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Helping with Math

Age 8-10 Math Worksheets

In this section, you can view all of our math worksheets and resources that are suitable for 8 to 10-year-olds..

We add dozens of new worksheets and materials for math teachers and homeschool parents every month. Below are the latest age 8-10 worksheets added to the site.

Classifying Shapes by Lines and Angles 4th Grade Math Worksheets

Understanding Number and Shape Patterns 4th Grade Math Worksheets

Prime and Composite Numbers 4th Grade Math Worksheets

Comparing Multi-digit Numbers 4th Grade Math Worksheets

Solving Word Problems Involving Perimeter and Area of Rectangle 4th Grade Math Worksheets

Understanding Decimal Notations 4th Grade Math Worksheets

Multiplicative Comparisons and Equations 4th Grade Math Worksheets

Writing Multi-Digit Numbers Using Base 10 Numerals 4th Grade Math Worksheets

Understanding Angles and Its Measures 4th Grade Math Worksheets

Understanding Properties and Hierarchy of Shapes 5th Grade Math Worksheets

Creating Line Plots with Fractions 5th Grade Math Worksheets

Solving Word Problems Involving Coordinate Plane 5th Grade Math Worksheets

Solving Volume of Solid Figures 5th Grade Math Worksheets

Converting Like Measurement Units 5th Grade Math Worksheets

Dividing Whole Number by Fraction 5th Grade Math Worksheets

Unlike Fractions (Denominators greater than 10) 5th Grade Math Worksheets

Subtracting Whole Numbers and Decimals (Tenths to Thousandths) 5th Grade Math Worksheets

Order of Operations and Grouping Symbols 5th Grade Math Worksheet

Rounding Off Decimals Up To Thousandths 5th Grade Math Worksheets

Multiplying Fractions and Whole Numbers 5th Grade Math Worksheets

8-10 years of age math learning objectives & standards:.

• The topics and skills in this age bracket are obviously more compact that the previous age brackets’. General topics in this cluster include operations of decimals , unlike fractions , proper and improper fractions , multiplication and division of multi-digit numbers,  area and perimeter of polygons, angle measurement, conversions of like units, and basic geometric terms. 
• The learners in this level broaden their understanding of decimals. Together with the grasped concepts from the previous age bracket, learners will deepen their knowledge of basic concepts of decimals. They will use it in order to compare decimals using the different inequality symbols ; ordering decimals that can be used to create number lines; convert fractions to decimals and vice versa; write decimals in expanded and standard forms; add, subtract, and round decimals; and solve word problems involving decimals. 
• They attain mastery of the four basic fundamental math operations involving multi-digit whole numbers . This will help them to discover the world of factors and multiples of numbers. The learned skills of basic operations should also be used to solve real-life situations like determining the total bill after a meal, the total price of goods in the supermarket, the change after a $100 bill is handed out to the cashier, and to know how much is the price of a good per piece given in a bundle. 
• With the continuation of deepening their understanding of fractions, learners will put emphasis not only with like fractions but also unlike fractions (fractions with different denominators). Here, they will acquire the needed skills by differentiating and illustrating proper and improper fractions, adding and subtracting proper and improper fractions, comparing like and unlike fractions, adding and subtracting these kinds of fractions, simplifying fractions , ordering fractions to create line graphs and line plots with fractional units, and solve average to challenging word problems involving fractions.
• This age bracket also has a wide range of geometric topics. They will delve into the concepts and strategies of computing for the perimeter and area of different types of polygons given its identified dimensions. They will also experience deriving the dimensions from the given area. In the latter part, they will deal with various word problems where area and perimeter can be used to arrive with the final and correct answer. 
• Aside from perimeter and area, learners will also investigate the meaning and application of points, lines, and planes. Here, they will build their own understanding of the foundation of all theorems, corollaries, axioms, and definitions of other geometric principles. In addition, they will initially understand what an angle is, its different types based on their angle measurement, and how it is useful in daily lives. They will have an opportunity to distinguish the different types of quadrilaterals by their renowned properties and will classify them based on their hierarchy. At the end, they will reinforce their knowledge of shape transformations and symmetrical shapes by dealing with more illustrative exercises and word problems. 
• Just like the previous stages, learners in this age bracket will have an opportunity to strengthen and deepen their understanding of measurements by converting one unit to another. But this time, examples and exercises are limited to like units only. They will be asked to express a given measurement to a larger or smaller unit.

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ABC book with pictures pdf free download

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Hungry Caterpillar Days of the Week

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Skip Counting Mazes

Make practicing counting by 2s-10s with these fun math worksheets that have an increasing levels of difficulty

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Number Writing Practice

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Countries for Kids

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Sandwich Book Report Form

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Human Body Project

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Book Report Template

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An Age-By-Age Guide to Helping Kids Manage Homework

Do you ever wonder whether homework is gauging the child’s ability to complete assignments or the parent’s? On one end of the spectrum, a parent might never mention homework and assume it gets done independently; on the other end are the parents who micromanage to be sure every worksheet is absolutely perfect.

Being too laissez faire about homework might deny a child the support they need to develop executive functioning skills, but being too involved could stifle their independence. So how much parent participation in homework is actually appropriate throughout a child’s education?

Basic homework tips

According to Scholastic , you should follow these rules of thumb to support your child during homework (without going overboard):

Stay nearby and available for questions without getting right in the middle of homework.

Avoid the urge to correct mistakes unless your child asks for help.

Instead of nagging, set up a homework routine with a dedicated time and place.

Teach time management for a larger project by helping them break it into chunks.

Child psychologist Dr. Emily W. King recently wrote about rethinking homework in her newsletter. King explains at what ages kids are typically able to do homework independently, but she writes that each child’s ability to concentrate at the end of the day and use executive functioning skills for completing tasks is very individual. I talked to her for more information on how much parental involvement in homework completion is needed, according to a child’s age and grade level.

Kindergarten to second grade

Whether children even need homework this early is a hot debate. Little ones are still developing fine motor skills and their ability to sit still and pay attention at this age.

“If a child is given homework before their brain and body are able to sit and focus independently, then we are relying on the parent or other caregivers to sit with the child to help them focus,” King said. “ Think about when the child is able to sit and focus on non-academic tasks like dinner, art, or music lessons. This will help you tease out executive functioning skills from academic understanding.”

Elementary-age children need time for unstructured play and structured play like music, arts, and sports. They need outside time, free time, and quiet time, King said. For children who are not ready for independent work, nightly reading with another family member is enough “homework,” she said.

Third to fifth grades

Many children will be able to do homework independently in grades 3-5. Even then, their ability to focus and follow through may vary from day to day.

“Most children are ready for practicing independent work between third and fifth grade, but maybe not yet in the after-school hours when they are tired and want to rest or play. We need to begin exposing children to organization and structure independently in late elementary school to prepare them for more independence in middle school,” King said.

Neurodivergent kids may need more parental support for several years before they work independently.

“Neurodivergent children, many of whom have executive functioning weaknesses, are not ready to work independently in elementary school. Children without executive functioning weaknesses (e.g., the ability to remain seated and attend to a task independently) are able to do this somewhere between third and fifth grade, but it’s very possible they can work independently at school but be too tired to do it later in the afternoon,” King said. “We need to follow the child’s skills and give them practice to work independently when they seem ready. Of course, if a child wants to do extra work after school due to an interest, go for it.”

For students who are not ready to work independently in middle school, it is better to reduce the amount of homework they are expected to complete so they can practice independence and feel successful.

Middle school

In sixth grade and later, kids are really developing executive functioning skills like planning, organizing, paying attention, initiating, shifting focus, and execution. They will still need your encouragement to keep track of assignments, plan their time, and stick to a homework routine.

“Middle school students need lots of organization support and putting systems in place to help them keep track of assignments, due dates, and materials,” King said.

High school

By this point, congratulations: You can probably be pretty hands-off with homework. Remain open and available if your teen needs help negotiating a problem, but executing plans should be up to them now.

“In high school, parents are working to put themselves out of a job and begin stepping back as children take the lead on homework. Parents of high schoolers are ‘homework consultants,’” King said. “We are there to help solve problems, talk through what to say in an email to a teacher, but we are not writing the emails or talking to the teachers for our kids.”

What if homework is not working for them (or you)

There are a number of reasons a child might not be managing homework at the same level as their peers, including academic anxiety and learning disabilities.

If your child is showing emotional distress at homework time, it might be a sign that they have run out of gas from the structure, socialization, and stimulation they have already been through at school that day. One way to support kids is to teach them how to have a healthy balance of work and play time.

“When we ask students to keep working after school when their tank is on empty, we likely damage their love of learning and fill them with dread for tomorrow,” King wrote in her newsletter.

King said in her experience as a child psychologist, the amount of homework support a child needs is determined by their individual abilities and skills more than their age or grade level.

