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How Parents Can Prepare Their Child for Success

Everyone knows that confidence is the key to success. That’s true whether you’re going to a business meeting in an office or simply going to your first day of a new school year.

The first day back will set the tone for the rest of the school year. So, approaching it with confidence is essential.

But keep in mind that confidence is created over time, and can be lost over time, too.

Let’s talk about ways you can maintain your child’s confidence throughout the school year.

Morning Routine Tips

The key to a smooth morning is setting expectations. Without specific expectations, mornings can get out of control fast!

Set Clear Goals

Before the school year starts, talk to your child about the morning routine. Write down exactly what must be done each morning and tape it to the wall somewhere both you and they can see it.

Once you’ve written down your morning routine, talk about who’s going to do what.

A 3rd grader should be able to plan their own outfit, get dressed, brush their teeth and hair, and pack their backpack on their own. Ideally, they can be doing all that while you prepare their breakfast.

If your child cannot get themselves ready yet, continue to help them. Gradually give them less support until they can do their morning tasks independently.

Go to Sleep Early

Children at this age need anywhere between 9 and 12 hours of sleep per night. Consider their wake-up time and set their bedtime accordingly.

Remember, a few disorganized, late mornings here and there is fine; just don’t let them become a habit!

Talk through your morning routine every night with your child until they have it memorized.

Talking About the Day Ahead

So, confidence is key, but how do we maintain it daily?

Talk Through Your Child’s Feelings

Children in the 3rd grade may feel all sorts of things, be it anxiety about making friends or a complete disinterest in learning. Whatever the case, hear them out. Listen to their concerns and find ways to work through them together.

Work on Social Skills

Give your child conversation starters to use with their classmates, set up playdates with other children in their school, sign them up for afterschool programs, or take them to activities or events where they can interact with other kids.

Review Their Curriculum

If your child struggles to understand their 3rd-grade content, talk them through it. As the parent or guardian, you should be aware of what your child is learning in school.

Third graders learn various concepts in language arts, science, history, geography, and math. They are also expected to read at a certain level.

If possible, review classroom content with them after school, do homework together, or get them a tutor.

For more curriculum help or review, use a math app, workbook, or online program.

Demonstrate Positivity

To boost your child’s confidence, excitement, and motivation to learn, demonstrate those qualities yourself! A child’s attitude about something is directly related to their parents’ attitude about it.

If you’re excited about learning, they will be too.

Motivation to learn doesn’t just come from the classroom; it comes from life at home.

Third Grade Math Resources

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What to Pack and Bring

Kids get excited for the first day when they have new supplies to carry around and use.

But what exactly should your child bring to the first day of 3rd grade?

Most schools provide students and their families with school supplies lists. These lists almost always include:

Pocket folders
Composition notebooks – wide ruled
3 hole punched lined paper – wide ruled
Scissors
Glue sticks
Highlighters
Number two pencils
Erasers
Crayons
Markers
Colored pencils
Hand sanitizer

And don’t forget the backpack!

Additionally, unless your child will eat school lunch every day, they’ll need a lunch box. Keep the lunch box small—otherwise it won’t fit in their backpack and is more likely to be lost.

And, if packing their lunch, make sure it’s healthy, filling, and includes all the major food groups. Don’t forget to send them to school with water and a healthy snack, too!

Lastly, if your child is anxious, send them to school with a comfort item.

Supporting Your Child After School

Many parents attack their kids with questions after school. Some kids may be happy to talk about their day immediately, but others may feel too tired.

If your child doesn’t enjoy talking about school right away, give them time to recuperate.

When they’re ready to talk, ask open-ended questions like, “What was the most interesting thing you learned today?” or “What did you do during recess?”

Whether or not you have a full conversation about their day in school, daily check-ins are important. Ask your child how they feel. Do they feel anxious? Shy? Demotivated? Embarrassed?

Negative feelings are common, and it’s important to talk about them sooner rather than later.

On the other hand, if your child accomplished something, like finishing a project, completing a book, or even answering a question in class, celebrate it! A win is a win.

Acting excited over the little things will motivate them to keep trying, leading to bigger wins down the road.

FAQs about the first day of 3rd grade

What should my child wear on the first day of 3rd grade?

Keep your child’s school dress code in mind when planning their back-to-school outfit. Pick out an outfit that’s comfortable, suitable for school, and weather-appropriate with your child. Keep it proper, yet casual.

How can I help my child make friends quickly?

Work with your child on their social skills by giving them conversation starters, setting up playdates, and signing them up for afterschool and extracurricular activities. Teach them how to be kind, understanding, patient, and a team player.

What if my child is nervous or shy?

It’s normal for children to feel nervous and shy in 3rd grade. To help your child feel more confident, talk through their concerns, help them make friends, and celebrate their accomplishments. A new outfit or backpack can also be a confidence booster.

Take at home math practice to the next level

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About the Author

Tess Loucka

Tess Loucka discovered her passion for writing in high school and has not stopped writing since. Combined with her love of numbers, she became a math and English tutor, focusing on middle- and high-school-level topics. Since graduating from Hunter College, her goal has been to use her writing to spread knowledge and the joy of learning to readers of all ages.

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3rd Grade Fraction Word Problems

Samuel Morrissette — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:55:55 +0000

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3rd Grade Fraction Word Problems

Practice 3rd-grade addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division fraction word problems with these 30 questions and answers.

Author

Tess Loucka

Published:

September 2025

Key takeaways

Word problems take abstract math concepts and place them into everyday situations, teaching students how to apply math to real-world problems.

That’s why using numbers in word problems is such an important step in the development of a student’s math skills.

In this article, we’ll talk about how solving word problems can help third graders succeed in math class, as well as offer 30 fraction word problems 3rd grade students should be able to solve, of varying difficulty.

Why Fraction Word Problems Matter in 3rd Grade

Solving word problems can improve a student’s critical thinking skills, which can be applied to all subjects—not just math!

Besides that, problem-solving with word problems teaches students common sense, as they are forced to sort important information from filler words.

More common sense and critical thinking means fewer silly mistakes when turning in assignments, and ultimately, better grades going forward.

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30 Fraction Word Problems for 3rd Grade

There’s no denying that fraction word problems are an essential part of a third-grade student’s education. So, here are 30 fraction word problems for 3rd grade that you can practice at home or in the classroom.

15 Addition and Subtraction Word Problems

In 3rd grade, students are expected to be able to add and subtract fractions with like denominators. They most often work with fractions whose denominators are 2, 4, 6, and 8, but may be challenged with odd numbers as well.

1. Annie has two bottles of paint. She uses all the paint from one bottle. What fraction of the paint did Annie use?

2. Nira is chopping vegetables for dinner. She makes 6 piles of chopped vegetables, then adds 2 of those piles to the frying pan. What fraction of chopped vegetables is left?

