Whew -- 3rd grade is proving to be a challenge.
But, challenges are good . . . right?!!!
Yes, of course, a challenge makes us grow, blah blah blah.
If that's so, we're doing a lot of growing at our house lately.
Don't be mistaken, Maddy loves 3rd grade and her wonderful teachers.
It's the homework and tests that are bogging her down a little.
This week has been an especially tough one with math and social studies tests on Tuesday, then English and science on Wednesday and spelling on Friday!
Her little back nearly buckled under the weight of her school books on Monday! Luckily, I was there to carry it to the car for her. Seriously, it was heavy for me!
Well, you can only study for so long when you're 8! It's not like you can pull an all-nighter. And really, we study a little every night -- I try to go over the next day's lesson with her and we spend about 10 -15 minutes per subject, so maybe 30-45 minutes in all.
Having to spend time studying again for tests on Tuesday night after having done so on Monday night was starting to stress her out. Maddy was getting a wee bit frustrated, and I could tell that she needed a breather. So, instead of chowing down on chocolates (which I totally would have done to deal with stress), we pulled out some crafts!
She painted rocks with Halloween sayings and creatures, and I worked on a cute ribbon-pumpkin project! We both felt better when she went up to bed with a smile on her face instead of a frown. I hate to send my little pumpkin to bed when she's upset and worried.
Now, we just have to get through that spelling test this week!
16 comments:
3rd grade is a huge adjustment year. I have so many kids come back to second grade and tell me how much homework they have and then thank me for not giving them that much homework the previous year!
I've heard 3rd grade is quite an adjustment. While I was reading your post my head was nodding "yes" to everything you wrote. My little girl is carrying her extremely heavy backpack home everyday with loads of homework and studying for multiple tests each week too. I'm only dealing with 2nd grade, I can only imagine what next year will bring. I think you're doing a great job at mixing fun projects along with homework/studying. It can be a bit overwhelming if you only study, study, study.
BTW, love the picture of your girl. Perfect for this post! :-)
3rd grade was a killer at our house. 7th grade has been equally difficult. So, I completely understand the stress level for both of you. I'd love to see your Halloween crafts! Sounds like the perfect way to escape.
I hear ya, sister! Weekly homework is such a drag! It makes me want to run off and craft too!
Hope Maddy's tests go well this week!
wow 3rd grade...I remember those days with my Boys..they are an adjustment..but before she knows it she will be feeling very confident...a little craft project now and then lifts a girls spirits..YOU are a great Mom!!
You are a good mommy!
Lea
xo
Oh no!!! :( I teach 3rd and wow, is it a lot of stuff these children are required to learn. I try to make sure that my kiddos are finished with their work during the day and the only homework they have is what they don't finish in class. However, there are generally multiple tests during the week. Hug that sweet girl from me and tell her to take a deep breath and know that she will get through it! You're a good mommy, Janet!
Have also heard that about 3rd grade. You are an awesome mama helping her study. Of course with a craft break for fun!
Love miss Maddy's hat by the way! Too cute. :)
I have hear that about 3rd Grade. She is lucky to have a Mama like you to help her out.
You must post a picture of your ribbon pumpkin it sounds neat!
Oh yes, they ramp it up don't they? Harry breezed through 3rd but seems to be feeling this exact stuff this year in 4th. They are growing up so quickly!!!
3rd Grade wasn't too bad at our house, but we are loaded down with 4th Grade homework this year. Some nights Cara does homework for 2 hours! It helps if we study a little, take a small break, study a little, etc. Hang in there!
Oh my goodness, really? What school does she go to...is it a private school? I was curious because my oldest is in 3rd grade (public), and he has 1 math sheet per night, and that's it. Hmmm... I wouldn't like that much homework either, but I wonder if our school is missing something...
I don't even think my son has had any tests except for math. Wow, what a difference, huh? Now you've got me wondering...
I hear ya!!! Third grade was a a huge adjustment for Liam too... and I was less-than-thrilled myself with the amount of work for that age. I think they over do it. A lot of it was for those end-of-the-year tests too.
Hope she is feeling better soon and the workload gets a bit easier.
I am afraid of third grade! Although first grade has been a breeze compared with kindergarten. As much as I loved the Tongginator's kindergarten teacher, she PILED on the homework. This year it takes 5 to 10 minutes; last year it took 30 to 45, depending on the night.
Oh yes... 3rd Grade is when they really start to crank up the pace. It is a big year of growing.... I remember it so well with Nick.
I am sure she will do just fine....it just takes some time to get adjusted to the new pace.
Hope she has a great week~
xoxo,
Lisa
Yup, we are making the 3rd grade adjustment this year too....Lots of reading, lots of projects, lots of requests to be responsible :) It's really wearing my Carter out! He can't wait till Fall Break! ((me too!!))
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