“All of these steps vary for a neurodivergent child and we are not following these guidelines by age or grade but rather by their level of skills development to become more independent,” she said. “In order to independently complete homework, a child must be able to have attended to the directions in class, brought the materials home, remember to get the materials out at home, remember to begin the task, understand the task, remain seated and attention long enough to complete the task, be able to complete the task, return the work to their backpack, and return the work to the teacher. If any of these skills are weak or the child is not able to do these independently, there will be a breakdown in the system of homework. You can see why young students and neurodivergent students would struggle with this process.”

If you and your child have trouble meeting homework expectations, talk to their teacher about what could be contributing to the problem and how to modify expectations for them.

“Get curious about your child’s skill level at that time of day,” King said. “Are they able to work independently at school but not at home? Are they not able to work independently any time of day? Are they struggling with this concept at school, too? When are they successful?”

Home » Tools for Your 8-Year-Old » Homework for Your 8-Year-Old

Homework for Your 8-Year-Old

Listen to an audio file of this tool.

Now Is the Right Time!

As a parent or someone in a parenting role, you play an essential role in your 8-year-old child’s success. There are intentional ways to grow a healthy parent-child relationship, and setting up a daily homework routine provides a perfect opportunity.

Children ages 5-10 are in the process of establishing critical learning habits, including how they approach homework, that will extend throughout their school years. For most children, homework is a nightly reality. Children who have a parent or someone in a parenting role involved in supporting learning at home and are engaged in their school community have more consistent attendance, better social skills, and higher grade point averages and test scores than those children without such support. 1 Indeed, the best predictor of students’ academic achievement is parental involvement.

Yet, there are challenges. “I don’t want to do homework. I haven’t had any time to play,” might be a frequent complaint you hear from your seven-year-old. Your child may engage you in power struggles when they have other goals in mind. Their goal – “How can I play longer?” – is typical.

A study by the National Center on Families Learning found that 60% of American families struggle to help children with their homework. 2 More than 25% admit that the reason they struggle is that they are too busy; this is up from just over 20% in 2013. Other reasons parents identified for having trouble with helping with homework were not understanding the subject matter (34%) and pushback from their kids (41%). 3

While getting a regular homework routine going might be a challenge, it can be a joyful experience that promotes valuable skills for school and life success. The steps below include specific, practical strategies along with effective conversation starters to support a homework routine in cooperative ways that avoid a daily struggle.

Why Homework?

Five and six-year-olds will be brand new to the homework experience, and you will have an opportunity to establish positive habits that will stay with them for years to come. Seven, eight, nine, and ten-year-olds will be bringing brand new academic challenges home like reading with competence and learning fractions. Additionally, they may be expected to complete long-term projects. This will take a whole new level of planning and organization. These homework assignments can become a challenge if regular routines are not established. Today, in the short term, establishing effective homework habits will create

• greater cooperation and motivation;
• greater opportunities for connection and enjoyment as you implement your respective roles and feel set up for success;
• trust in each other that you have the competence to complete your responsibilities with practice and care;
• reduced frustrations from a lack of organization, space, or resources; and
• learning about your child’s school curriculum.

Tomorrow, in the long term, homework helps your child

• build skills in collaboration and cooperative goal setting;
• build skills in responsible decision making, hard work, and persistence;
• gains independence, life skills competence, and self-sufficiency; and
• develops positive learning habits that contribute directly to school success.

Five Steps for Creating a Homework Routine

This five-step process helps your family establish a routine for homework. It also builds important skills in your child. The same process can be used to address other parenting issues as well ( learn more about the process ).

These steps are done best when you and your child are not tired or in a rush.

Intentional communication and a healthy parenting relationship support these steps.

Step 1. Get Your Child Thinking by Getting Their Input

You can get your child thinking about establishing a homework routine by asking them open-ended questions. You’ll help prompt your child’s thinking. You’ll also begin to better understand their thoughts, feelings, and challenges related to homework so that you can address them. In gaining input, your child

• has the opportunity to think through the routine and problem solve through any challenges they may encounter ahead of time;
• has a greater stake in anything they’ve designed themselves (and with that sense of ownership, comes a greater responsibility for implementing the routine);
• will have more motivation to work together and cooperate because of their sense of ownership; and
• will be working with you on making informed decisions (understanding the reasons behind those decisions) about a critical aspect of their learning — their homework.
• “How do you want to spend your time after school?”
• “Would you like a snack first?”
• “Do you want to change into play clothes first?”
• “Do you want time to rest or run outside and play?”
• “Considering all of the activities that typically take place after school, when is the best time for you to do homework?”
• Experiment to figure out a plan for homework. Since the homework experience for younger children is new, you’ll want to take a week and try out different times to see what works best with your child’s energy. Your child, for example, may say that they want to get homework done right after school only to find that they’re mentally worn and need a break. So, ask key questions and assign a first trial week. If one way doesn’t work, try out an after-dinner time and ask again: “Does this time work better?” Everyone has different energy cycles and times when they feel better able to focus, so work on discovering that rhythm with your child and you’ll go a long way toward setting them up for success!
• Once you agree upon a time that makes sense for all, your attempts to keep that time sacred and consistent for homework will be important to ensure it becomes a habit and routine. If you are consistent, it can serve as a predictable, non-negotiable process. Your child knows what to expect and when to expect it.
• Take note of the time when your child has said is the best time to do homework. Set a timer to go off at that time. Instead of you calling out, “Time for homework!” which may incite a battle, an inanimate, dispassionate object is alerting them. You can use a kitchen timer outside or inside.
• If your child has decided to do homework right after school, be certain to provide a healthy high protein snack first (peanut butter crackers, cheese stick and apples). You may even consider having this snack ready for the car ride home.
• If you cannot offer a choice in the time of day homework is completed, then find another choice your child can make. For example, you could allow your child to decide what space they use, or what snack they will have to accompany homework completion. Adding some level of choice to the process will prevent power struggles and help your child take ownership.
• a well-lit location (or get a task lamp to light up a preferred spot);
• close proximity to your family’s living space or kitchen (wherever you’ll typically be so that you are never far to offer support); and
• a hard work surface that can get dirty. (Your child may need to color with markers, use glue sticks, cut, and more. Make sure your surface is durable.)
• School supplies: loose leaf paper, crayons, glue sticks, scissors, pencils, pencil sharpener, a children’s dictionary, and any other items you anticipate they might need.
• No clutter. In fact, a disorganized environment can distract from a child’s focus. So eliminate clutter, organize tools, and only have the essentials at hand. Invest in a few supply holders to keep tools neat and ready.
• A binder, bin, or other receptacle designated for school papers that are brought home and stay at home.
• The goal of a homework space is to provide a well-equipped, consistent place for your child to fully focus on the work at hand. In this way, they’ll know what to expect. You won’t have to struggle over frustrations when they can’t find a school tool. And, they’ll learn to take greater responsibility for their learning as they work with you to organize this space.
• Make it fun! Designing a homework spot together can be an enjoyable experience. Allow your child to pick out their own organization bins and school tools. Perhaps they could make a sign with their name on it to designate the space. Or, create a poster with an inspirational saying like, “Good things come from hard work!” Take a little time to label your new supply holders not only with names but also with stickers or drawings to allow your child to personalize them. All this can be motivating to a child.
• Create a family homework rule. Be sure to discuss (at a family dinner, for example) how the family can respect homework time. Consider if you want all siblings to do homework at the same time or not. If you want everyone to do homework at the same time, consider what would need to be in place to make that happen. Either way, agree upon a homework rule that everyone will respect the person who is focused on their work and will be quiet in that area of the house.

Step 2. Teach New Skills by Interactive Modeling

As a parent or someone in a parenting role, learning on which developmental milestones a child is working can help a parent know which tasks might be more difficult. Here are some examples as they relate to homework: 4

• Five-year-olds like to help and follow rules. They typically see only one way of doing things (so if you suggest another, it might be difficult for them to understand and follow). They also may fear making mistakes, so it’s important to send the message that “Everyone makes mistakes, and mistakes are essential to learning.”
• Six-year-olds may be more apt to question your rules and refuse to proceed with the routine. But, they are ambitious and eager to do well, so recognize small steps toward competence.
• Seven-year-olds crave routine and structure, so they may not be able to deal well with a chaotic household distracting from their focus.
• Eight-year-olds are highly social and thrive in cooperative learning groups. This could be a great time to introduce a study partner/friend where buddies complete homework together discussing the issues and supporting one another. (This may not work for every child, so it is important to know your child and their ways of learning and focusing.) Eight-year-olds also may simply enjoy talking about what they are working on with you more than in past years.
• Nine-year-olds are highly competent with fine motor skills but can become easily frustrated. They may need directions that contain one instruction. They require patience and can be hard on themselves.
• Ten-year-olds are growing rapidly so they require more movement. They have a strong sense of right and wrong and awareness of fairness issues. They can feel more competent with homework, though challenging work may trigger anger and/or frustration.