3. There were 15 books about animals, and Maurice read 4 of them. What fraction of animal books did he read?

4. Amber ate ¹⁄₂ of a cupcake, and her brother ate the other ¹⁄₂. How much of the cupcake did they eat?

5. What do you get when you subtract three eighths from eight eighths?

6. Out of all the arcade staff, ⁸⁄₁₄ are female and ⁵⁄₁₄ of them work full time. What fraction of the staff is male?

7. If one baby elephant weighs ¹⁄₁₀ of a ton and another weighs ²⁄₁₀ of a ton, what fraction of a ton do they weigh together?

8. If Robert walked his dog ⁵⁄₉ of a mile first, then ⁴⁄₉ of a mile, how far did Robert walk his dog in total?

9. What do you get if you add two-thirds of a cup to two-thirds of a cup?

10. If you drink ⁵⁄₈ cups of juice, then ⁴⁄₈ cups of milk, how many cups of liquid did you drink?

11. If Kevin spent ¹⁄₄ of an hour jogging yesterday and ³⁄₄ of an hour swimming today, how many hours in total did he spend on the two activities?

12. Joseph rolled a marble ⁴⁄₆ of a meter, and David rolled a marble ³⁄₆ of a meter. Who rolled the marble farther, and by how many meters?

13. A worm is trying to travel across a dirt road. The worm moved ²⁄₃ of an inch, stopped, then moved another ¹⁄₃ of an inch. How far did the worm travel?

14. Ms. Clemens brought cherry pie to class one day as a treat for her students. The boys ate ³⁄₅ of the pie, and the girls ate ²⁄₅ of the pie. How much more of the pie did the boys eat?

15. Nataly made lemonade for six friends. Each person, including Nataly, drank one cup. If three cups were left afterward, what fraction of the original lemonade was consumed?

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15 Multiplication Word Problems with Fractions

Students in 3rd grade are expected to work with fractions that share the same denominator. Students should also know how to multiply and divide simple fractions by whole numbers.

1. If Enrique rides his bike ¹⁄₄ of a mile every day for 3 days, how many miles will Enrique ride in total?

2. Emma sees a total of 8 cars. She notices that ²⁄₄ of the cars are blue. How many cars in total are blue?

3. What is two-thirds of one-third?

4. How many dollars is one quarter of $20?

5. What is half of one-third?

6. How many half-ounce containers can you fill with 3 pounds of apples?

7. What is ¹⁄₈ feet multiplied by 4?

8. If one-third of a whole is split in two, what fraction of the whole will each part be equal to?

9. How many times can one-third go into four-sixths?

10. Miranda has a piece of string that is ³⁄₄ of a foot long. She wants to cut that string into pieces that are ¹⁄₄ of a foot long. How many pieces can she cut the string into?

11. If one-fifth of a whole is split into two equal parts, what fraction of the whole will each part be equal to?

12. How many times can one-eighth go into six-eighths?

13. How many thirds are there in three-quarters?

14. How many half-ounce bowls can you fill with ⁴⁄₅ ounces of chocolate ice cream?

15. A bike repair shop has 4 broken tricycles. If each tricycle has 3 wheels and ¹⁄₃ of the wheels are broken, how many wheels will the bike repair shop workers have to fix?

FAQs about 3rd grade Fraction Problems

What types of fraction word problems are best for 3rd graders?

In 3rd grade, students should be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide simple fractions and whole numbers. Simple one- or two-step word problems are best for this age group.

How can I help my child understand fraction word problems?

To make fraction word problems easier for your 3rd grader, help them visualize the problems by giving them more relatable examples and drawing pictures.

What are common mistakes students make with fraction word problems?

A common mistake with word problems is not reading them carefully. Students should read problems carefully and take notes to ensure they approach the solution correctly.

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3rd Grade Multiplication Problems

Samuel Morrissette — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 17:28:17 +0000

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3rd Grade Multiplication Problems

In 3rd grade, students are ready to move beyond addition and subtraction and explore more complex topics, like multiplication. Our creative 3rd grade multiplication problems are designed to help your student build both skills and confidence.

Author

Katie Wickliff

Published:

Aug 2025

Key takeaways

In the early elementary years, students focus on mastering basic addition and subtraction, giving them the confidence they’ll need to tackle the next challenge: multiplication.

Multiplication is the foundation for other important math topics like division and fractions. It also sets the stage for success in algebra and other complex concepts in later grades.

If you’re a teacher or parents looking for ways to support your student in multiplication, this article is for you. We explain why multiplication is often introduced in 3rd grade, how it connects to division, and how its role in everyday life. Practicing multiplication frequently and consistently is essential, so you’ll also find 20 sample problems to help your child build skills and boost confidence. For even more ways to support your student, check out Dreambox Math, an online program designed to help your student meet learning goals while still having fun!

Understanding Multiplication in 3rd Grade

In 3rd grade, most students have a solid foundation of addition and subtraction skills, so introducing multiplication is a natural next step. Because of their familiarity with addition, students are ready to see multiplication as repeated addition and understand the concept of equal groups. Developmentally, 3rd graders are developing stronger critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making it easier for them to connect multiplication with the real world, like calculating how much something costs or how many items they need for a group of friends or family.

These higher level thinking skills also allows them to understand how numbers relate to one another– essential for learning division, which they usually encounter soon after. Building multiplication fluency makes division easier, because multiplication combines equal groups to find a total, while division splits the total into equal groups. So, if your child knows that 6 x 2 = 12, they can use that fact to figure out 12 ÷ 2 = 6, or 12 ÷ 6 = 2. Understanding how multiplication and division work together makes learning these concepts less overwhelming.

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10 Real-World Multiplication Word Problems

As parents and teachers know, multiplication is everywhere! These 10 real world multiplication word problems give kids valuable practice while also highlighting how often multiplication appears in everyday scenarios.

1. A football coach has 3 bags of practice footballs for his team. Each bag holds 5 footballs. How many footballs are there in total?

2. Sarah is collecting seashells on the beach. She collects 7 seashells, but her sister collects twice as many. How many seashells do the girls collect in all?

3. Mrs. Brennan’s 3rd grade classroom has 10 tables. Each table can sit 3 students. How many students are in Mrs. Brennan’s class?

4. Skye bakes 4 trays of cookies for the school bake sale. Each tray holds 12 cookies. How many cookies did Skye bake altogether?

5. Connor counts 8 elephants at the safari park, and he counts 4 legs on each elephant. How many legs are there altogether?

6. Merci runs 5 miles every morning. How many miles will she run in 2 weeks?

7. (Challenge) Valentina is counting down the days until Christmas. Since there are 15 weeks left, how many days will she count?

8. (Challenge, 2-step) Lee has 4 boxes of colored pencils. Each box has 6 packs, and each pack contains 8 colored pencils. How many colored pencils does Lee have in all?

