Introduction
Third grade is a significant year in the way students start to show real awareness of themselves in the world. They are more attentive to how peers and adults around them behave and start to be more aware of their place in the group. Third graders are naturally more independent and not only tie their own shoes but also manage materials such as laptop computers and iPads. We work hard to recognize and celebrate their independence while keeping in mind they still want hugs from the adults in their lives and may still sleep with a favorite stuffed animal at night.