What our students should know by the end of 3rd grade in: Number Algebra Measurement Geometry Statistics

California Content Standards

Number
I can identify place value for each digit to 10,000.
NS 1.3

I can use expanded notation to represent numbers.

NS 1.5

I can add and subtract whole numbers from 0 to 10,000.

NS 2.1

I know my multiplication tables to 10.

NS 2.2

I can use division to check multiplication and multiplication to check division.

NS 2.3

I can multiply a 4-digit number by a 1-digit number.

NS 2.4

Number

I can add and subtract simple fractions.

NS 3.2

I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide money amounts using decimals.
NS 3.3

I know that fractions and decimals are two ways of showing the same amount.
NS 3.4

Algebra
I can use math symbols to show number relationships.
NS 1.1

I can give the total cost of items if I know how much each item costs.
NS 2.1

Data & Statistics

I can record outcomes for a simple event (such as coin toss).

SDAP 1.2

I can display a bar graph or line plot to show organized results of a probability experiment.
SDAP 1.3

Geometry
I can identify, describe and classify polygons.
MG 2.1

I can identify the attributes of triangles and quadrilaterals.

MG 2.2 MG 2.3

Measurement

I can use squares or cubes to figure out the area and volume of solid figures. MG 1.2 I can find the perimeter in a polygon. MG 1.3

Mathematical Reasoning
I analyze problems by identifying relationships, telling important information from unimportant information, putting information in order of importance, and observing patterns. I can decide when and how to break a problem into simpler parts. I use estimation to prove if an answer is reasonable. I use strategies from simple problems to help solve more difficult problems. I use a wide variety of methods to explain my math thinking: words, numbers, symbols, charts, graphs, etc. I show the solution clearly and logically and prove it with words and symbols. I know when an exact answer is needed and when an estimate would be appropriate. I calculate carefully and check my answers. I can decide if an answer is reasonable according to the situation. I can take a method for solving one problem and use it with a similar problem. I recognize generalizations from results and apply them in other situations.

How you can help your child at home with Math.

The most important skill you can help your child with in third grade is helping him/her to memorize multiplication facts. Play games as a family, such as counting games and games that require keeping score. **Games require children to use strategies to make decisions, solve problems and develop an understanding about numbers, how to use them (number sense) and computational skills. Use the date and figure out how many different ways you can express this date: 12th = 5x2+2, 6+6, 2x6, 15-3, etc. While shopping for 1-2 items, ask your child to figure how much change you will get from a $10 bill, for example. Use recipes to learn about measurement and fractions. Try doubling recipes with your child, helping them with adding like fractions together (1/4 cup of oatmeal + 1/4 cup of oatmeal). While in the kitchen, have your child compare various can and dried good items to determine which weighs the most (and put them in order by weight) and which container would hold the most water or rice (and put the containers in order by volume). Have your child estimate the length of various items in your home (door height, room length, top of table, etc.) and then measure to see how close the estimate was. Encourage your child to measure the same length in inches, feet, yards, centimeter, and meters (as appropriate). Encourage your child to look for patterns in math and in the real world (nature, buildings, etc.).

Revised July2011