You and your third grader can have an exciting and meaningful year together. The faith of eight-year-olds is expanding as is their ability to think logically, to make connections between events, and to understand the feelings and point of view of others. Their enthusiasm for life is unmatched. Children this age welcome new challenges. They have a growing sense of competence and independence. They can do their homework, complete chores, read for enjoyment, and carry on a conversation.

Physical Characteristics

• Enjoys participating in sports, dance or gymnastics
• Wide variations in physical growth from child to child
• Enjoys active play during free play time

Cognitive/Learning Skills

• May become frustrated if his or her work does not live up to expectations
• Enjoys figuring out solutions to problems
• Predominance of literal thinking over abstract reasoning
• Enjoys learning facts in entertaining ways such as games and puzzles

Relationships

• Heightened interest in being a member of a group
• Increasing importance of peer relationships
• May be very competitive
• Enjoys cooperative learning tasks

Religious Growth

• Understands and appreciates the communal dimension of sacramental celebrations
• Enjoys stories from the Acts of the Apostles
• Inspired by Jesus’ Law of Love to incorporate good works in everyday life
• Enjoys having a role in liturgical experiences
• Identifies with the dramatic action and vivid images in the stories of Jesus
• Likes active community service
• Relates to saints as role models who stand for morality, justice, and faith
• Comfortable with a variety of prayer forms

Growing as Disciples

This is an exciting time in the development of children this age. More independent than in previous years, they can develop a deeper appreciation for Scripture, liturgy, community, and prayer. Though they are limited in abstract thinking, they can understand and apply Jesus’ teaching to their lives and become involved in efforts that will help them recognize their own unique gifts and their role in the Church community.

We asked a group of third graders what they would like a parent to know about them. Here’s what they said:

I Wish You Would…

• give me more projects to do.
• understand that I sometimes expect a lot of myself.
• let us tell you what we want to learn.
• give us opportunities to take part in Mass.
• let us work and play in groups and sometimes let me choose who I work with.
• greet me every day with a smile.
• give us a chance to play and have fun.