Number Sense
In Grade 3, students develop a deeper understanding of whole numbers up to 10,000, fractions, and decimals. They learn to represent, compare, and order numbers, understand place value concepts, and develop mental math strategies for working with larger numbers.
Grade Three Expectations for Number Sense
Essential Learning Outcome 1: Understanding whole numbers up to 10,000
- Read, write, and represent whole numbers up to 10,000 using numerals, words, and models
- Identify the place value of digits in numbers up to 10,000
- Compare and order whole numbers up to 10,000 using symbols (<, >, =)
- Round numbers to the nearest ten and hundred
- Skip count by various numbers (2s, 3s, 5s, 10s, 25s, 100s)
- Develop mental math strategies for working with larger numbers
Specific Curriculum Outcomes
By the end of Grade Three, the learner will be expected to:
Inclusive Assessment Strategies
Assessment strategies that provide information about learning:
- Observations: Teacher observations during number activities, group work, and discussions about number concepts
- Conversations: Student explanations of their understanding of place value, fractions, and decimals
- Products: Student work samples, including written solutions, drawings, and models demonstrating their understanding of number concepts
Sample Assessment Tools:
- Observation checklists for place value understanding
- Rubrics for evaluating student understanding of fractions
- Performance tasks involving comparing and ordering numbers
- Exit tickets to assess daily learning objectives
- Math journals for students to explain their thinking about number concepts
Inclusive Learning Strategies
Additional Resources and Materials
For Teachers
- Base-ten blocks and place value mats
- Fraction circles, bars, and number lines
- Decimal models and grids
- Number cards and dice
- OECS Grade 3 Mathematics Curriculum Guide
For Students
- Individual place value charts
- Fraction kits with various models
- Number lines showing whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
- Math journals for recording strategies and solutions
- Visual aids for number concepts
Teacher Content Knowledge
Number sense refers to a student's fluidity and flexibility with numbers and their understanding of how numbers relate to each other. In Grade 3, students expand their understanding to include larger whole numbers up to 10,000, develop deeper concepts of fractions as parts of a whole and as numbers on a number line, and are introduced to decimal numbers in the context of tenths. Strong number sense serves as the foundation for all future mathematical learning, particularly in the areas of operations, measurement, and data analysis. Teachers should emphasize the connections between different number representations and encourage students to develop mental math strategies based on place value understanding.