9. (Challenge, 2-step) 5 armored trucks are parked outside the bank. Each truck has 6 locked containers inside. Each container has 9 gold bars. How many gold bars are there in trucks altogether?

10. (Challenge, 2-step) A theme park has 8 roller coasters. Each roller coaster has 10 cars. Each car can hold 3 people. How many people can ride the roller coasters at the same time?

10 3rd Grade Multiplication Practice Problems

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4 Ways of Applying Multiplication to Everyday Life

From shopping and cooking to understanding sports scores and even feeding pets, multiplication plays a key role in everyday life. If you want to help your student see how multiplication connects to their world, here are some examples to share::

Cooking: A “delicious” way to see multiplication in action! When you’re cooking a recipe, challenge your child to double it to feed more people. For example, if a recipe calls for 3 carrots, doubling it means using 3 x 2 carrots– 6 total carrots!
Sports: Many kids love sports, and watching their favorite team is a great way to practice multiplication. For example, if a football team scores 4 touchdowns at 6 points apiece, multiply 4 x 6 to see that they’ve scored 24 points!
Pet Food: Challenge your child to figure out how much food they’ll need for their pet over a period of time. For example, if your dog eats 3 cups of food per day, multiply 3 x 7 to figure out that they need 21 cups of food for one week.
Shopping: Figuring out how much to buy is a great way to make multiplication meaningful! For example, if your child has $24 but wants to buy 5 packs of beads at $5 each, multiplying 5 × 5 shows the total cost is $25 — which means they don’t quite have enough to buy them all.

Answers

Real-World Division Word Problem Answers

15 footballs (3 × 5 = 15)
21 seashells (7 + 7×2 = 21)
30 students (10 × 3 = 30)
48 cookies (4 × 12 = 48)
32 legs (8 × 4 = 32)
70 miles (5 × 14 = 70)
105 days (15 × 7 = 105)
192 colored pencils (4 × 6 = 24 packs; 24 × 8 = 192)
270 gold bars (5 × 6 = 30 containers; 30 × 9 = 270)
240 people (8 × 10 = 80 cars; 80 × 3 = 240)

Division Problem Answers

FAQs about 3rd grade Multiplication Problems

What is the best way to teach multiplication to 3rd graders?

The best way to teach multiplication to 3rd graders is by using a variety of strategies and techniques. For example, using fun objects like toys or candy, physical activity, and stories help students understand the concept of equal groups and repeated addition. Highlighting how multiplication appears in their world– through cooking, shopping, or games–makes learning purposeful and engaging. Encouraging plenty of practice at school and at home builds the confidence and skills 3rd graders need to grow as mathematicians.

How many multiplication facts should a 3rd grader know?

According to Common Core State Standards, which sets learning guidelines for students in grades K-12, By the end of 3rd grade, students should be able to fluently multiply and divide within 100 and understand the relationship between multiplication and division. By the end of the year, students should also be able to use mental math to multiply 2 one-digit numbers.

What are common mistakes students make with multiplication word problems?

Common mistakes students make with multiplication word problems include misreading the question, using the wrong operation, or multiplying the wrong numbers. Students can also struggle with understanding the problem’s context or rushing through their calculations. Encouraging kids to slow down, double check their work, and use drawings or manipulatives can help them tackle word problems with confidence.

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3rd Grade Division Problems

Samuel Morrissette — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:14:46 +0000

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3rd Grade Division Problems

In 3rd grade, students are ready to tackle division! Help make learning this new skill fun and engaging with our 3rd grade division problems.

Author

Katie Wickliff

Published:

Aug 2025

Key takeaways

In 3rd grade, friendships become very important. It’s not unusual to look around a classroom and see kids trading friendship bracelets, stickers, or mini erasers. They’re also starting to help out more at home, whether by baking treats in the kitchen or helping out in the garden.

Third grade is an ideal time to learn division, as it helps children understand how to share things fairly, both with friends and in everyday life. Learning to divide also helps 3rd graders become more confident mathematicians, preparing them to tackle more complex math in later grades.

In this guide, we’ll explain why 3rd graders are developmentally ready to handle division, how it connects to multiplication, and why it’s important in the real world. We also include 20 practice problems to give you an idea of the types of division 3rd graders see in the classroom or homeschool. Finally, we share tips on how to make division fun and strategies for helping students who are struggling with this concept.

Understanding Division in 3rd Grade

At 8 or 9 years old, students are developmentally ready to start learning division. They can think more logically, recognize patterns, and understand the concept of equal groups, making it easier for them to connect division with the real world, like sharing school supplies or planting flowers in equal rows. By 3rd grade, most students have a solid foundation of addition and subtraction, and are building fluency with multiplication through fact practice and word problems.

Multiplication and division are closely intertwined. Multiplication puts equal groups together to find a total, while division splits the total into equal groups. So, if your child knows that 8 x 3 = 24, they can use that fact to figure out 24 ÷ 8= 3, or 24 ÷ 3 = 8. Understanding how multiplication and division work together strengthens overall number sense and makes learning this new operation feel manageable.

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10 Real-World Division Word Problems

When students wonder when they’ll use math concepts outside the classroom, you can assure them–division is everywhere! In fact, most of us use division every day without even thinking about it. These 10 real world word problems allow students to practice division with relatable, everyday scenarios.

1. The Lakeview Lions have 15 basketball players. If each practice squad has 5 players, how many squads does the team have?

2. Elorie bakes 24 cupcakes for her birthday party and wants to put them in boxes that fit 6 cupcakes each. How many boxes will she fill?

3. There are 72 books in the 3rd grade library. If the class puts an even number of books on 9 shelves, how many books are on each shelf?

4. Tavi makes 13 keychains for his friends. He wants to give an equal number of keychains to each of his 4 friends. Can he do this evenly?

5. Mr. Griffin gives a group of students 18 markers. Each student gets 3 markers. How many students are in the group?

6. Krissa makes 42 beaded necklaces. She wants to share them equally between herself and 6 friends. How many necklaces do they each get?

7. A football coach has 56 flags for his flag football team. If he divides the flags equally among 8 players, how many flags does each player get?

8. There are 36 puppies at the adoption fair. If each playpen can hold 9 puppies, how many playpens does the fair need?

9. A class of 27 students is going on a field trip. The cafeteria makes sandwiches that are placed into buckets, and each bucket holds 3 sandwiches. How many buckets do they need? If the cafeteria packs two more buckets full of lunches, how many sandwiches will there be all together?

10. There are 50 soccer players signed up for the clinic. Each team needs 8 players. How many full teams can they make? How many players will be left without a team?