Teaching is different than just telling. Teaching builds basic skills, grows problem-solving abilities, and sets your child up for success. Teaching also involves modeling and practicing the positive behaviors you want to see, promoting skills, and preventing problems.

As a parent or someone in a parenting role, it is easy to be confused about how best to support your child’s homework. Here are some specific ways you can define your role while ensuring your child has full ownership over their learning process.

• “Where in your book did you find this lesson?”
• “Where else could you look to find the answer?”
• “What other ways can you think about your answer?”
• Share your curiosity and interest in the subject, but do not provide an answer.
• Focus on keywords so that they too can learn to spot key words.
• Attempt to read together. Young children who are learning to read may require help reading and understanding directions.
• Use your finger to underscore the text you are reading.
• Ask your child which words are most important when you are talking about a problem.
• Have your child underline or highlight those words in the instructions or in the specific question they are trying to answer so that you have a focusing point. Children need support in figuring out what is most important in making sense out of text of any kind.
• Research together. If you cannot find the source of the problem in your child’s books, then do some online research together. But be certain that you allow your child to drive the process. You might ask, “What should we look up or search for together?” These are the first seeds of strong research skills.
• Teach the essential “brain break.” Breaks do not represent weakness or a lack of persistence. In fact, people’s brains work better if they take frequent breaks.
• Show proactively what a brain break might look like. Pretend play through it. Parent: sit with your pencil and paper and say aloud, “I am really starting to feel frustrated.” Then, move away from your seat and breathe deeply and loudly. Get a drink of water. Walk outside and breathe in the fresh air. Take your child with you to do this alongside you.
• You might ask, “What else makes you feel better and comforted when you are frustrated?” Brainstorm a brief list of spaces, places, things, and actions that offer comfort when frustrated. Leave that list in your school tool homework space. It will serve as an ongoing resource when brain breaks are required.
• It’s a common challenge of homework time for a child to fear making mistakes. Homework is practice, it is intended as a time to try out an answer, get it wrong, and try again. Hang up a sign near your homework spot to remind your child, “Mistakes are part of learning.”
• You do not need to be a subject matter expert EVER! If you find that you are struggling to get the right answer for yourself, take a step back. Realize that you are stealing a learning opportunity away from your child. Ask yourself how you can provide the guidance and support for them to answer the question or solve the problem (even if they get it wrong).

Step 3. Practice to Grow Skills and Develop Habits

Homework practice can take the form of cooperatively completing the task together or trying out a task with you as a coach and ready support. Practice grows vital new brain connections that strengthen (and eventually form habits) each time your child practices.

• Use “Show me…” statements. When a child learns a new ability, they are eager to show it off! Give them that chance. Say: “Show me you know what’s next when our timer goes off.” This can be used when you are in the after school routine and need an alert to move on to homework.
• Do a “brain break” dry run. In the midst of homework one night, maybe at a natural breaking point, play “brain break.” Practice moving away from homework. Get a drink of water. Walk outside and sniff the fresh air. Then, go back and ask, “Do you feel refreshed and ready or do you need a little more time?” If your child responds they need more time, then what would make them feel better? Perhaps a hug on a teddy bear or a couple of runs around the house might do the trick. This practice is super important if you plan to use it as a tool when your child is really upset.
• Recognize effort by using “I notice…” statements. For example, “I noticed how you got to work this afternoon when the timer sounded without me asking. That’s taking responsibility!”
• Proactively remind your child to help them be successful. Often the challenges in a homework routine seem to recur day after day and may be predictable. You might know exactly what they are and when they are going to happen. So, just before they do, remind in a gentle, non-public way. You may whisper in your child’s ear, “Remember what we can do next to figure out the problem? What is it?”

Resist the temptation to nag. Children often need more time to perform tasks that challenge them even if you believe they are simple and don’t require much time. Be sure to wait long enough for your child to show you they are competent. Your waiting could make all the difference in whether they are able to do what you need them to do.

Step 4. Support Your Child’s Development and Success

At this point, you’ve taught your child several new positive learning habits so that they understand how to perform them. You’ve practiced together. Now, you can offer support when it’s needed. Parents naturally offer support as they see their child fumble with a situation in which they need help. This is no different.

• Promote a learning attitude. Show confidence that your child can learn anything with time and practice (because they truly can!). Your comments and reflections will matter greatly in how competent they feel to meet any learning challenge.
• Ask key questions when your child struggles. You could say, “It looks like you feel stuck. Is there another way you could approach the problem?” or “How are you feeling about homework tonight?”
• Coach on communications. You might notice your child struggling and getting stuck even with your support. You might then say, “Seems like you are having trouble figuring this problem out and cannot find the answer in your resources. This would be a good time to ask your teacher about this problem. You might say, ‘Mrs. Johnson, I struggled with this one. Can you help me?’”
• Stay engaged. It can be motivating for a child when a parent does their own paperwork alongside them keeping them company. Working together, after all, is much more enjoyable than working alone.
• Allow for and reflect on real world consequences. If you see a mistake on your child’s worksheet, don’t correct it. You’ll be taking away a valuable learning opportunity. You could leave it alone altogether or ask once, “Do you feel like this is right or are you struggling with it?” If your child confirms it’s the answer they want to give, then allow them the experience of their teacher correcting it. It’s an important learning opportunity. It may open a door to extra support from their teacher.
• Apply logical consequences when needed. Logical consequences should come soon after the negative behavior and need to be provided in a way that maintains a healthy relationship. Rather than punishment, a consequence is about supporting the learning process. First, get your own feelings in check. Not only is this good modeling, when your feelings are in check you are able to provide logical consequences that fit the behavior. Second, invite your child into a discussion about the expectations established in Step 2. Third, if you feel that your child is not holding up their end of the bargain (unless it is a matter of them not knowing how), then apply a logical consequence as a teachable moment.

If you groan that it’s homework time, surely your child will groan too. Become aware of your own reactions to homework. Be sure that the tone and attitude you bring to homework is one of digging in, being curious, and learning.

A research study noted whether mothers’ comments during homework completion were controlling or supporting autonomy and competence. 5 The researchers concluded that those children who brought worries about their ability to perform had a heightened sensitivity to their mothers’ comments. Moms who supported their autonomy – “I know you can do it!” – and demonstrated that they believed in their child’s ability to do the work predicted increased achievement over time. However, those mothers who were more controlling in their comments – “I need to check your work. That’s not right.” – predicted less engagement and lower achievement in their children.

Step 5. Recognize Effort and Quality to Foster Motivation

No matter how old your child is, your praise and encouragement are their sweetest reward.

If your child is working to grow their skills – even in small ways – it will be worth your while to recognize it. Your recognition can go a long way to promoting positive behaviors and helping your child manage their feelings. Your recognition also promotes safe, secure, and nurturing relationships — a foundation for strong communication and a healthy relationship with you as they grow.

You can recognize your child’s efforts with praise, high fives, and hugs. Praise is most effective when you name the specific behavior of which you want to see more. For example, “You put your game away when the timer went off and got out your work. Love seeing that!”

Avoid bribes. A bribe is a promise for a behavior, while praise is special attention after the behavior. While bribes may work in the short term, praise grows lasting motivation for good behavior and effort. For example, instead of saying, “If you get your homework done right after school, I will let you choose the game we play after dinner” (which is a bribe), try recognizing the behavior after. “You got to work on your homework like we practiced. Love seeing that!”

• Recognize and call out when it is going well. It may seem obvious, but it’s easy not to notice when all is moving along smoothly. When children are completing their homework tasks on time, for example, a short, specific call out is all that’s needed. “I noticed you completed your homework today on your own in the time we agreed upon. Yes! Excellent.”
• Recognize small steps along the way. Don’t wait for the big accomplishments – like the entire homework routine to go smoothly – in order to recognize. Remember that your recognition can work as a tool to promote more positive behaviors. Find small ways your child is making an effort and let them know you see them.
• Build celebrations into your routine. For example, “We’ll get our business taken care of first with our homework, and then we’ll run around outside or take a bike ride.” Include hugs as a way to appreciate one another.

Engaging in these five steps is an investment that builds your skills as an effective parent to use on many other issues and builds important skills that will last a lifetime for your child. Throughout this tool, there are opportunities for children to become more self-aware, to deepen their social awareness, to exercise their self-management skills, to work on their relationship skills, and to demonstrate and practice responsible decision making.

[ 1 ] Henderson, A.T., Mapp, K.L., Johnson, V.R., & Davies, D. (2007). Beyond the bake sale: The essential guide to family-school partnerships. NY: The New York Press.

