader who had left a note for him welcoming him to third grade.  The note said that third grade is really fun, and it made Robby really happy on the first day of school.

We hope that every student at St. B’s is off to as great a start as our third graders!
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