10 3rd Grade Division Practice Problems

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4 Ways of Applying Division to Everyday Life

From the kitchen, the garden, to family road trips and party planning, division is everywhere! If your child is wondering where they’ll use division outside the classroom, here are several examples you can share:

Travel: Turn a family road trip into a division challenge. Tell your child the total distance and how many times you’ll stop along the way. For example: “Our trip is 150 miles, and we’ll stop twice for gas and food. How can we split the trip into equal driving segments?” They’ll figure out that 150 miles ÷ 3 segments (two stops plus the final stretch) means driving 50 miles before each break.
Pizza Party: Use your next pizza party as a chance to practice dividing items up fairly. For example, “We bought two large pizzas with 10 slices each. There will be 5 kids at the party, so how many slices can each of you get equally?” This requires them to add (10 + 10 = 20 for the two pizzas), then divide the total by 5 to understand that each person will get 4 slices of pizza.
Chores: When it comes to chores, kids have a “fairness” radar– they definitely want to make sure their siblings are doing just as much work! Help kids learn to divide tasks equally, such as “We have 18 towels to fold and 3 people helping. How many towels should each of us fold?”
Gardening: When working outside the house, dividing tasks like planting seeds or watering plants is a great way to show kids how division can help get work done efficiently. For example, “Between hanging flower pots, windowsill planters, and a bed of vegetables, we have 14 areas to water. How can we split it fairly between both of us?”

Answers

Real-World Division Word Problem Answers

3 squads
4 boxes
8 books
No, 4 does not go into 13 evenly. Each friend gets 3 keychains, and 1 is left over.
6 students
7 necklaces (Krissa is included in the group)
7 flags
4 playpens
Answer 1: 9 buckets
Answer 2: 33 sandwiches
Answer 1: 6 full teams
Answer 2: 2 players will be left without a team

Division Problem Answers

FAQs about 3rd grade Division Problems

What are some fun ways to teach division to 3rd graders?

Learning division doesn’t have to be a slog– it’s actually easy to teach students this operation in fun and engaging ways. Using books, puzzles, or online math games bring division to life, while practicing with items that kids value, snacks, toys, or money, will increase their motivation and excitement for learning. Above all, connecting math with the real world makes learning division more meaningful.

How can I help my child if they struggle with division?

If your child is struggling with division, check their multiplication skills. Since multiplication and division are intertwined, students who feel confident about their multiplication abilities are more likely to understand this connection. If your student is still a little shaky with their multiplication facts, concentrate on getting those solid. Use everyday situations to show how division and multiplication works in real life.

If the process seems overwhelming for your child, break problems into small steps and have them draw pictures or use physical objects to model equal groups. Practice consistently in short, low-pressure, and upbeat sessions. Most of all, communicate with your child’s teacher about your concerns. A home and school partnership is important to help your child get the support and resources they need.

What division facts should a 3rd grader know?

According to Common Core State Standards, which sets learning guidelines for students in grades K-12, by the end of 3rd grade, students should be able to fluently multiply and divide within 100 and understand the relationship between multiplication and division. By the end of 3rd grade, students should know from memory all products of two one-digit numbers.

Take at home math practice to the next level

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The post 3rd Grade Division Problems appeared first on DreamBox by Discovery Education.

3rd Grade Word Problems

Samuel Morrissette — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:23:31 +0000

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3rd Grade Word Problems

Explore these 30 3rd grade word problems (with answers) designed to boost your child’s skills and confidence. Let’s get started!

Author

Katie Wickliff

Published:

Aug 2025

Key takeaways

Many adults likely remember elementary math as a blur of timed tests, flashcards, and repetitive fact drills. So if you’re a parent or caregiver today, you’ve likely noticed that your 3rd grader’s math looks different than when you were their age. Instead of an emphasis on rote memorization, 3rd grade students learn why math works and how it connects to the real world. Mastering word problems is an excellent way for 3rd graders to develop these important skills, setting the stage for more complex math in later grades.

In this article, we explain what word problems are and why 3rd grade is an ideal time for introducing them. You’ll also find 30 sample problems (and an answer sheet!) perfect for 3rd grade students. The questions are organized by topic and progress from easy to more challenging. Each one is labeled as a one-, two-, or three-step problem. For even more practice, check out Dreambox Math, an interactive online program that uses fun games and activities to build math skills. If your student needs more support or wants an extra challenge, Dreambox is a fantastic learning tool.

What Are 3rd Grade Word Problems?

A word problem is a math question written like a short story or real-life scenario. Instead of simply giving students numbers to add, subtract, multiply, or divide, students must read the word problem, determine what it’s asking them to do, and choose the right math steps to find the answer.

By 3rd grade, most students have developed stronger reading skills, making it easier to understand what a word problem is asking. They’ve usually mastered basic addition and subtraction, giving them a solid foundation to build on. At this age, students are also able to think more critically, which allows them to handle more complex math with multiple steps. Together, these growing skills make 3rd grade a perfect time to introduce word problems.

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Third Grade Math Resources

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30 3rd Grade Word Problems

Here are 30 word problems that cover addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions, time, and measurement.

Addition and Subtraction

1. Harper made 12 friendship bracelets on Monday and 18 friendship bracelets on Tuesday. How many bracelets did she make in all? (1-step addition)

2. There are 97 pairs of jeans available online. If 46 pairs of jeans are sold, how many are left? (1-step subtraction)

3. Lubia has 6 meatballs on her spaghetti. Her sister has 8 meatballs, but gives 4 to Lubia. How many meatballs does Lubia have now? (1-step addition, extra number)

4. Chase had 145 stickers. He gave 56 stickers to his classmates. How many stickers does Chase have left? (1-step subtraction, with borrowing)

5. Mrs. Lane’s class is running a canned food drive. They collected 116 cans on Thursday, and 77 cans on Friday. How many cans did they collect in all? (1-step addition)

6. The twins want to bake 40 cookies for their friends. Nicky bakes 12 cookies and Nathan bakes 24 cookies. Did they bake enough for their friends? (2-step addition and subtraction)

7. The Foster family collected 129 seashells. They gave 57 to their cousins and then found 34 more at the beach. How many seashells does the Foster family have now? (2-step addition and subtraction)

8. Oscar and his friend want to bounce a basketball 140 times. Oscar bounced the ball 82 times, and his friend bounced the ball 69 times. Did they reach their goal? (2-step addition and subtraction)

9. Kayden had 240 stickers. She gave 85 stickers to her friend and 47 marbles to her cousin. Later, she bought 50 more stickers at the store. How many stickers does Kayden have now? (Challenge: 3-step subtraction, subtraction, and addition)

10. A theater has 325 tickets available for the new movie. It sold 156 tickets in the morning and 89 tickets in the afternoon. That evening, the theater received 120 more tickets. How many tickets does the theater have now? (Challenge: 3-step subtraction, subtraction, addition)

Multiplication and Division

1. Each basket holds 3 apples. If there are 5 baskets, how many apples are there in all? (1-step multiplication)

2. Mrs. Paul has 9 tables in her classroom. She gives each table a pack with 6 pencils inside. How many pencils does she hand out altogether? (1-step multiplication)