[ 2 ] reid, k. s. (2014). survey finds more parents troubled by their children’s homework . education week, september 19. retrieved on september 25, 2104., [ 3 ] national center for families learning. (2014). annual survey on parents and homework . google consumer surveys, august 12, 2014, to august 22, 2014, based on 1,039 online responses., [ 4 ] wood, c. (2017). yardsticks; child and adolescent development ages 4-14. turners falls, ma: center for responsive schools., [ 5 ] fei-yin ng, f., kenney-benson, g.a., & pomerantz, e.m. (2004). children’s achievement moderates the effects of mothers’ use of control and autonomy support. child development. vol. 75, 3, 764-780., recommended citation: center for health and safety culture. (2020). homework. ages 5-10. retrieved from https://parentingmontana.org..

ParentingMontana.org was supported [in part] by CFDA 93.959 and 93.243 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and by the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDG B-5), Grant Number 90TP0026-01-00, from the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and by the Montana State General Fund. The views and opinions contained do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or the Montana Department of Health and Human Services, and should not be construed as such.

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Free Math Games Games for 8-Year-Olds

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Introducing a captivating collection of Math Games designed specifically for 8-Year-Olds! Our interactive and soon-to-be web-accessible games are crafted to make math fun and engaging for children. These games cover a variety of topics suitable for 8-year-olds, enhancing their arithmetic skills, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical thinking. Whether your child is mastering basic operations, exploring geometric shapes, or diving into number patterns, our Math Games for 8-Year-Olds offer a perfect blend of education and entertainment. Get ready to transform learning into an adventure, where every challenge is an opportunity for growth and discovery. Join us and make math a favorite part of your child's day!

In an era where education continually evolves with technology, finding engaging and effective resources for young learners is paramount. Our suite of Math games, designed specifically for 8-year-olds, stands out as a prime example of how interactive learning tools can transform the educational experience for children. These games are not only tailored to the cognitive and developmental stages of third graders but are also fun, making math less daunting and more enticing for kids.

At the core of our Math games for 8-year-olds is the aim to nurture a love for math. We understand that at this age, children are at a crucial stage in their math development, moving beyond simple counting and into the realms of multiplication, division, and understanding fractions. Our games are crafted to align with these educational milestones, providing a platform where children can practice these concepts in a supportive, entertaining environment.

The interactive nature of our Math games plays a vital role in their effectiveness. Children learn best when they're actively engaged, and our games achieve this by turning abstract mathematical concepts into visual, tangible experiences. For instance, a game might involve solving puzzles to build a bridge or measuring ingredients to bake a virtual cake. These scenarios apply math in real-world contexts, helping children understand the relevance and application of what they're learning.

Moreover, the interactivity fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As children navigate through different levels and challenges, they're encouraged to think on their feet, apply logic, and experiment with various strategies to solve problems. This not only enhances their mathematical proficiency but also boosts their overall cognitive abilities, setting a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Another significant advantage of our Math games for 8-year-olds is their accessibility. With plans to make these games available to play on the web, children will have the flexibility to learn and play anytime, anywhere. Whether it's during a quiet moment at home, in a classroom setting, or on the go, these games will be just a few clicks away. This ease of access ensures that valuable learning opportunities aren't confined to the classroom walls; instead, they permeate every aspect of a child's life.

Importantly, our games also offer a personalized learning experience. As children play, the games adapt to their individual learning pace and challenges, ensuring that each child remains engaged and motivated. This personalized approach helps to build confidence in their math abilities, as children can see their progress and celebrate their achievements, big or small.

In conclusion, our Math games for 8-year-olds serve as a powerful tool in the educational arsenal of parents and teachers alike. By combining interactive gameplay with educational content tailored to the needs of third graders, these games offer a fun, effective way to enhance math learning. As we continue to expand our offerings, including more games available to play on the web, we're excited to see how our innovative approach to learning will inspire and cultivate a new generation of math enthusiasts.

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8-Year-Old Child Developmental Milestones

Your child’s growth and development at age 8

• Language and Cognitive Milestones
• Movement & Hand and Finger Milestones
• Emotional and Social Milestones

How to Help Your 8-Year-Old Learn and Grow

How to keep your 8-year-old safe, when to be concerned.

Age 8 can be a magical year. It's the year that your little kid really becomes a big kid. Middle childhood is a time of physical, mental, and emotional growth. It's possible you'll notice that your child no longer asks for your help with their homework and they may be wanting to spend more time with their friends.

Eight-year-olds are becoming more independent and more mature. You may be pleased to see that they begin to show genuine empathy for others and start to put others first in situations that they haven't before, such as happily letting a younger sibling go first in a family game. This age is not without its challenges, but overall, it tends to be a peaceful and enjoyable year between children and their parents.

Here, we'll break down all you need to know about your 8-year-old's development emotionally, socially, and physically, as well as brief your on safety tips and when certain concerns might warrant a call to your child's pediatrician.

8-Year-Old Language and Cognitive Milestones

Eight years old is a time of great vocabulary growth for your child. Don't be surprised if they are able to carry on more complex conversations with you, whether it's a discussion on how tornadoes originate or vivid descriptions of what happened with their friends at recess that day. Eight-year-olds continue to rapidly develop their vocabularies, with an estimated 3,000 new words learned during the year. Reading to your child, encouraging them to read independently, and engaging them in conversation will help to support this.

You may also find your 8-year-old reading a chapter book with a flashlight long past their bedtime. "They may show an interest in reading as a favorite activity ," notes Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, MD, a pediatrician and a medical consultant at Mom Loves Best .

Younger children think purely concretely and have a harder time understanding abstract concepts. By age 8, kids begin to move into more abstract thinking. "Eight-year-old students are beginning to understand numbers in a more complex way," notes Elizabeth Fraley, M.Ed., CEO of Kinder Ready Inc. , an LA-based education program.

Before, your child may have needed to physically count out a group of objects in order to solve a math problem like 21 minus seven. Now, abstract thinking allows them to rely on symbols rather than being mostly dependent upon the use of counters or other manipulative materials. So, they can write out a simple equation and solve it using an algorithm while mostly grasping why this method works. Abstract thinking allows kids to be able to work with larger numbers, such as numbers in the thousands, and it allows them to conceptualize symbols, such as the multiplication or division signs.

Abstract thinking also means that kids can begin to have a better understanding of how money works and what lengths of time represent. Most kids this age are able to tell time and exhibit a better understanding of how long time increments are. When you say, “You have 10 more minutes until we have to leave,” or “Your birthday is three days away,” your child will have a greater understanding of what that means than they might have before.

8-Year-Old Movement, Hand, and Finger Milestones

For 8-year-old children, physical development is more about the refinement of skills, coordination, and muscle control rather than huge changes. So, you might not see them doing anything totally new, but you may notice that they are able to balance better and move more intentionally. Their locomotor and motor skills, such as turning, spinning, and jumping , become more fluid.

"Kids at this age may enjoy roller skating and using a skateboard or riding their bike," notes Dr. Poinsett. "They may also like to dance to music."

Fine motor skills will generally become more precise around age 8. Handwriting will become smaller, neater, and all of the letters will likely be the same size. The small muscles will have more stamina so your child may be able to write a full story without losing precision in their handwriting. "You don’t see as many letters and numbers flipped and reversed as you did in first and second grade," notes Fraley.

An 8-year-old is likely able to open lunch items like wrappers or zip-lock bags independently and they may be able to play an instrument, such as the recorder. "They should also master being able to tie their shoelaces if they have not already," says Dr. Poinsett.

8-Year-Old Emotional and Social Milestones

If your 8-year-old receives a present they don't like, you may notice (with relief!) that they can still smile and thank the gift giver. This ability to mask their true thoughts or emotions to spare someone’s feelings is related to a newly developing ability to see things from another person's point of view, called decentralization.

Decentralization allows children to show more sophisticated and complex emotions and interactions. Children begin to understand how someone else feels in a given situation and will be more capable of placing themselves in another person’s shoes.

Your child may take great pride in being a member of a sports team or other group. This is related to them developing a more sophisticated sense of themselves in the world. Their interests, talents, friends, and relationships with family members help them establish a clear self-identity and boost their self-confidence .

"Students at this age are skilled at interacting with adults and peers," says Fraley. "They tend to use more eye contact and they have developed some stable and exciting friendships." Eight-year-olds really value friendships and are able to make choices on who they want as a friend and value others’ distinct characteristics.

In general, 8-year-old children enjoy school and will count on and value relationships with a few close friends and classmates, and may gravitate primarily toward friendships with peers of the same sex. "They typically desire to be part of a team, club, or organization," notes Fraley. "This age group really loves feeling united and needed within a group setting whether it be athletic or academic."

A newly developing sense of self may cause your child to desire more privacy. You can support this need by knocking before you enter their bedroom and allowing them to change out of sight if this is what they desire.

Eight-year-olds are maturing steadily as they enter middle childhood. They will be able to take on more responsibilities, such as caring for a pet or washing a load of their own laundry. They may also show more interest in taking care of  personal hygiene , and are developmentally capable of being responsible for personal care routines. "At this age, kids are generally able to take care of hygiene, such as brushing teeth and bathing," notes Dr. Poinsett.

