by Kiddos and Crayons by Jordan Piacenti 1st - 2nd Grade
Practice place value with a fun Christmas themed color-by-number puzzle. Students will practice place value by identifying numbers through base ten blocks, expanded form and tens and ones on their answer sheets. Then, they use their answers to color a 100s chart to reveal the mystery picture (Santa).
Each worksheet shows a two digit number in either expanded form, word form (i.e. 6 tens and 5 ones) or as picture of tens and ones blocks. After students solve the problem and write the correct number on their worksheet, they find the number on a blank 100s chart and color it a specified color. When they are done they will have revealed a fun mystery picture.
This activity works great as a math center or a fast finisher. It can also be used as a whole group listening activity by having the teacher call out the number of tens and ones for each problem.
Tie together your math and narrative writing standards with this fun activity that will have kids never forgetting their polygons again! I am excited to offer this free product that gives you 10 creative writing prompts for writing about "The Legend of the Decacorn, Nonacorn, Octacorn" and so on. Your students will love this activity and never forget their polygons again.
My 5th grade students asked me one day what a unicorn with 10 horns was called. Without hesitation I said, “a decacorn of course!” The kids all started laughing and we immediately launched into a review of polygons. The kids were excited to name a 9 horned “unicorn,” a nonacorn, 10 horns, a decacorn and so on. We had been working on our narrative writing so I quickly put together these pages and the kids all chose one they would like to write a story about. All the kids read each other's stories. They were quite creative and none of them will ever forget that a polygon with ten sides is called a decacorn . . . . I mean decagon! I hope you are able to use this simple tool to bring a smile to the face of the kids in your class. It provides a great way to tie together your math and literacy instruction. With so many standards, looking for ways to tie together the curriculum is so important.
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This poetry comprehension test is a great way for you to assign your kids a digital activity. The Google Form will grade it and you can see instantly how your kids did. This is an easy activity to assign for your kids to do at home.
This activity can be used as a test or as test prep to see how they are doing with poetry.
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It is an exciting time for students and teachers alike. We get to guide our students as they dive into big ideas like place value, multiplication, division, fractions, and even some geometry. It’s all about helping them build on what they’ve learned in the early grades, while introducing more complex concepts in a way that keeps them engaged.
Here’s a look at what we’re teaching in 3rd grade math, and how we can make it fun and meaningful for our students.
Key Math Concepts and Skills
1. Numbers and Operations: In third grade, we help students get comfortable with larger numbers and the operations that go with them.
Place Value: Students learn to understand numbers up to the thousands.
Addition & Subtraction: We tackle multi-digit problems.
Multiplication & Division: They start learning facts and strategies that will be essential moving forward.
Fractions: Introducing equivalent fractions, comparing fractions, and even adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators.
2. Geometry: This is where we get into shapes, angles, and more.
2D Shapes: Identifying and classifying polygons, triangles, and quadrilaterals.
Angles: Understanding lines, angles, and how to measure them.
3D Shapes: Exploring cubes, spheres, and cylinders.
3. Measurement and Data: We focus on practical skills, like telling time and measuring lengths.
Time: Teaching students to tell time down to the minute.
Length: Comparing lengths using standard units.
Area & Perimeter: A big concept at this grade level
Data: Collecting and interpreting data with tables and graphs.
4. Fractions: Fractions are a big part of 3rd grade.
Unit Fractions: Understanding fractions on a number line.
Comparing Fractions: With like and unlike denominators.
Equivalent Fractions: A new and challenging concept for many.
5. Patterns and Algebra: We start laying the foundation for algebra.
Multiplication as Repeated Addition: Recognizing and extending patterns.
Word Problems: Using multiplication and division to solve them.
6. Problem Solving: We encourage students to develop problem-solving strategies that they’ll use throughout their math careers.
Real-World Math: Connecting math to real-world situations.
Critical Thinking: Helping students communicate their reasoning.
Teaching Strategies for Third Grade Math
We know that students learn best when they’re engaged, so here are some ways to keep math fun while reinforcing important concepts:
Games and Activities: Math doesn’t have to be all worksheets. Incorporating games, puzzles, and interactive activities is a great way to keep students engaged.
Hands-On Learning: Use manipulatives whenever possible—fraction tiles, base-ten blocks, and geometry tools.
Group Work: Encourage collaboration with group problem-solving tasks.
Real-World Application: Show students how math applies to their everyday lives with real-world examples and word problems.
Differentiated Instruction: Meet students where they are by differentiating tasks and providing challenges for advanced learners while supporting those who need extra help.
Ongoing Assessments: Use quizzes, projects, and observations to check in on students’ progress and adjust instruction as needed.
Assessment and Evaluation
Quizzes and Tests: These give you a snapshot of how well students understand the material.
Homework: Reinforces the skills learned in class.
Projects & Performance Tasks: Let students apply what they’ve learned in a hands-on way.
Teacher Observations: Watch how students interact with the material in real time.
Rubrics: Give clear feedback on tasks and assignments.
Making Math Fun and Meaningful
Third grade is such a critical year for math. Our role as teachers is to create an environment that fosters curiosity and helps students build a strong mathematical foundation. The key is finding a balance between rigor and engagement—teaching the important concepts while keeping things interactive and enjoyable for our students.
By incorporating games, hands-on activities, and real-world connections, we can make sure that every student not only understands the material but enjoys the learning process along the way. Happy teaching!
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