Grade 3
In third grade students learn how to add and subtract larger numbers. The goal is for students to develop computational fluency, learning a variety of strategies to use to solve problems. (See Addition/Subtraction Strategies) Students will look at the numbers involved in the problem and will then decide on a method that best fits the situation. Most students will use traditional methods for problems with large numbers and other strategies for easier problems. If your child has difficulty with addition or subtraction, you can practice adding and subtracting traditionally (using “carrying” and “borrowing”).
Students should know all of their multiplication facts up through 10 x 10 by the end of third grade. If they don’t, this is the area they will need to work on. Strategies for learning their facts include playing games that use two dice, playing card games, using flash cards, and websites. Check out the Math Games Videos as well as the Online Games & Apps links for ideas!
Third grade students also begin to learn multiplication and division strategies but do not learn any formal multiplication or division procedures until the following year, for example, students in third grade will not need to use long division as the numbers are not large enough.
Along with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, students in third grade will begin to learn about fractions and geometry of 2-D shapes and 3-D solids.