Becoming fully independent is a long and slow process that won't be complete for many more years, however. Kids may begin to ask for sleepovers, although parents should not be surprised if some children want to go back home and do not make it through the entire night at a friend’s house. Many children are still attached to their parents and home at this age, and might not be emotionally ready to handle being away from these comforts, even though they wish to be.

You can help your 8-year-old learn and grow by providing a good balance of independence and loving support. Give them a chance to try things on their own, while remaining close and available to help them if they need it.

Support your child's blossoming literacy by exposing them to a variety of books . "Read to your child but also give them a chance to read to you," says Dr. Poinsett. Make time to play with your child as well. Many 8-year-olds will enjoy doing puzzles together or playing family games like dominoes or charades.

Some 8-year-olds may become more aware of body image, and their confidence about their appearance may affect how they feel about themselves and their relationships with their peers. It’s important to talk about health, rather than appearance, and help your child find activities that help them feel good about themselves.

If your child tends to get frustrated easily, help them learn how to self-calm with strategies such as taking a deep breath or counting to 10. Praise your child for coping with emotions in a healthy way. You might say, “Great job taking a break for a minute when you were frustrated with your math homework.” Look for opportunities to keep teaching your child more sophisticated emotion regulation skills .

While it's great to be supportive, kids also need a chance to use their budding problem-solving skills to tackle some challenges they encounter on their own. Whether they keep forgetting their soccer cleats for practice or don’t know how to complete their science fair project, encourage them to brainstorm potential solutions. Then, help them choose a strategy to try.

Many 8-year-olds love to play sports, and it's important to encourage daily physical activity. To stay safe, kids should wear protective gear when they play sports. Bike riding is a fun way for kids to get the exercise they need, but bike safety is very important. Teach your child the importance of always wearing a helmet while riding, and set a limit that bikes should only be written during daylight hours.

Just as important as bike safety is car safety. Kids today stay in car seats a lot longer than many parents will remember from their own childhoods. Most 8-year-olds still need a booster seat. The extra height from a booster seat ensures that the seat belt is positioned correctly on your child's body so that it will do its job in the event of a crash.

If your 8-year-old is 4 feet 9 inches or taller, they can stop using a booster seat. However, they should remain in the back seat, and they should wear their seat belts every time the car is in motion.

At the age of 8, you still need to supervise your child any time they play around water. Even if they can swim, it is not safe for them to play in the water without an adult actively watching them. In addition, they should not play in fast-moving water like canals or the ocean when a riptide might come in.

While kids develop at slightly different rates, it’s important to keep an eye on your child’s progress. If your child seems to be behind physically, emotionally, socially, or cognitively, talk to their pediatrician.

If your child has serious difficulty managing their emotions (including anger), or if their social skills aren’t on par with those of peers, there may be a reason for concern. Kids at this age who fall behind emotionally and socially may struggle to catch up without a little extra support. Consider talking to your child's teacher or a child mental health professional to plan a course of action.

It’s best to err on the side of caution by expressing your concerns to a professional. From health issues to learning disabilities , early intervention can be key to a faster and easier resolution.

A Word From Verywell

Watching your 8-year-old grow increasingly independent can be a joyful time for parents. And sometimes, it can bring about some sadness as you realize your baby is growing up.

Even though it can be hard, it’s important to promote independence as much as possible. Encourage your child to learn, grow, explore, and try new things. But remember, they are just getting their feet wet in their role as a "big kid." As your child tackles new challenges, remain available to provide support when they need it.

Tamer M, Walsh B. Raising strong readers . Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Child development milestones - 6 to 8 years . Queensland Health. Queensland Government.

Fine motor development checklist . Kid Sense Child Development.

Cognitive development in 8-10 year olds . Scholastic.

Middle childhood (6-8 years of age). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Is your child ready for a sleepover? 6 steps to avoid anxiety. Cleveland Clinic.

The growing child: school-age (6 to 12 years) . Stanford Children’s Hospital.

Safety for Your Child: 8 Years . American Academy of Pediatrics.

Car Seats: Information for Families . American Academy of Pediatrics.

Is my child’s anger normal? Child Mind Institute.

Angry kids: dealing with explosive behavior. Child Mind Institute.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Middle childhood . https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/middle.html

Chaplin TM, Aldao A.  Gender differences in emotion expression in children: A meta-analytic review . Psychological Bulletin . 2013;139(4):735-765. doi:10.1037/a0030737.

By Elisa Cinelli Elisa is a well-known parenting writer who is passionate about providing research-based content to help parents make the best decisions for their families. She has written for well-known sites including POPSUGAR and Scary Mommy, among others.

101+ Brain-Teasing Riddles for 8 Year Olds (with Answers)

Ready to tickle your brain pink? Dive into our collection of 101+ riddles for 8 year olds, crafted to challenge young minds and induce giggles. Sharpen your wits and let the guessing games begin—with answers included, no peeking!

Brain-Teasing Fun for Young Minds (Editor's Pick)

Riddle: I carry books on the go, I’m part of your school flow. What am I? Answer : Backpack

Riddle: I might have fins and colorful scales, I live where water tells tales. What am I? Answer : Aquarium

Riddle: I brighten the day with my arc, after the rain, I leave my mark. What am I? Answer : Rainbow

Riddle: With pages to turn in search of a find, I’m a quiet place to unwind. What am I? Answer : Library

Riddle: You might search for treasures untold, with a map and a hat that's old. Who am I? Answer : Pirate

Riddle: I am a field where players chase, the goal is to win the race. What am I? Answer : Soccer

Riddle: I have wings but I’m not a bird, I can fly to the stars unheard. What am I? Answer : Spaceship

Riddle: With scales or fire, I might breathe, in your storybooks, I might seethe. What am I? Answer : Dragon

Riddle: In your mouth I come and go, leave a gift, be sure it's so. Who am I? Answer : Tooth fairy

Riddle: I come once a year with cake and cheer, for celebrations far and near. What am I? Answer : Birthday

Easy Riddles to Delight and Puzzle Your 8-Year-Old

Riddle: I carry your books and snacks each day, on your back when you're on your way. What am I? Answer : Backpack

Riddle: I swing, I slide, I climb so high, under open skies is where I lie. What am I? Answer : Playground

Riddle: Pages of numbers and facts galore, at home, you must do a little more. What am I? Answer : Homework

Riddle: Two wheels I have, pedal me fast, riding me is such a blast. What am I? Answer : Bicycle

Riddle: I sneak in at night while you're asleep, for your tooth under the pillow I'll quietly creep. Who am I? Answer : Tooth fairy

Riddle: I roamed the earth, but now just lore, with roaring sounds, and teeth galore. What am I? Answer : Dinosaur

Riddle: Small and cute, a furry treasure, having me around is such a pleasure. What am I? Answer : Puppy

Riddle: In the sky after rain, with colors arched in a chain. What am I? Answer : Rainbow

Riddle: Aye matey, I sail the seas, hidden treasures I aim to seize. Who am I? Answer : Pirate

Riddle: I fly without wings, saving the day, in stories and comics, I display my array. Who am I? Answer : Superhero

Riddle: I breathe fire, fearsome and grand, in tales from a faraway land. What am I? Answer : Dragon

Riddle: I'm sweet and a treat, a hit for all, in bars or chips, you'll have a ball. What am I? Answer : Chocolate

Riddle: Books reside, in rows they are clutched, silence presided, shhhh, not too much! What am I? Answer : Library

Riddle: I'm kicked, I'm scored, I'm a goal achieved, on the field, many tricks up my sleeve. What am I? Answer : Soccer

Riddle: With chalk in hand and lessons to share, I guide young minds with great care. Who am I? Answer : Teacher

Riddle: Animated, funny, I give you a plot, on the screen is where I'm sought. What am I? Answer : Cartoon

Riddle: With hat and wand, spells I concoct, in tales of fantasy, I'm often sought. Who am I? Answer : Wizard

Riddle: Pieces and parts that fit just right, solving me is quite a delight. What am I? Answer : Puzzle

Riddle: A cake, some candles, a cheer so loud, once a year, I draw a crowd. What am I? Answer : Birthday

Riddle: Fish galore, behind the glass, in this place, hours can pass. What am I? Answer : Aquarium

Riddle: Zooming far, beyond our sky, in me, through stars, you would fly. What am I? Answer : Spaceship

Riddle: In armor, I'm dressed, defending the keep, in a land of old, where dragons sleep. Who am I? Answer : Knight

Riddle: I have no feet but swim so deep, with a tail and song, in ocean's keep. What am I? Answer : Mermaid

Riddle: I'm not a stick, but wave me well, and amazing secrets, I will tell. What am I? Answer : Magic

Riddle: Atoms, cells, planets too, learning about them gives us a clue. What am I? Answer : Science

Riddle: I hold secrets from far and near, have no fear and enter here. What am I? Answer : Library

