Operations with Numbers
In Grade 3, students develop fluency with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They learn various strategies for computing with whole numbers, understand the relationships between operations, and apply these skills to solve real-world problems.
Grade Three Expectations for Operations with Numbers
Essential Learning Outcome 1: Addition and Subtraction - Developing fluency with larger numbers
- Add and subtract whole numbers up to 1,000 with regrouping
- Use mental math strategies for addition and subtraction
- Estimate sums and differences
- Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction
- Understand and apply the relationship between addition and subtraction
- Use properties of operations to solve problems efficiently
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 problem-solving activities, group work, and discussions about operations
- Conversations: Student explanations of their strategies and reasoning when solving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems
- Products: Student work samples, including written solutions, drawings, and models demonstrating their understanding of operations
Sample Assessment Tools:
- Observation checklists for operation strategies
- Rubrics for evaluating student understanding of multiplication and division concepts
- Performance tasks involving multi-step word problems
- Exit tickets to assess daily learning objectives
- Math journals for students to explain their thinking and strategies
Inclusive Learning Strategies
Additional Resources and Materials
For Teachers
- Base-ten blocks and place value mats
- Counters and manipulatives for building arrays
- Number lines and hundreds charts
- Multiplication and division fact cards
- Word problem cards and task cards
- OECS Grade 3 Mathematics Curriculum Guide
For Students
- Individual manipulatives for modeling operations
- Math journals for recording strategies and solutions
- Visual aids for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
- Fact fluency practice materials
- Personal hundreds charts and number lines
Teacher Content Knowledge
In Grade 3, students build on their understanding of addition and subtraction while developing fluency with multiplication and division. The four operations are interconnected, with addition and subtraction being inverse operations, and multiplication and division being inverse operations. Understanding these relationships helps students develop efficient strategies and check their work. Students should be encouraged to use multiple strategies and representations when solving problems, and to explain their reasoning. The development of fact fluency is important, but should be built on conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization. Teachers should emphasize the application of operations in real-world contexts to help students see the relevance and utility of these mathematical skills.