3. There are 18 cookies to be shared equally among 3 friends. How many cookies does each friend get? (1-step division)

4. Clara made 40 cupcakes and packed them into boxes of 5 cupcakes each. How many boxes did she use? (1-step division)

5. There are 6 boxes of crayons. Each box has 5 crayons. If 15 crayons are broken and thrown away, how many crayons are left? (2-step multiplication and subtraction)

6. A wildlife park has 5 birdhouses. Each birdhouse is home to 4 birds. The birds are moved into 2 equal groups for a health check. How many birds are in each group? (2-step multiplication and division)

7. There are 8 picnic tables in the park. Each table seats 7 people. Later, 6 more people arrive and sit on benches. How many people are at the park now? (2-step multiplication and addition)

8. A gardener plants 8 rows of flowers. Each row has 10 flowers. After planting, the gardener removes 20 flowers because they were unhealthy. Then, the flowers are divided equally into 6 sections for watering. How many flowers are in each section? (3-step multiplication, subtraction, division)

9. A car factory has 3 machines. Each machine makes 5 cars every hour. The factory works for 4 hours a day. At the end of the day, the cars are parked equally into 2 garages. How many cars are in each garage? (3-step multiplication, multiplication, division)

10. A factory produces 9 boxes of toys. Each box contains 20 toys. After donating 45 toys, the remaining toys are packed equally into 5 crates. How many toys are in each crate? (Challenge: 3-step multiplication, subtraction, division)

Fractions, Time, and Measurement

Fractions Word Problems

1. Emma ate 1/4 of a pizza. Her brother ate 2/4 of the same pizza. How much of the pizza did they eat together? (1-step addition)

2. A ribbon is ⅗ of a yard long. If Sarah cuts off ⅕ of a yard, how much ribbon is left? (1-step subtraction)

3. Liam drank ⅔ of his juice box. Then he drank another ⅙. How much juice did he drink in all? (2-step convert to common denominator, addition)

4. There are 8 slices of cake. If you eat ⅜ of the cake, how many slices did you eat? (1-step multiplication)

Time Word Problems

5. School starts at 8:15 AM. If the school day lasts 6 hours and 30 minutes, what time does school end? (addition)

6. A movie is 2 hours and 20 minutes long. If the movie ended at 6:05 p.m., what time did it start? (subtraction)

7. Jake spent 45 minutes doing homework and 30 minutes playing video games. How much time did he spend altogether? (addition)

Measurement Word Problems

8. Jeff’s bedroom wall is 15 feet long. If he paints 7 feet before dinner, how much does he have left to paint? (1-step subtraction)

9. A rope is 15 feet long. Maren cuts off 6 feet to use for a project. Later, her brother ties 4 more feet of rope to the leftover piece. How long is the rope now? (2-step subtraction, addition)

10. A wooden board is 6 yards long. A carpenter cuts the board into 3 equal pieces. Then, she cuts each piece into 2 equal sections. How long is each section? (Challenge: 2-step division, division)

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Answers

Addition and Subtraction

Harper made 30 bracelets
51 pairs of jeans left
Lubia has 10 meatballs
Chase has 89 stickers left
Mrs. Lane’s class collected 193 cans
No — they baked 36 cookies (not enough)
The Foster family has 106 seashells
Yes — they bounced the ball 151 times
Kayden has 158 stickers
The theater has 200 tickets

Multiplication and Division

15 apples
54 pencils
6 cookies
8 boxes
15 crayons
10 birds
62 people
10 flowers
30 cars
27 toys per crate

Fractions, Time, and Measurement

¾ of the pizza
⅖ yard of ribbon
⅚ of the juice box
3 slices
2:45 p.m.
3:45 p.m.
1 hour and 15 minutes
8 feet
13 feet
1 yard long

FAQs about 3rd grade Word Problems

What makes a good 3rd grade word problem?

A good 3rd grade word problem is written clearly and uses simple language that helps students focus on math without getting confused. The problem should connect to real-world situations that kids can relate to, such as sharing school supplies, baking treats, or telling time. Additionally, a good word problem is just difficult enough to pose a challenge without being so difficult that students are immediately frustrated. Teachers and parents should choose the difficulty level based on each student’s individual learning needs and be willing to adapt as those needs change.

How many word problems should a 3rd grader practice each week?

While there’s no exact number that works for every child, a general guideline for 3rd graders is to practice 8-12 word problems per week, spread out over a few days. This fits with what many classrooms and math programs recommend, and research shows that regular, manageable practice helps build math skills without becoming too overwhelming. The Common Core standards for 3rd grade also emphasize how practicing a variety of word problems helps children develop strong reasoning and problem solving skills .

Are word problems better than traditional math drills?

Both word problems and traditional math drills have their place in the 3rd grade classroom. Word problems help students understand how math connects to the real world. Since students need to read the problem and figure out what it’s asking them to do, word problems build important critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Meanwhile, traditional math drills give students repeated practice with basic facts, which supports their success with word problems and more complex math.

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The post 3rd Grade Word Problems appeared first on DreamBox by Discovery Education.

3rd Grade Math Activities

Samuel Morrissette — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 19:39:18 +0000

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Math Activities

5 Third Grade Math Activities

In 3rd grade, students continue to develop their mathematical skills. Make practice time fun with these 3rd grade math activities!

Author

Katie Wickliff

Published:

March 2025

Key takeaways

Third grade is a fantastic time to be a student! During this important year, students build on skills learned in kindergarten and 1st grade while exploring new concepts and tackling more complex problems. Because of this, it’s important to introduce math activities that capture and keep your student’s attention.

The following fun math activities for 3rd grade are simple, engaging, and inexpensive to prepare. When I taught 3rd grade, I used all of these activities with great success. The kids loved the ideas, remained engaged during the games, and gained a deeper understanding of the concepts. All of these activities are flexible and can be easily adapted to suit different learning styles and abilities. Check out these five great 3rd grade math activities below—we’re sure your students will have a blast with them!

Fraction Dice

In 3rd grade, students will begin to learn fractions. This fun dice game will help them practice new skills.

You’ll need:

Two different colored dice (1 set for each pair of students)
Pencil/paper or marker/white board

Using the two different colored dice, assign one to represent the numerator and the other to represent the denominator. Roll the dice and create a fraction based on the results. For example, if the numerator die lands on a 4 and the denominator die lands on a 6, the fraction is 4/6. Students take turns rolling the dice and recording their findings. Depending on ability level, you can extend this activity and have the students simplify the fractions or turn an improper fraction into a mixed number.

Math Jeopardy

This Jeopardy-style trivia game is an extremely fun way to review math concepts–my students loved this one! Math Jeopardy can be used over and over again with different topics.