Riddle: On your heads, I often rest, a shield for brains, considered best. What am I? Answer : Helmet

Riddle: I buzz and hum but am not a bee; in summer's heat, I bring you glee. What am I? Answer : Fan

Riddle: With strings and keys, music I make, press and strum for melody's sake. What am I? Answer : Piano

Riddle: Up and down, I go with bumps, fasten your seatbelt for some jumps. What am I? Answer : Roller coaster

Riddle: I'm not alive, but I can grow; I don't have lungs, but I need air; I don't have a mouth, but water kills me. What am I? Answer : Fire

Hard Riddles: Brain-Teasing Puzzles for Clever 8-Year-Olds

Riddle: I carry books and snacks and more, on an 8-year-old's back I'm often worn. What am I? Answer : Backpack

Riddle: I have slides and swings where laughter's found, where kids can run and play on ground. What am I? Answer : Playground

Riddle: In the evening after school, I'm the task that has a rule. What am I? Answer : Homework

Riddle: I have wheels and I am fun, speeding fast towards the sun. What am I? Answer : Bicycle

Riddle: When a tooth is lost, I leave a treat, under pillows, our trade's discreet. Who am I? Answer : Tooth fairy

Riddle: I'm ancient and huge, but don't be scared; in books and museums, I'm often shared. What am I? Answer : Dinosaur

Riddle: With wagging tail I'm here to play, a young canine friend for everyday. What am I? Answer : Puppy

Riddle: In the sky after rain, with colors arced, I appear and then I'm parked. What am I? Answer : Rainbow

Riddle: I sail the seas, and treasures seek, with a patch and a 'rrr', but I never speak. Who am I? Answer : Pirate

Riddle: When danger comes, I'll save the day, in cape and mask, I'll fly away. Who am I? Answer : Superhero

Riddle: I breathe fire, in legends told, guarding treasures or being bold. What am I? Answer : Dragon

Riddle: I'm sweet to eat and kids delight, in bars or chips, I'm just so right. What am I? Answer : Chocolate

Riddle: With shelves of stories old and new, in this quiet place, you can enjoy the view. What am I? Answer : Library

Riddle: I'm kicked around from goal to goal, in a game that's played with heart and soul. What am I? Answer : Soccer

Riddle: Daily lessons they provide, in school they help with the learning tide. Who am I? Answer : Teacher

Riddle: I make 8-year-olds laugh and think, with stories that can link. What am I? Answer : Cartoon

Riddle: With spell and wand, I craft my lore, in tales of magic, dragons, and more. Who am I? Answer : Wizard

Riddle: I'm a challenge of pieces many, put me together, if you can, any. What am I? Answer : Puzzle

Riddle: This day comes once a year, with gifts and cake, and friends so dear. What am I? Answer : Birthday

Riddle: Fishes and corals in water they swim, in glass tanks, you can see through the brim. What am I? Answer : Aquarium

Riddle: To stars and planets I take flight, beyond the atmosphere, into the night. What am I? Answer : Spaceship

Riddle: In armor, I'm dressed, with sword and shield, in times of old, on battlefield. Who am I? Answer : Knight

Riddle: From ocean's depth, I'm said to sing, with a tail and songs that ring. Who am I? Answer : Mermaid

Riddle: Of tricks and illusions, I'm the source, to your sense of wonder, I'm the course. What am I? Answer : Magic

Riddle: In class, it's cool to find out why, planets orbit or birds fly. What am I? Answer : Science

Riddle: With gears and pedals, ride I may, take you far, every day. What am I? Answer : Bicycle

Riddle: Like a ship, but in the air, through galaxies, you might fare. What am I? Answer : Spaceship

Riddle: I'm a creature but not alive, kids know my name, in tales, I thrive. What am I? Answer : Dragon

Riddle: I have fins and live in a shell, a watery home where I do dwell. What am I? Answer : Aquarium

Riddle: Bend me, throw me, catch me too, these are things that I'll let you do. What am I? Answer : Soccer

Funny Riddles to Tickle Your Brain: Perfect for 8-Year-Olds

Riddle: I get filled with books and snacks, on your shoulders, I'll ride on your back. What am I? Answer : Backpack

Riddle: You can slide and swing all day, a place for fun where kids can play. What am I? Answer : Playground

Riddle: After school, I'm your task, I sometimes feel like quite the ask. What am I? Answer : Homework

Riddle: Two wheels I have, I go so fast, ride me to school or a day that’s a blast. What am I? Answer : Bicycle

Riddle: I come at night when you're asleep, leaving money, not a peep. Who am I? Answer : Tooth fairy

Riddle: I once roamed the earth, now in books, known for my size and scary looks. What am I? Answer : Dinosaur

Riddle: With a wagging tail, a new friend you've got, I'll be the best pet, you'll love me a lot. What am I? Answer : Puppy

Riddle: In the sky after rain, with colors bright, I arch with no pot of gold in sight. What am I? Answer : Rainbow

Riddle: An eye patch, a ship, "Arr matey" I cry, for treasure I hunt under the sky. Who am I? Answer : Pirate

Riddle: Saving the day in a cape or a mask, I have powers for any big task. Who am I? Answer : Superhero

Riddle: I breathe fire, and my scales shimmer, in fairy tales, I am quite the figure. What am I? Answer : Dragon

Riddle: Sweet and loved by kids, a treat, especially in cake or a sheet. What am I? Answer : Chocolate

Riddle: A place where silence is the norm, filled with books, a knowledge storm. What am I? Answer : Library

Riddle: I involve a ball and two goals; kicking around, it's good for your soul. What am I? Answer : Soccer

Riddle: I teach you lessons, often fair, you see me daily at your school, in my chair. Who am I? Answer : Teacher

Riddle: I'm animated and often fun, after homework, watching me is done. What am I? Answer : Cartoon

Riddle: I cast spells with a flick of my wand, in a world of magic, I am fond. Who am I? Answer : Wizard

Riddle: I can be jumbled, a treat for the mind, solving me is quite the find. What am I? Answer : Puzzle

Riddle: It's your special day, once a year, balloons and gifts, bring on the cheer. What am I? Answer : Birthday

Riddle: Fish galore, behind the glass, through the water, they'll swim fast. What am I? Answer : Aquarium

Riddle: To the stars and beyond I zoom, maybe one day I'll land on the moon. What am I? Answer : Spaceship

Riddle: In armor, I'll march, for the kingdom fight, serving the queen day and night. Who am I? Answer : Knight

Riddle: Oceans deep, where I dwell, with my tail, I swim quite well. Who am I? Answer : Mermaid

Riddle: A wave of my wand, a trick to see, children laugh and clap with glee. What am I? Answer : Magic

Riddle: A subject in school that's all about facts, creatures, stars, and science acts. What am I? Answer : Science

Riddle: A second try, do not scoff, with your books and lunch I'm off. What am I? Answer : Backpack

Riddle: I'm outside, ready to play, come rain or shine, any day. What am I? Answer : Playground

Riddle: Math or reading, do your part, this evening task isn't always a joy to start. What am I? Answer : Homework

Riddle: Pedal me forward; let's go for a ride, I'm your two-wheeled horse, you're the guide. What am I? Answer : Bicycle

Riddle: My wings come quietly, with dollars I part, for each little tooth, I leave a coin with a heart. Who am I? Answer : Tooth fairy

Riddle: Large I was, now just a bone display, in museums where kids often play. What am I? Answer : Dinosaur

Riddle: Furry and small, I'm a young sort of hound, I'll fetch your ball and follow you around. What am I? Answer : Puppy

Riddle: Look to the skies when clouds you've seen, I'm there with colors, not often green. What am I? Answer : Rainbow

Riddle: I search for gold, sail the high seas, X marks the spot amongst the trees. Who am I? Answer : Pirate

Riddle: I may fly or have strength untold, for justice and peace, I am quite bold. Who am I? Answer : Superhero

Riddle: Majestic and fierce, on myths, I thrive, guarding treasure in stories contrived. What am I? Answer : Dragon

Riddle: To eat me is sweet, on treats, I'm a layer, in milk or dark form, many a flavor. What am I? Answer : Chocolate

Riddle: Rows of shelves, silence golden, find adventure or tales olden. What am I? Answer : Library

Riddle: I'm played on a field, enjoyed by many, across the globe there isn’t any who don't know me. What am I? Answer : Soccer

Riddle: I'm found in school, leading the class, educating children, I'm first, never last. Who am I? Answer : Teacher

Riddle: Funny or daring, in bright colors drawn, I'll keep you amused from dusk until dawn. What am I? Answer : Cartoon

Riddle: In tales old, my cloak is worn, with spells and potions brand new worlds are born. Who am I? Answer : Wizard

Riddle: I might be simple or rather complex, connecting pieces; what's next? What am I? Answer : Puzzle

Riddle: A day all about you with games and cake, wishes made with candles to blow out and wake. What am I? Answer : Birthday

Riddle: Look through clear walls; watch creatures that swim, a day spent here leaves the imagination no whim. What am I? Answer : Aquarium

Riddle: I fly through space where stars twinkle bright, I'm a vessel for astronauts day and night. What am I? Answer : Spaceship

Riddle: My armor shines, a sword I wield, in fantasy quests on the battlefield. Who am I? Answer : Knight

Riddle: Half human, half fish, a siren song so sweet, atop ocean waves we might meet. Who am I? Answer : Mermaid

Riddle: A pull of the hat, a reveal, a dove, my art delights with surprise and love. What am I? Answer : Magic

Riddle: Explosions and fossils, planets to name, I am so cool, never the same. What am I? Answer : Science

We hope these riddles have tickled your brain and sparked some giggles! For more mind-bending fun, explore our collection of riddles and puzzles. Thanks for playing along with us – your next challenge awaits!

