I have decreed that third grade is over.  We have completed 180 days plus of "instruction".  No, we did not finish all of the books.  That's OK.  I don't recall ever finishing a book when I was in public school.  Grammar and science were finished weeks ago, but I was holding out hope for finishing math. 

     The Crafter finished Singapore Primary Math 3A and 3B and Extra Practice 3.  I wanted her to work through Singapore's Challenging Word Problems 3.  Well when they say challenging, they mean it.  She hit a wall and I couldn't help.  You would think that having a math degree would fully equip me for anything third grade math could throw out, but NO.  Oh, I can solve the problems quite easily--if I use algebra.  Somehow, I don't think third graders should need to use systems of equations.  It's time for the Crafter to put the Challenging Word Problems away, but I will conquer them.  It's personal.