You’ll need:

Questions and answers about the topic you want to review, sorted by category and difficulty level
Jeopardy template (see below for ideas)
Whiteboard or digital display (like a computer screen) for displaying the game board

There are many Jeopardy templates online and through Google Docs or Microsoft Powerpoint. Many are free to edit with your own questions and answers. I have used this one while teaching 3rd grade math. Complete the Jeopardy template and make sure everything works before introducing it to your students.

If you don’t have access to a Jeopardy template, you can still play! Divide the board into categories (addition, subtraction, measurement, etc). Under each category list the following point values on individual post-it notes: 100, 200, 300, 400, 500. Higher points correspond to more challenging questions. Write one question under each Post-it note.

For either the online or physical template, students can play individually or in teams. Students select a point value, and the teacher, parent, or homeschool leader reads the problem aloud. If the team answers it correctly, they score that number of points. The team with the most points at the end wins the game.

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Multiplication Relay Race

This active game is best played outside or in a large indoor space, like a gymnasium.

You’ll need:

Construction paper
Sharpie
Cones or other markers for relay “turn” and finish line

On sheets of construction paper, use the Sharpie to write a multiplication equation without the product–one equation on each sheet of paper. On another set of construction paper, write the products that match the equations, one product on each sheet of paper.

At the starting line, place the set of equation cards face down in front of the relay team. If you have multiple teams, space the face down cards evenly in front of all teams. At the relay turning point, spread out the product cards face up. When you say “GO!” a student picks up the top card, runs to the turning point, and finds the correct product. Then the student runs back to the end of their team’s line and sits down. Whichever team is seated first with correctly matching equations and products wins. If you only have enough students to create one team, use a stopwatch to time the relay and then see if the team can try to beat their time on the next round.

Online Math Activities

While tons of games and activities don’t require the internet, sometimes kids are the most engaged by online math challenges, games, and activities. If that sounds like your student, check out DreamBox, an award-winning online math program. Whether you’re looking for homeschool math practice or just an engaging way to develop skills outside the classroom, Dreambox can personalize a program tailored to your child’s current level, learning style, and individual interests.

Place Value Toss

This game is a great way for 3rd graders to practice identifying the place value of any digit.

You’ll need:

Small bins, boxes, or baskets
Bean Bags
Papers/pencils or small white boards/markers

Depending on experience and ability level, set up a number of small cardboard boxes or bins. For example, if students are learning how to identify place value up to the hundreds, set out three bins. For thousands, use 4 bins; ten thousands use 5 bins; etc. Give each student (or partner team) the coordinating number of bean bags. Students toss the beanbags into the boxes and write down the number. Challenge each student to see how many number combinations they can make!

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How to help a 3rd grader with math

Samuel Morrissette — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:16:15 +0000

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Helping a 3rd Grader with Math

How to help a 3rd grader with math

If you’re searching for ways to help a 3rd grader with math, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the top ten tips to bolster your child’s math skills and increase their confidence.

Author

Katie Wickliff

Published:

Oct 2024

Key takeaways

If your child’s math homework has you both dissolving into tears by the end of the night, don’t worry–you’re not alone! While learning differences such as dyslexia and dyscalculia contribute to math difficulties, many students without these diagnoses still struggle with math. In fact, research shows that pandemic disruption between 2020-2022 contributed to a significant decline in national math scores for 9-year-olds.

Students find math challenging for various reasons. For example, some struggle with math anxiety and feel overwhelmed when faced with a page full of problems. Some students might simply rush through their work. Some students need more practice to grasp certain concepts, and some may need the information presented differently.

No matter what specific challenge your student faces, this article outlines several ways parents and caregivers can give their child the 3rd grade math help they need to succeed.

10 ways to help your 3rd grader with math

Math help for 3rd graders can be simpler than you think. It just takes time, patience, and a bit of creativity. Take a look at our tips for 3rd grade math help and try them out with your child this week.

1. Cultivate a positive math mindset

While it’s important for parents to acknowledge their child’s math difficulties or frustrations, avoid too much negativity–even if you disliked math as a child. Studies have shown that when parents speak positively about math, their children develop more confidence. If your child has a negative attitude towards math, try to reframe their mindset by showing them that math can be enjoyable.

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2. Foster communication between school and home

Communication between school and home is essential to support your child’s math success. Don’t hesitate to ask your child’s teacher for a list of the topics covered in 3rd grade math. The more familiar you become with your school or district’s 3rd grade math curriculum, the more confident you’ll feel when helping your child at home. However, there’s no need to become an expert–teachers appreciate parents who want a partnership between school and home.

3. Ask for specifics

When communicating with your child’s teacher, emphasize your desire to help your child at home, and ask for specific areas where your child may need more support.

4. Read all about it

Perhaps your child isn’t crazy about math but loves to read. Using books can bring math concepts to life. A few great illustrated picture books include “Pigeon Math” by Asia Citro, “Sir Cumference and the Roundabout Battle: A Math Adventure” by Cindy Neuschwander, and “The Boy Who Loved Math” by Deborah Heiligman.

For older students, middle-grade novels like “The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl” by Stacy McAnulty or “Solving for M” by Jennifer Swender seamlessly blend math concepts with unforgettable characters and stories.

5. Get cooking

Cooking with your child provides concrete examples of using fractions in real life. Let your child choose the recipe and lead the measuring process. While you’re having fun cooking together, you can subtly draw your child’s attention to fractions concepts, such as “We need ½ cup flour and ¼ cup sugar. Which ingredient do we need more of?”

6. Have fun with memorization

Students need to memorize their basic facts to form a solid mathematical foundation. However, memorizing facts doesn’t have to be boring. After pinpointing what facts your child needs to practice, make up silly songs and rhymes or incorporate dance moves to cement their knowledge. Additionally, math apps are an engaging way for students to practice their facts.

Third Grade Math Resources

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7. Tell time

In 3rd grade, students learn to tell time on digital and analog clocks. Use real-world examples to build time-telling skills, such as asking questions like, “It’s 8:30, and it takes ten minutes to get to soccer practice. What time will we get there?”

8. Unleash their creativity

Art provides unlimited opportunities for 3rd grade math help. For example, explore geometric figures by creating a collage of unique shapes–rhombuses, parallelograms, and trapezoids. Paint mixing is a great way for kids to learn ratios and fractions, or use a variety of colors and mediums to create complex patterns.

9. Practice graphing

Graphing is another important math concept in 3rd grade. Encourage your child’s natural curiosity by helping them develop survey questions for friends and family and then plotting the results.

10. Let them solve it

We know how hard it is to watch your child struggle with math. However, avoid taking over too quickly. Instead, encourage your child to develop their problem-solving skills by asking questions like “What strategies can you use here?” Your child will feel supported and empowered to solve their own problems–in math and in life.

Math apps vs tutoring

Private tutoring is one option to help support your child in math. Tutors can be a wonderful resource, providing focused support your child may not get in the classroom. However, tutors can also be quite expensive, and depending on your student’s specific challenges–may not be the best fit. Today’s math apps are expertly designed to engage young learners and can be an excellent supplemental resource. Plus, the best math apps come with a much lower price tag than hiring a private tutor.