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At Riddlepedia, we're not just curators; we're passionate riddle-masters, conundrum collectors, and guardians of the age-old tradition of riddling. Our mission is to deliver the most diverse, captivating, and mind-bending riddles from every corner of the globe. We see a riddle as more than a puzzle; it's a gateway to curiosity, a test of intellect, and a celebration of mental agility.

Looking for the best books for 8-year-olds? We’ve got the perfect list for you!

Having raised 4 kids through this particular age, we are well-equipped to give suggestions for children with all kinds of book preferences. We’ve got suggestions for Harry Potter-loving fantasy fans and picture book suggestions for reluctant readers.

Below, you’ll find lots of great stories divided by category. Many of the books for 8-year-olds have links to book lists with even more recommendations, so be sure to poke around.

Table of Contents

Looking for more options? We’ve got tons of genre-specific book lists for 8-year-olds !

*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.

Best Books for an 8-Year-Old

Best fantasy books for an 8-year-old.

A Tale of Magic by Chris Colfer

Brystal Evergreen finds out that she can perform magic when reading a book from her library, but women aren’t supposed to read!

When she is sentenced to a correctional facility, she was quickly whisked away to an academy where she can learn magic! My kids devoured this middle-grade fantasy as quickly as Chris Colfer’s last series. While no correctional facility could be as bad as Azkaban, this series is a perfect pick for books like Harry Potter for kids.

The Kingdom of Wrenly by Jordan Quinn

This series of early readers has pictures on almost every page and easy to read language.  The Stories, however, are fun and full of adventure.

They are sure to keep your child engaged with fairies, trolls, and mermaids. With all the creatures in this series, these are perfect books like Harry Potter for kids.

Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon

Dragonbreath is a graphic novel that is funny, engaging and perfect for a little witch or wizard who would like to encounter dragons a little less menacing than the ones Harry encounters. If you love books like Harry Potter for kids, this is a perfect first graphic novel.

Love Fantasy Books? We do too! That’s why we created a list of Books Like Harry Potter and Books Like Percy Jackson !

Mystery books for 8-year-olds.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein

Mr. Lemoncello’s library is one of a kind. It’s full of holograms, logic puzzles, and hidden games. To officially open the new library, a few lucky kids get to spend the night inside as they try to win Mr. Lemoncello’s game and be the first team to escape.

Why We Love This Book:  If you are looking for great bedtime stories for kids, this series will hit the mark. It will get your kids engaged with one-of-a-kid puzzles and delightful twists and turns. Appropriate for ages 9-11 Find this book in Audiobooks for Kids / Netflix Book Adaptations / Middle Grade Mysteries / Books for 11-year-olds / Read Aloud Books / Best Puzzle Books

Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J Sobol 

These are the same books from when you were a kid! They are great for any child who wants a quick fun read.  Each chapter presents a problem that Encyclopedia solves.  

It’s great for kids to see if they can figure out the answer themselves.  A similar choice to these would be the Choose your Own Adventure books.

Fabio The World’s Greatest Flamingo Detective: Mystery on the Ostrich Express by Laura James

My kids adored this beginning reader chapter book based on Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. The bright colors in the drawings and the clever storytelling will have your child thoroughly entertained.

The first in a series, these mystery books are perfect for an 8-year-old detective!

For more books like these, check out our list of Mystery Books for Tweens

Best family books for an 8-year-old.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

This charming story is about a bi-racial family in Harlem with 5 kids who are about to lose their home because their reclusive landlord won’t renew their lease.⁣ ⁣ My entire family enjoyed this delightful tale of the siblings trying to win their landlord over so they don’t have to leave home. It was full of all the antics you would expect of a big family. ⁣

Why We Love This Book:   We love that the Vanderbeekers’ story normalizes city living and a bi-racial family – something that’s hard to find in many children’s book series. You will fall in love with this cast of characters and as the series progresses you’ll come to regard them as family. Appropriate for ages  7-11 Find this book in Best Books for a 10-Year-Old / Best Family Audiobooks For Road Trips / Read Aloud Books / Realistic Fiction Books / Feel-Good Books

Cilla Lee-Jenkins: Future Author Extraordinaire by Susan Tan

My brother’s girlfriend recommended it to me because her friend wrote it! It did a great job of handling difficult topics in an age-appropriate manner with humor and grace.

Cilla is about to become a big sister, but she wants to become a world-famous author first so her family won’t forget about her. It also addresses coming from a bi-racial family and having difficulties reading. It’s truly a lovely realistic fiction story.

Ramona Quimby Age 8 by Beverly Cleary

Ramona is another adorable character who is perfectly imperfect.  She is sweet and lovable and gets into her share of trouble.  Whether reading to boys or girls, every child can relate to Ramona.

Why We Love This Book:  When it comes to first chapter books Ramona can’t be beaten! Cleary’s classic has stood the test of time. Appropriate for ages  4-9 Find this book in Realistic Fiction / Books for 6-year-olds / Kids Audiobooks /

Best Audiobooks for an 8-Year-Old

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg

This classic middle-grade story is one the whole family will enjoy. Claudia and Jamie decide they want to run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When a new statue arrives while they are hiding at the famed museum, they won’t rest until they solve the mystery of who created it! Will they solve the mystery before the museum staff? 

This story sparked some pretty fun conversations about how to properly prepare to run away and just where each member of my family would wish to escape to!

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

An imperfect family, the Penderwick family (consisting of the father, 4 daughters, and their dog) go spend their three-week summer vacation at a cottage they rented. Mrs. Tifton, a grumpy, snooty woman, and her son Jeffry own the cottage that is part of the Arundel estate.

The first in a realistic fiction series of 5 books about sisters, this wonderful book is perfect to read aloud at night or listen to on audio for a family roadtrip.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

This story is quite the classic and it revolves around all things candy! With its creeptastic vibes, it’s also wonderful for Halloween.

Charlie is thrilled when he gets a golden ticket to see inside Willy Wonka’s amazing chocolate factory, but this is no ordinary candy factory. The machines and recipes behind the walls of the factory are what dreams are made of. This is a wonderful read-aloud book.

Find this book in Best Classic Books for Kids / Best Books for an 8-Year-Old / Read Aloud Children’s Books / Kids Food Books

For more books like these, check out our list of Family Friendly Audiobooks

Books for 8-year-olds set at school.

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty

My 3rd-grade math lover inhaled this tween book in 2 days. It’s all about a 12-year-old girl who was struck by lightning and became a math wiz.

She’s been homeschooled her whole life, but now her grandmother wants her to try to go to school just for one year. She has to make one friend, join one activity, and read one book that isn’t math related. Can she do it?

The Wayside School Collection by Louis Sacher

Louis Sachar’s hysterical collection of stories about the students of Wayside School is a true must-read for students.

The wacky tales and backward ways of the students and teachers at Wayside will have your child in a fit of giggles.

My Weird School by Dan Gutman

This school has the funniest and weirdest group of teachers. This series is funny and engaging and perfect for early readers!

With over 20 books in this series so far, your child will be entertained for months to come.

Love Back to School Books? We do too! That’s why we created the School Hub with all things school.

Best spy books for an 8-year-old.

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett

When a famed Vermeer painting goes missing, Petra and Calder are thrust into the middle of a scandal! Can they solve an art mystery that’s stumped the F.B.I.?

Why We Love It: The first in a 4 book series, this is a great book that is interactive too. There are hidden puzzles in pictures and a code for readers to break in this tween mystery book. Find this Book in Best Puzzle Books

Harriet The Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

Harriet the Spy has been a classic children’ book for over 50 years. The 11-year-old is never without her notebook to write her observations in. When the notebook falls into the hands of her friends, they all get very angry with Harriet.

Will she be able to right her wrongs? There is a reason this realistic fiction book for a 10-year-old has been adapted repeatedly for the screen. It’s got life lessons for every child.

Mac B. Kid Spy: Mac Undercover by Mac Barnett

Mac B Kid Spy is an adorable series about a kid spy who works for the Queen of England!

