Support for Grade 3 Families
If your child is using Bridges Grade 3, you may find the resources below helpful.
What Your Third Grader Will Learn (PDF)
Your child’s teacher may use the Math Skills & Concepts Student Report to communicate with you about how your child is doing in math class. This report is meant to provide an overall picture of your child’s progress at a given point in the year. It does not include every skill or idea your child will study in math class. To get a more complete picture of how your child is doing, you can also read your school’s report card, talk to your child’s teacher, and ask to see examples of your child’s work including class work and tests. Revised standards in some states expect students to master some of the skills we have designated as “beyond third grade.” For example, updated Washington standards require third graders to add and subtract numbers of any size using efficient and effective paper-and-pencil methods, including the standard algorithm.
Overview of Grade 3 Units (PDF)
Each two-page handout below provides a quick overview of what students will learn in a single Bridges unit. They include sample problems with answers, so you may find them useful when helping with homework. If you're not sure what unit your child's class is in right now, ask his or her teacher, or look at the small print at the top of the most recent homework assignment. Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 4, Unit 5, Unit 6, Unit 7, Unit 8
Math with Your Third Grader (PDF)
This handout offers advice on how to help with homework and make math a fun and useful part of family life. English Spanish
Parents as Partners
The Oregon Council for Teachers of Mathematics (OCTM) offers a pamphlet to assist parents in their efforts to support and encourage their children in mathematics. Download the pamphlet. English Spanish.
Math Vocabulary for Grade 3 (PDF)
Use these pages to refresh your memory of key terms you may need to help with your third grader’s homework. Definitions include examples and pictures. English Spanish
If you want to look up other words, we recommend using A Maths Dictionary for Kids, which includes definitions, examples, animations, and even practice games.
Home Connections for Grade 3
Pages and assignments from Home Connections book.
Online Skills Practice for Grade 3
Free, age-appropriate computer games can help your child practice basic skills at home. Play with your child the first time to make sure the game matches your child's interests and abilities. If your child has trouble focusing, the graphics may be too distracting. Children benefit from hands-on experiences and interaction with other people, so when you have time, play board games and talk to your child about the math he or she is doing. There is no substitute for your interest and involvement!
Basic Addition
Speed Grid Addition Players select two numbers from a grid that equal the given sum. Timed game.
Math Lines The player races to pair numbers that add up to 10. Before your child plays, review the pairs of numbers that add up to 10. Site contains ads.
Basic Subtraction
Speed Grid Subtraction Players select two numbers from a grid that equal the given difference. Timed game.
Larger Addition
Falling Problems A beat-the-clock game in which the player has to decide whether an addition or subtraction combination will be less than or greater than 10. In a more challenging version, the player decides whether an addition or subtraction combination will be less than or greater than 100. This game is great for developing number sense and estimation skills.
Larger Subtraction
Falling Problems A beat-the-clock game in which the player has to decide whether an addition or subtraction combination will be less than or greater than 10. In a more challenging version, the player decides whether an addition or subtraction combination will be less than or greater than 100. This game is great for developing number sense and estimation skills.
Basic Multiplication
Times Square This game provides practice with multiplication facts as players race to be the first to get 4 products in a row on the game board. Use "guest pass" to enter game list & play against the computer.
Factor Dazzle Players score points for finding all the factors of target numbers set by their opponents. Your child may need some support to get started. Use "guest pass" to enter game list & play against the computer.
Multiplication Grand Prix Up to 4 players compete in this race car game by entering basic facts. Students can race one another or play against the computer.
All Basic Facts
Math Magician Specify facts to practice. Select from addition, subtraction, multiplication & division. Timed.
Money: Subtraction with Decimal Numbers
Making Change The player finds the difference between a price and the amount of money paid. Then the player shows that change using the fewest coins and bills possible. Talk to your child about some ways to calculate the amount of change mentally. For example, can he or she add up from the price to the amount paid to figure the difference? Site contains ads.
Telling Time
Bang On Time The time is displayed in words. A player stops the clock when hands are in the correct position.
Watch and Learn An extensive list of links to games and activities to practice telling time.
Fractions
Identifying Fractions Game Identify which picture of a pizza represents the given fraction. Use arrow keys to choose the correct pizza. Select from 4 levels of difficulty. Turn off timer and sound if desired. One or two player game. Site contains ads.
More Games
The sites below contain some of the best games for elementary math students to play at home. Look through the sites to find other games for your child.
ABCya!
BBC Bitesize (skip money games on this British site)
Calculation Nation (register or use guest pass; for upper elementary & middle grades)
Cyberchase
Johnnie's Math Page
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
Read Math Books Together
Children of all ages enjoy sharing books with a caring adult. Visit our Virtual Bookshelf for suggested titles that will help improve skills, foster positive attitudes toward math, and create opportunities for family togetherness.
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