FAQs about 3rd grade math help

How can I help my 3rd grader with math?

Math help for 3rd graders can look different for each student. Helping your 3rd grader with math requires a positive mindset, communication between home and school, and leaning into your child’s strengths and interests to help make math fun.

What should a 3rd grader know in math?

In 3rd grade, students build upon the foundation of addition and subtraction by exploring multiplication and division. Third graders also begin to study fractions, often using pictures and number lines to help visualize this concept. Telling time and counting money are two other topics covered in third grade.

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Math Problems for 3rd Graders

epetty — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 17:36:08 +0000

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3rd Grade Math Problems

35 Math Problems for 3rd Graders

In third grade, students dive into exciting math concepts that form the basis for future math success. Your child can practice those concepts with this list of 35 third grade math problems!

Author

Katie Wickliff

Published:

Oct 2024

Key takeaways

Third grade is a huge year for mathematical learning. In addition to reviewing and reinforcing skills learned in previous years, 3rd grade math practice focuses primarily on multiplication, division, fractions, and measurements.

This list of 3rd grade math problems is divided into sections for focused practice. When your child completes these problems, look for other opportunities to strengthen math skills. DreamBox Math offers personalized learning and that fun gameplay will help your 3rd grader develop their skills and confidence.

Let’s dive in!

35 math problems for 3rd graders (with answers!)

Addition and Subtraction

There are 12 baby rabbits at the barn. 16 more rabbits are born. How many rabbits are at the barn now?
At the school bake sale, brownies cost $2 apiece and cookies cost $4 apiece. A chocolate layer cake costs $9. Joey has $13. How much more money does Joey need to buy a brownie, a cookie, and a chocolate layer cake?
There are 422 Bears fans and 310 Packers fans at the football game. How many more Bears fans than Packers fans are at the game?
Using the number line below, solve 7 +____= 22.

Using the image below, how can you represent the number line with an equation?

Billie has 124 beads for bracelets. She gives 62 beads to Avery and 6 beads to Simon. Which expression shows how to find the total number of beads that are left? Circle the correct answer.

- - 124+62+6
  - 124-62-6
  - 124-62+6
  - 62+6

Nasreen practices the flute three days a week. On Monday, she practices the flute for 60 minutes. On Tuesday, she practices the flute for 27 minutes. On Thursday, she practices for 20 minutes. Which expression shows how to find the total number of minutes Nasreen practices? Circle the correct answer.

- - 60+27-20
  - 27+20
  - 60+27
  - 60+27+20

An animal shelter has 15 kittens and 21 puppies available for adoption. At an adoption fair, 12 puppies and 4 kittens get adopted. How many kittens are left at the shelter?
Ashley and her dad are building a playhouse in the backyard. According to the plan, they will need 156 wood boards for the walls. If Ashley already has 75 wood boards and her neighbor gives them 30 more wood boards, how many more wood boards do Ashley and her dad need.
Paul and his sister have $25 to spend on ingredients to make cookies. Flour costs $11, chocolate chips cost $6, and butter costs $4. Do Paul and his sister have enough money to buy all the ingredients?

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Multiplication

Yusef is making tacos for a party. If Yusef has 4 friends coming over and he made 3 tacos for each friend, how many tacos did he make?
The children at Bromwood Elementary are taking a field trip. If each school bus has 8 rows of seats and each row can fit 4 children, how many children can each bus take?
Using the picture below, write a multiplication equation to find the number of shapes.

Write and solve an equation that describes how many bananas there are in total.

Anne and Andy are having a hot dog eating contest. Andy eats 6 hotdogs. Anne eats 3 times the number of hot dogs Andy eats! How many hot dogs does Anne eat?
Using the number line to show hops, complete the multiplication sentence 4 x 3 = __?

7. Solve the equation:

Write a multiplication sentence to find the number of vases: _____x_____=______

Write a multiplication sentence to find the number of shapes: ____x____=_____

10. Francis and Jane are playing a card game. Francis has 7 cards. Jane has 3 times as many cards as Francis. How many cards does Jane have?

Division

George has a box of 12 popsicles. If he shared the popsicles equally between himself and his 3 little sisters, how many popsicles does each person get?
Tasha has 80 markers that she will put into boxes. Each box can hold 8 markers. How many boxes does she need?
A farmer wants to divide 56 peaches into crates. Each crate can hold 8 peaches. How many crates will the farmer need?
Using the number line to show hops, complete the division sentence 18 ÷ 9 = __

Craig’s mom brought 12 cookies to the soccer game. She shared them equally among Craig and 3 teammates. Which expression will solve the problem correctly?

- - 12 ÷ 3
  - 12+ 3
  - 12÷4
  - 12-3

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Fractions

Using the number line, answer the following questions:
- What fraction does A represent?
- What fraction does B represent?
- What fraction does C represent?

There are 15 balloons in a bunch. 10 balloons are purple and the rest are yellow. What is the fraction of yellow balloons in a bunch?
A cheese pizza has 8 slices. Marco ate 2 of the slices. His dad at the rest. What fraction of the pizza did Marco eat? What fraction of the pizza did his dad eat?
Plot ¼ on a number line.

Using the number line, solve the following problems:

- - What fraction does K represent?
  - What fraction does L represent?
  - Which fraction is larger?

Measurement

A school bus is 12 feet long and a car is 4 feet shorter than the bus. How long is the car?

John is 64 inches tall, Mabel is 59 inches tall, and Phoebe is 57 inches tall. How much taller is John than Phoebe?
Use the ruler provided to measure to the nearest ¼ inch:

Find the area of the square below:

Find the perimeter of the rectangle below:

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Answer Sheet for 3rd Grade Math Practice

Addition and Subtraction

18 baby rabbits.
Joey needs $2 more
There are 112 more Bears fans than Packers fans
This should be represented by 15 “hops” on the number line
47+2=49
B
D
11 kittens are left
Ashley needs 51 more boards
Yes, they have enough money ($21)

Multiplication

Yusef made 12 tacos
32 children can fit in each bus
2×3=6; 3×2=6
10 bananas (2×5=10)
Anne eats 18 hotdogs
See image

194
2 x 6 = 12
6 x 4 = 24
7×3=21. Jane has 21 cards.

Division

Each person gets 3 popsicles.
Tasha needs 10 boxes.
The farmer needs 7 crates.
See image.

12 ÷ 3

Fractions

A. ¼ B. ½ C. ¾
⅓ of the balloons in the bunch are yellow.
Blake ate ¼ of the pizza. His dad at 3⁄4.
Point should be on the line between ½ and 1.
K= ⅜, L= 6⁄8 (or ¾). L is larger.

