Key Math Domains & Topics (Common Core Aligned)
| Domain | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Operations & Algebraic Thinking (OA) | – Fluently multiply and divide within 100 |
Understand properties of multiplication (commutative, associative, distributive)
Solve 1- and 2-step word problems
Identify arithmetic patterns (e.g., even/odd, rules in times tables) |
| Number & Operations in Base Ten (NBT) | – Round numbers to the nearest 10 or 100Add/subtract within 1,000
Multiply 1-digit numbers by 2-digit numbers using place value and properties |
| Number & Operations—Fractions (NF) | – Understand fractions as numbers on a number lineCompare and explain equivalent fractions
Express whole numbers as fractions (e.g., 3/1) |
| Measurement & Data (MD) | – Tell time to the minuteMeasure and estimate in grams, liters, inches, feet, etc.
Represent data on bar graphs and picture graphs
Understand perimeter and area as an attribute of 2D shapes |
| Geometry (G) | – Understand attributes of shapesClassify shapes based on angles and sides
Partition shapes into equal parts (continued fraction application) |
| Publisher | Curriculum | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Eureka Math (Modules 1–7) | Focus on fluency with multiplication/division and conceptual understanding of area, fractions | |
| Illustrative Mathematics | Promotes discourse-based learning and visual modeling | |
| Ready Mathematics (Curriculum Associates) | Fluency, conceptual rigor, practice worksheets, and diagnostic assessments | |
| Bridges in Mathematics | Spiral content with games, number corner activities, and visual-based strategies | |
| Go Math! / My Math (McGraw-Hill) | Textbook-style curriculum with guided and independent practice | |
| Investigations (TERC) | Still hands-on but includes more procedural strategies starting in Grade 3 |
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Formative Assessment | Exit slips, quick quizzes, peer-assessed work, journal entries |
| Unit Assessments | Typically 6–8 per year based on curriculum pacing |
| Benchmarks/Diagnostics | i-Ready, NWEA MAP, or DIBELS Math (fall, winter, spring) |
| State Testing (Most states) | Starts in Grade 3 for math. Example tests: |
SBAC (CA, WA, OR, CT, HI)
MCAS (MA)
FSA or FAST (FL)
STAAR (TX)
PSSA (PA)
ILEARN (IN) |
Testing Season:
March to May (depending on state
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Multiplication Charts | Develop fluency with times tables |
| Area Tiles / Grid Paper | Understanding and building area models |
| Fraction Circles / Bars | Model unit fractions, equivalence, addition/subtraction of fractions |
| Rulers, Clocks, Scales | Measurement concepts |
| Base Ten Blocks | Multi-digit addition/subtraction |
| Number Lines & Arrays | Modeling operations and fractions |
| Digital Tools | Khan Academy, Zearn, ST Math, Freckle, Prodigy, i-Ready |
| State | Notes |
|---|---|
| California | Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC); many districts use Eureka, Ready Math, or Bridges |
| Texas | Uses TEKS; slightly different focus (e.g., multiplication tables up to 12 by end of Grade 3) |
| Florida | B.E.S.T. Standards; heavy fluency in multiplication/division, word problems |
| New York | Uses EngageNY (Eureka Math) and tests via NYSTP Grade 3 Math |
| Illinois | Common Core aligned; uses IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) |
All states in Grade 3 expect students to master multiplication and division facts, with the shift from arithmetic to understanding relationships and reasoning.
School runs August–May/June
Math is taught daily for 60–75 minutes
Curriculum pacing includes:
Warm-up/spiral review
Core lesson (concept building)
Fluency work (facts practice)
Problem solving/application
Advanced Concepts Introduced in Grade 3
- Multiplication/Division Mastery
- Introduction to Fractions (on number lines, equivalence, comparing sizes)
- Area (as a measurement, not just counting squares)
- Word Problem Solving involving all four operations
- Data Interpretation using scaled bar graphs
- Geometric Reasoning: angles, sides, and symmetry
