In third grade your child will move beyond “learning to read” and will begin “reading to learn.”  This will be emphasized in topics of study - such as pioneers, the solar system, and animal classifications.  Writing in cursive and mastering multiplication are goals as well.  As your child’s academic skills progress, so will the social skills.   3rd graders are able to work cooperatively and productively with other children in small groups to complete projects and activities -- being helpful, cheerful, and pleasant are great choices for friendships and team building.