It’s a great series of books for an 8-year-old looking to step up their reading game. It’s almost a mix between a first-chapter book and a graphic novel.

Love these kinds of stories, then check out these spy books for kids .

Royal books for 8-year-olds.

From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess by Meg Cabot

Meg Cabot, the author of the famed Princess Diaries, is back with a middle-grade book about Princess Mia’s half-sister, Olivia.

Olivia is an average girl who doesn’t know her father, until her half-sister, Mia shows up and asks her to move to New York to live with the royal family.

She chronicles her adventures in princess life in this charming book series!

The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale

In this early reader, the princess has to fight monsters while trying to open her birthday presents.  

This adorable book is part of a series that is another cute and funny example of a strong female princess!

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch 

This is a hilarious story about the princess who outwits a dragon, rescues the prince, and realizes she doesn’t need him to be happy!!!

It is a classic, wonderful story. Like most of Robert Munch’s books, it is funny and silly and the perfect read-aloud.

Love these kinds of stories, then check out these royal books for kids .

Picture books for 8-year-olds.

I Walk with Vanessa by Karascoët

This simple yet powerful wordless picture book tells the story of one girl who inspires a community to stand up to bullying.

Inspired by real events,   I Walk with Vanessa  explores the feelings of helplessness and anger that arise in the wake of seeing a classmate treated badly, and shows how a single act of kindness can lead to an entire community joining in to help.

Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynold

Both Creepy Carrots and its sibling book,  Creepy Pair of Underwear , are favorites in my household. Jasper Rabbit loves carrots, but he soon thinks his favorite carrots are out to get him!

This funny tale is very  Twilight Zone-inspired and it’s awesome. The underwear version is funny too and it glows in the dark!

Why We Love This Book: This is the perfect picture book for older kids. It is simultaneously funny and creepy Appropriate for Ages: 5-8 * we think this book is appropriate for older children because it may scare smaller kids. Find this book in Books for an 8-year-old / Book About Food for Kids

Ada Twist Scientist by Andrea Beaty

All three books in this “series” are amazing at encouraging passion and imagination.  (Have a look at  Iggy Peck Architect  and  Rosie Revere Engineer ). 

Ada is a thinker whose questions often lead to disasters in the house but, as a parent, how do you encourage your child’s outside-the-box thinking?

Animal Books for 8-Year-Olds

Howliday Inn by James Howe

Technically the sequel to Bunnicula, this read-aloud book can really be read as a stand-alone. Chester and Harold are being boarded while their family is on vacation, but they are convinced they are staying in a haunted hotel!

I remember laughing out loud as I read this middle grade mystery book as a child. This Halloween chapter book stands the test of time.

Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery by Graeme Base

This interactive book for kids is a visual game of hide and seek. Horace the elephant is having a birthday party with his friends and someone has eaten the celebratory birthday meal.

With visually spectacular illustrations and rhyming text, you will have to find the clues to solve the mystery.

Why We Love This Book : Gorgeous illustrations, rhyming text, interactive element, mystery Appropriate for Ages 6-11 Find this book in Interactive Books / Books for an 8-year-old

Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater

This Newberry Honor book is a classic.  Originally published in 1938, it tells the story of a painter who finds himself in a house full of penguins. 

This hilarious tale is sure to keep the kids entertained. It is funny and sweet and has withheld the test of time.

Find this book in Best Classic Books for Kids / Read Aloud Children’s Books / Children’s Books About Winter

Classic Books for an 8-Year-Old

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Matilda is a magical little girl who loves books. Stuck in a family that doesn’t value education, her life is changed when she meets Ms. Honey at her new school.

But the principal, Miss Trunchbull hates children. When she terrorizes the kids at her new school, Matilda finds the power to fight back. The Netflix book adaption of this one is a musical!

Stuart Little by E.B. White

Adventure- Check. Animals- Check. Animals who can talk and wear clothes- Check check. This is a tale that everyone loves about a boy who also happens to be a mouse.  All my kids love this great story.

Why We Like This Book: Stuart has amazing adventures and displays great bravery in this classic book. Appropriate for Ages: 5-8 Find This Book in Read Aloud Children’s Books / Best Classic Books for Kids

Charlotte’s Web by E.B White

This is such a wonderful story of unconditional love and friendship.  When Fern saves the life of Wilbur, the runt of the pig litter, she promises to take care of him. As Wilbur grows, he befriends Charlotte, a spider, who ultimately saves his life a second time.

Why We Love This Book:  This is such a heartwarming classic book for kids. We dare you to read it without crying. Appropriate for ages  5-8 Find this book in Best Classic Books for Kids / Read Aloud Children’s Books / The Best Family Audiobooks

Sports Books for 8-Year-Olds

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

Bree and her dad have just moved to Florida for her father’s new training program. She’s excited to join electives and make new friends until she realizes the only one she can join is swimming…and that makes her quite nervous.

Soon Bree begins counting on her neighbor Etta to give her swimming lessons, and ends up joining the swim team with the hopes of winning the big competition!

Softball Surprise by Jake Maddox

Jake Maddox has long been known for stories about male athletes, but he has female athlete stories too!

This particular story is about Jo and her summer softball team. But Jo might need to make a choice about which team she will be on this summer.

Little Shaq by Shaquille O’Neal

If your child likes basketball, they would love this story written by Shaq. It’s a perfect early reader story for kids that love sports and regular kid stuff.

It’s another perfect series of books for 8-year-olds.

Graphic Novels for an 8-Year-Old

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

This graphic novel is a Newbery Medal Winner and was an easy pick for a list of the best graphic novels of all time. Astrid and Nicole have done everything together until now. Astrid wants to go to roller derby camp.

And thus begins a summer of friendship, finding yourself, perseverance, and girl power. Astrid may be strong enough to endure middle school. Snag this if you are looking for a book for 11-year-olds.

The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey

Aaron Blabey’s famed series about the bad guys is a favorite in our homes. This graphic novel series is perfect for early readers.

The series is all about 4 “bad guys” who are trying to become good guys by trying to save those around them in funny ways.

Dog Man by Dav Pilkey

Dav Pilkey is THE author of books for reluctant readers. His graphic novels never disappoint. From Dog Man to Captain Underwear, these books will keep your kids laughing AND reading.

This particular story is about a half-man, half-dog hero.

Non-fiction Books for 8-Year-Olds

From An Idea To Disney: How Imagination Built a World of Magic by Lowey Bundy Sichol

This book tells the story of how Disneyland and the Disney company were created from Walt Disney’s imagination. It’s a fun non-fiction book that is the first in a series.

Other books in the series look at companies like Nike, Google, and Lego. It’s the perfect series of books for an 8-year-old looking to get into the non-fiction genre.

Who is Series… by Multiple Authors

The Who is Series is more than 200 books strong at this point. The series covers famous people, places, and historic events.

If your child is interested in any subject, we can almost guarantee there will be a book related to it in this series. The books are easy to read and interesting, making them the best non-fiction books for an 8-year-old.

The History of Pearl Harbor by Susan Katz

Similar to the Who Is series, “The History of” series focuses on key moments in history told in a way that 6-9-year-olds can comprehend.

Books in the series include subjects like Pearl Harbor, the Titanic, The American Revolution, and The Civil War.

Historical Fiction Books for 8-Year-Olds

Winnie’s Great War by Lindsay Mattick and Josh Greenhunt

This book is based on the real story of the world’s most famous bear, Winnie the Pooh. From his beginnings in the forests of Canada to the London Zoo where he met the real Christopher Robin, this book mixes one part imagination and one part history to create Winnie’s first big adventure.

Why We Love This Book:   It’s the perfect chapter book for older readers, particularly those who love the Caldecott medal winner, Finding Winnie. Appropriate for ages  8-12 Find this book in Zoo animal books, books for 9-year-olds , books for 10-year-olds

I Survived by Laura Tarshis 

Each book tells about a disaster from the point of view of one child who survives.  The original books all had a boy on the front cover but, the newer books are told from female perspectives too!

The series has also recently started publishing graphic novels which are some of the best books for an 8-year-old reluctant reader.

The Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

I read this for our reading challenge and found it to be such a lovely book.  I love the details about life in the late 1800’s.  I understand that the language used in some of these books is no longer acceptable; however, this book is sweet and wonderful. 

I would have no qualms about reading it to my daughter as long as I provided her with the appropriate context.

Did you find any books for 8-year-olds to add to your home library? For more options check out our list of books for 7-year-olds or age up with our book suggestions for 9-year-old .

Co-Founder and Creative Director

As a mother of two boys, Kirsten rediscovered her life-long love for reading while choosing appropriate books for her children. She started this website with Jackie to share their passion for literacy with other moms and kids. She uses her years of experience in marketing and public relations to create quarterly magazines, implement social media strategy, and ensure the website content is relevant and beautiful.

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