So my 3rd grader did his first lessons in Science and Social Studies today. We were both shocked (in a good way) at how incredibly different the science and social studies programs are this year as opposed to the 2nd grade levels. We were so used to the small, animated lessons that when he first logged in and we saw the first lesson on Vikings…our jaws dropped, lol. I had seen the lesson plans, but honestly only briefly.
We were able to sit and read together and even involved daddy, who enjoyed being able to help. As my son read through all the information in the activities, my hubby and I just kept looking at one another going “wow! this is great!” Even though these lessons were not even remotely similar to the 2nd grade lessons he remembered, my son was totally enthralled in what he was doing. When he printed out the little Viking cards and got out his first “notebook,” I think it finally hit him that 3rd grade is not the “little kid’s school” (his words) anymore. :o)
By the time he moved on to Science, got his next notebook started and did all the measurements that the first lesson asked him to get, he truly felt like he accomplished something today. What a proud moment for us all. And we are totally looking forward to what the next lessons hold!! :o)
Tracy
September 11, 2007 | 10:48 pm1
WTG! Great post and it really is interesting to see the differences in the second grade and the third grade. It is neat to be able to hear how other families are doing!
john edelson
September 11, 2007 | 1:40 pm2
Kat, This is so interesting for us to read. I’ve often wondered how kids react to the changes in different levels. We get some questions from parents who want to know if they can have the same characters every year (you might have noticed that many characters are only used in certain levels) but this is interesting to hear about how proud he was to be in the more-mature style science and social studies. Thanks,