What Happens During Math Time?
This year, our class is using the Florida Go Math! textbook.The emphasis is on problem solving. Just like in reading, now that students have developed some proficiency in basic math skills, we now start to apply those skills. Students become better problem solvers as they learn to apply their reading skills and the process of reasoning to solve problems.
Online Textbook
Our math textbook is available online at ThinkCentral. You must log in using a user name and password. See me if you need to know your child's user name and password. Once you are logged in, My Library gives you access to the online version of the text and other materials.
Sunshine State Standards
The Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for 3rd grade math are concentrated on three Big Ideas. The Big Ideas represent content that is taught almost exclusively in that grade level. The Big Ideas taught in one year are used and reinforced in subsequent grade levels. For example, measurement skills are taught in depth in 2nd grade. In 3rd grade, students are expected to apply those measurement skills in finding perimeter and volume.
The Big Ideas for Grade 3 are:
- BIG IDEA 1: Develop understandings of multiplication and division and strategies for basic multiplication facts and related division facts.
- BIG IDEA 2: Develop an understanding of fractions and fraction equivalence.
- BIG IDEA 3: Describe and analyze properties of two-dimensional shapes.
This means that 3rd graders are going to spend much of their math time (1) developing solid understandings of basic multiplication and division facts and story problems, (2) learning in-depth about fractions and when fractions are equal to each other, and (3) visualizing and analyzing two-dimensional geometric shapes, such as squares, triangles, pentagons, and so forth.
The Supporting Ideas for Grade 3 round out the curriculum. The Supporting Ideas are revisited at every grade level to maintain skills. The Supporting Ideas come from Algebraic Thinking, Measurement, Number and Operations, and the Data Analysis. From Algebraic Thinking, students will express number relationships with charts, with words, and with drawings and variables. In Measurement, they will learn about perimeter, they will measure actual figures using —friendly fractions like 1/2 and 1/4, and they will practice telling time and elapsed time. In Number and Operations, they will use numbers up through hundred thousands, and they will solve non-routine problems by making a chart or list, and by searching for patterns. In Data Analysis, they will make various types of graphs to display data that they collect in the classroom and at home.
The math textbook has 12 chapters. Each chapter takes 10 to 15 days to complete. There will be a chapter test at the end of each chapter, and a quiz after every two or three lessons.
In addition to textbook lessons, mathematics is supplemented with the Smiley Face Math and Accelerated Math programs.
Pre-tests
For each math chapter, I will give a pre-test to any student who is interested in trying. Students who score a 90% or above on the pre-test will get an A for all of the assignments in the math chapter.
Instead of doing the regular class work, these students will be given an alternate assignment of more difficult, problem-solving activities. Most of the time, these assignments will be based on math concepts, but they may occasionally include enrichment projects in other subjects. These assignments will not be graded as part of the report card grade for math. However, students will still be held responsible for doing quality work. Also, any student who does not work quietly and independently will lose the privilege of doing independent work and will have to join the rest of the class in doing the regular chapter assignments.
Basic Fact Practice
Your child will be expected to memorize the basic addition and subtraction facts as well as multiplication and division facts. Three minute timed tests of 50 problems are given on a regular basis. Students earn a C for 20 to 29 problems correct, a B for 30 to 49 problems correct, and an A for 40 or more problems correct.
Often, mastering the basic facts takes a few minutes of practice at home daily in addition to the practice we do in class.
Grades
Math grades are taken from chapter tests, quizzes, class work, and basic fact assessments.