Measurement

12-4=8. The car is 8 feet long.
64-57=7. John is 7 inches taller than Phoebe.
6 ¾ inches
8×8=64. The area is 64 yds.
8+8+2+2=20 cm

How to Prepare for 3rd Grade

Samuel Morrissette — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 18:14:09 +0000

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How to Prepare for 3rd Grade

Prepare your child for third grade with these tips across key subjects!

Author

Katie Wickliff

Published:

Oct 2024

Key takeaways

By the time kids reach 3rd grade, they’ve spent two years learning basic reading and math skills. Third grade is a crucial year where students build upon prior knowledge, learning to solve more complex problems and using their reading skills to focus on deeper comprehension. Additionally, many 3rd graders also take standardized tests for the first time.

Third grade is also an important year for social-emotional development, as kids begin to navigate more complex social situations and interactions. As a parent, you might be wondering how you can help support your child during this important time. Though it may feel daunting, preparing for 3rd grade doesn’t have to be stressful.

As a former 3rd grade teacher and mother of two, I’ve outlined some of the main skills 3rd graders need and ways you can help support your child at home. Since third-grade is the first year many students take standardized tests, I’ve also included the names of each state’s tests. Let’s get started!

Reading Skills

Reading is a big focus in 3rd grade. Children begin to shift from learning to read to “reading to learn”. Because of this, they’ll need to focus on building their vocabulary and reading fluency. In 3rd grade, children will:

Read and understand a variety of genres like fables, fairytales, myths, and poems from different cultures and identify the moral or message of the story.
Answer questions about the “who, what, where, when, why, and how” of a story.
Read independently and in groups, sharing ideas about the text with their classmates.
Look up information in a nonfiction text using the glossary or index.
Identify terms such as character, narrator, chapter, paragraph, etc.

Over the summer, you can:

Encourage daily reading. Reading is essential for success in all subject areas.
Read aloud to your child and encourage independent reading.
Check out the local library’s summer reading program, visit local bookstores, and listen to audiobooks on car rides.
Encourage your child to take the perspective of others by asking questions while reading such as “I wonder why that character acted that way?” or “How do you think the narrator felt when that happened?”

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Writing Skills

Writing in 3rd grade is fun and challenging! Students are at a great age to learn so many different writing styles and really develop as writers. I loved teaching writing because of the remarkable progress I would see students make throughout the year. In 3rd grade writing, children will:

Write a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Write in paragraph form using transitions: first, second, and third.
Collect information about a topic and summarize the information in their writing.
Write with proper punctuation, capitalization, and grammar.

Over the summer, you can:

Encourage your child to write postcards, letters, and emails to friends and family.
Write in a parent-child journal. My 3rd grade daughter and I have this one and love it!
Create a summer scrapbook and have your child write the captions.
Enlist your child to help write your grocery and to-do lists

Math Skills

In 3rd grade math, children will build upon their knowledge of addition and subtraction, solve more complex word problems and apply abstract thinking more often. They’ll dive deeper into measurement and estimation. Additionally, 3rd graders will:

Learn multiplication and division within 100
Understand how multiplication and division are related
Tell time (to the minute) on an analog clock
Create bar graphs and interpret data
Calculate area and perimeter
Show and compare fractions on a number line

Over the summer, you can:

Review addition and subtraction facts. Having a solid grasp of addition and subtraction will make learning multiplication and division easier.
Introduce your child to fractions. Cooking and baking with your child and letting them measure ingredients is a fun way to begin understanding fractions.
Conduct a family survey and plot the answers on a bar graph. Have your child color the graph using their favorite markers or colored pencils.
Play math games. Check out Dreambox for fun math skills practice.
Heading to the beach? Collect seashells, group, and sort them.
Reinforce place value knowledge by using LEGOs to show hundreds, tens, and ones.

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3rd Grade Standardized Testing

Depending on where you live, your 3rd grader may take standardized tests for the first time. As a teacher and tutor, I was often asked by parents whether they should help their children prepare for standardized testing. The truth is, the best way to help your child prepare for these tests is by ensuring they get plenty of sleep and eat a nutritious breakfast.

Additionally, I advise my students (and my own children) to carefully read each question before attempting to answer it, and not to worry if they are unsure of an answer— they should make their best guess and move on. While standardized testing is an important tool to measure a student’s understanding of a given subject, it is only one of the many tools available.

Standardized Tests by State

State	Test Name
Alabama	Scantron Performance Test
Alaska	Performance Evaluation for Alaska’s Schools (PEAKS)
Arizona	AZMerit Exam
Arkansas	ACT Aspire Test
California	Smarter Balanced Test
Colorado	Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS)
Connecticut	Smarter Balanced test
Delaware	Smarter Balanced test
District of Columbia	Partnership for Assessment for Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC)
Florida	Florida Standards Assessments (FSA)
Georgia	Georgia Milestones Assessment
Hawaii	Smarter Balanced test
Idaho	Smarter Balanced test
Illinois	Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR)
Indiana	ILEARN
Iowa	Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP)
Kansas	Kansas Assessment Program
Kentucky	Kentucky Performance Rating of Educational Progress (K-PREP)
Louisiana	Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP)
Maine	Maine Educational Assessment (MEA)
Maryland	Maryland Comprehensive Educational Program (MCAP)
Massachusetts	Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS)
Michigan	Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP)
Minnesota	Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA)
Mississippi	Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP)
Missouri	Missouri Assessment Program (MAP)
Montana	Smarter Balanced test
Nebraska	Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS)
Nevada	Smarter Balanced test
New Hampshire	New Hampshire Statewide Assessment System (NHSAS)
New Jersey	Partnership for Assessment for Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) or New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA)
New Mexico	Partnership for Assessment for Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) or New Mexico Measures of Student Success and Achievement
New York	New York State Assessments (NYSA)
North Carolina	North Carolina End-Of-Grade Tests (EOG)
North Dakota	North Dakota State Assessment (NDSA)
Ohio	Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA)
Oklahoma	Oklahoma School Testing Program (OSTP)
Oregon	Smarter Balanced test
Pennsylvania	Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)
Rhode Island	Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS)
South Carolina	SCReady
South Dakota	Smarter Balanced test
Tennessee	Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP)
Texas	Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR)
Utah	Readiness Improvement Success Empowerment (RISE)
Vermont	Smarter Balanced test
Virginia	Standards of Learning (SOL)
Washington	Smarter Balanced
West Virginia	West Virginia General Summative Assessment (WVGSA)
Wisconsin	Wisconsin Forward
Wyoming	Wyoming Test of Proficiency and Progress (WY-TOPP)

FAQs about preparing for 3rd grade

Should I help my 3rd grader prepare for standardized testing?

As a teacher and tutor, I often get asked by parents whether they should help their children prepare for standardized testing. The truth is, the best way to help your child prepare for these tests is by ensuring they get plenty of sleep and eat a nutritious breakfast.

Take at home math practice to the next level

Empowering parents and educators to make math practice more impactful. Plus, your kids will love it.