print add to favorites

by Julie Williams
Topics: Third Grade, Math, Science

"Are we there yet?" Remember that question…or, more accurately, that desperate moan? There’s nothing quite like the misery of feeling trapped in the back seat of the car for hours on end…unless, of course, you’re in the front seat listening. 

Different strategies work with different ages, of course—including the perennial favorite of Traveling in the Middle of the Night. But if you’re planning a trip with a third grader, consider this, with a few simple tools - a road map, a highlighter, and pencil and paper, you may be able to harness that impatience and reinforce some solid academic skills while you’re at it.
 

Here’s what you can do:
  • Get an old fashioned road map. This may sound obvious, but nowadays, when kids hear about directions, they often think first of map quests and GPS. For this activity, be sure to choose a big map with a clear key showing scale and types of road. It should also include “junction markers” with mileage numbers indicated. (Rand McNally makes good ones, as does AAA).
  • Before your trip, spread your map out on a table and talk about it. By the beginning of third grade, your child should be familiar with north, south, east, and west. He should be able to show you what is land, water, city, state, town, highway, and road. Check to make sure your kid can find these on your map and that he can read the key.

  • Now get the big picture. Going to meet Uncle Fred and his six kids in their orange minivan at Cousin Max’s summer cabin, the one with the pet ferret? Put your child to work figuring out the best way to get there (and while you’re at it, consider routes to a decent motel for Mom and Dad). Start by helping your child find your starting point and destination, and mark each one with a highlighter.

  • Have fun with planning. Now point out heavy interstate lines, lighter state and local roads. What does your young explorer recommend? “Scenic” roads on which the car will travel slower; or “Speed” roads that may be less gorgeous but will get you there faster? Talk it over—and when your kid has made a decision that you think you can live with too, invite him or her to trace it with a highlighter.
  • How Far? If your third grader is on track in math, he or she should be ready for the next stage: calculating distance. On a piece of plain lined paper, have your child record distances using the numbers between “flags” on the map. Create a chart like this, and have your kid tally total miles: