​How to Help Your Rising 3rd Grader With Math Over the Summer (Without the Stress)

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​Wondering how to prevent the summer slide in math without turning your break into a daily battle? You’re not alone.

​Whether your child struggled this year, stayed on track, or worked hard to get ahead, the summer can either build on that progress—or slowly undo it. This is especially important in Florida, where students are expected to master the B.E.S.T. Standards for Math, which are assessed through the statewide FAST Math assessment.

But don’t worry: with just 15–30 minutes a day of the right kind of practice, your child can stay sharp, grow confident, and enjoy math—even during the break.
Why Summer Math Practice Matters
​
The “summer slide” is real. Kids can lose months of progress if they go weeks without reviewing what they’ve learned. But that doesn’t mean you need to sit down with textbooks all summer.
What your rising 3rd grader really needs is consistent, low-pressure practice that feels doable.
And if you’ve already tried:
  • Working together (but it ends in tears)
  • Hiring a tutor (but couldn’t find one who really gets kids, or you found it to be a little too pricey!)
  • Searching for resources (but got overwhelmed)
You’re in the right place.
​
What Math Skills Should a Rising 3rd Grader Work On?

Here are the key math skills 3rd graders in Florida will focus on—and what to review this summer to get ahead:


​Place Value to the Thousands Place
  • Ask: “What is the value of the 3 in 9,308?”
  • Tip: Use base-ten blocks or draw pictures to show value.



​Addition and Subtraction with Regrouping
  • Ask: “What’s 591 + 399?” or “Can you solve    602 – 158?”
  • Tip: Turn it into a shopping or money game.


Basic Multiplication
  • Ask: “If there are 4 boxes with 4 pencils each, how many pencils?”
  • Tip: Build equal groups with snacks, toys, or drawings.


Basic Division
  • Ask: “You have 12 apples and 3 bogs. How many apples are in each bag?”
  • Tip: Think about sharing or grouping.


​Intro to Fractions
  • Ask: “Can you draw one-fifth?” or “Which is bigger—1/5 or 1/2?”
  • Tip: Use pizza slices or folded paper.


Perimeter vs. Area
  • Ask: “What’s the perimeter of this rectangle?” vs. “What’s the area?”
  • Tip: Use graph paper, Legos, or sidewalk chalk!
Spend just a few minutes a day on one topic each week, and your child will walk into 3rd grade with confidence.

 Want It All Done for You?

If you’re thinking, “This sounds great, but how do I actually teach this without losing my mind?” — I’ve got you covered.

Check out my 👉 Step Up to 3rd Grade Math | At-Home Summer Course!
This 6-week, self-paced course includes:
  • ✅ 24 engaging video lessons covering all of the topics I mentioned above - and more!
  • ✅ Printable guides & daily practice pages
  • ✅ Mindset coaching to build confidence
  • ✅ Weekly Zoom check-ins with me (Ms. McCarthy!)
  • ✅ Lifetime access

It’s everything you need to help your child step up—not slide back—this summer.

No stress.
Just press play and follow me. 
​Let's do this! 

- Ms. McCarthy