The Life of a 3rd Grader
A Day in the Life of a 3rd Grader in America (From a 3rd Grader)
Hi! I’m in 3rd grade, and every day is a little different but always fun (and a little bit challenging too). Let me tell you all about my day, from recess to homework and everything in between!
Waking Up and Getting Ready
I wake up around 6 AM because I need at least 10 hours of sleep (so says my mom). I eat breakfast—sometimes it’s cereal, but when I’m lucky, we have Toaster Strudels! Then, I get dressed, grab my backpack, and make sure I have my lunch (sometimes I forget it). Depending on where you live, mornings can be really different. In California, some kids might walk to school in warm weather, but in Minnesota, you’ll see kids bundling up in big coats because it’s super cold!
Recess: The Best Part!
Recess is hands down my favorite time of the day. For 30 minutes, we get to run around, play tag, soccer, cheer, or hang out on the playground. The girls and boys sometimes split up—some kids play on the swings, while others play football or basketball. In Texas, recess can get really hot in the spring, but in places like Maine, it’s all about bundling up in winter gear just to play in the snow.
Class Time: Learning to Focus
3rd grade is serious business. We’re learning multiplication (those times tables are tough!), and we have longer books to read. My teacher gives us letter grades now, like A’s and B’s, which means we have to pay attention. Kids in some schools get extra help if they need it, but in other places, they don’t get as much support because funding is down. My teacher says that school funding has been a problem in lots of places. In some areas, like small towns in the Midwest, schools might not have the money for enough supplies or new books. In bigger cities, kids might have more access to computers, but not all of us get to use them every day.
Lunch Time: What’s on the Menu?
Lunch is always a big deal, especially if we get pizza! I bring my lunch from home most of the time, but some of my friends buy school lunch. Depending on where you live, school lunch can be really different. In places like California, they might have fresh fruit and even smoothies, but in smaller towns where money is tight, the options can be more limited. Some schools are struggling because they don’t get enough money to offer a lot of different foods, but we make it work!
Homework: Not Always Fun
We get a little bit of homework each day—usually math or spelling. It’s not too bad, but I’d rather be playing video games. My teacher says that doing homework helps us prepare for tests. Schools in some areas have a lot of money for books and supplies to help us learn, but in other places, kids don’t have as many resources. In some states, like Mississippi and West Virginia, schools don’t get as much funding, and that makes it harder for students to get the help they need.
Friends, Fun, and Bedtime
Hanging out with my friends is the best part of school. Whether it’s talking about video games at lunch or playing games during recess, we always have a good time. I’ve made more friends this year because our class is bigger.
By the time the day is done, I have to be in bed by 8:30 PM. That way, I’m ready for another day of learning, recess, and fun. But not all schools are the same—depending on where you live, school can be a bit different, and funding cuts have made things harder for some schools. My teacher says that lots of schools need more money for things like books, art classes, and sports. But no matter what, we always try to make the most of our day.
3rd grade is busy and exciting, but whether you live in a big city or a small town, it’s all about learning and having fun with friends. There’s a lot to do, but with recess, snacks, and friends by your side, it’s the best!
