Grade 3 Math Curriculum

The Grade 3 curriculum continues to lay the foundation for mathematical thinking in the early years, in the weekly 1.5-hour classes. In this grade, students deepen their understanding of the Relocation Property and begin to solve more complex problems in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. In addition, students learn important topics such as averages and fractions. For example, students learn to simplify fractions with prime factors, to compare fractions with common denominators, that fractions are a division statement, and grade 3 students learn how to solve problems with zeros in fractions. In this grade, students participate in at least two external math contests that challenge them to think critically and to problem solve with resilience. Grade 3 students all write the Spirit of Math International Contest during class time, and they write tests and an exam at the end of the year. The overall challenging curriculum inspires confidence in our Grade 3 students.

Here’s what we cover in Grade Three:

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Drills

  • Addition (2×2 and 3×2)
  • Integer Addition (2×1 and 2×2)
  • Multiplication (2×1 and 3×1)
  • Division (2×1 and 3×1)
  • Long Multiplication (3×2 with decimals)
  • Long Division (2×1 and 3×2)
  • Perfect Squares to 252
  • Fraction-Decimal Equivalents (half, thirds, fourths, fifths, ninths, and tenths)

Core Curriculum

  • Regrouping: Making groups of ten (adding 8 to 10 two-digit positive and negative numbers)
  • Relocation with multiplication and division
  • Primes, composites, and factors
  • Fractions (mixed and improper fractions, reducing by prime factoring, comparing and ordering fractions with different numerators and denominators, fractions with zero, i.e. undefined and indeterminate)

Problem Solving

  • Date problems (extending from grades 1 and 2, solving using equations instead of number lines)
  • “All but” problems (e.g. If there are 5 cats and all but 3 fell asleep, how many are asleep?)
  • Interval problems (extending from Cuts & Pieces problems – e.g. Eight flowers are each planted in a row 40 centimetres apart. How far apart is the first flower and the last flower?)
  • Venn Diagrams (with 3 circles)
  • Averages (calculating average based on a data set, calculating an increase in average, comparing averages)
  • Pathways with 2 grids
  • Spirit of Math Contest (annual nation-wide contest)
  • CNML Contest (Canadian National Mathematics League)

Cooperative Group Work

  • Working in groups of 3 to 4 students to solve the POW (Problem of the Week)
  • Comparing and discussing homework solutions
  • Strengthening communication and social skills
  • Learning how to share ideas on how to collaboratively solve problems
  • Developing critical thinking and decision-making skills

Assessment

Grades are available online and parents receive three report cards each year. Our students will demonstrate their understanding through:

  • Five Unit Tests (at Lessons 5, 11, 20, 25 and 33)
  • Final Comprehensive Exam
  • Independent Assignments (Tricks or Treats, Jettsie & Joanie, Little Spirit)
  • Assignment of the Year (creating 75 different equations equaling any number from 1-100 using only 4 digits)
  • Wise Wizards 2 problem set
  • Problem Poster Project
  • Famous Mathematicians research project