Third grade math works with whole numbers of three digits or more. Students are expected to order and compare numbers through ten thousand.
Place value is important. Children are expected to know the value of any given digit in whole numbers into the thousands. They learn that the value of each place is ten times that of the place to its right.
This is the year where multiplication is BIG! It is important that your child begin to put the facts into long-term memory. Division is a struggle if these facts are not in long-term memory. There are many games in our third grade math package that help with this.
Students begin to encounter simple division, and they are expected to be able to explain the inverse relationship between multiplication and division and write the related fact families.
For example: 5×9=45, 9×5=45, 45÷5=9, 45÷9=5
Understanding fractions continues to be important. See the Fraction Kits activity and games – these are a big help in children understanding the concept of fractions. Children are expected to add and subtract simple fractions, and look for equivalent fractions, such as 1/8 + 3/8 = 4/8 or 1/2.
Using money, they will learn about decimal notation. Again, there are many games on the CD that help children understand money. Be sure to use real coins.
The following are the California Third Grade Mathematics Standards. They indicate what your child should know and be able to do by the time he/she leaves Third Grade. I have included them because they are specific, rigorous, and reflect the Third Grade mathematics standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). If you would like to know what your state’s mathematics standards include, your child’s teacher or school will be glad to give you a copy.
