Welcome to third grade math based on the Common Core Learning
Standards! To assist families, a guide has been developed to use
throughout this module to help with homework and overall
understanding of our math curriculum. A new guide will be sent home
at the beginning of each module. Guides will include an overview,
terminology, and examples of expectations. If you have any questions
PLEASE do not hesitate to call or email. Thank you!
Fast Fact Questions and Answers about Common Core Math
What is a math sprint?
Math sprints are used to develop math speed and accuracy with
numbers. They are a fun way to build excitement about math. One
sprint has two parts with closely related problems on each. During
each part students will be given 60 seconds to complete as many
problems as they can. Students complete two parts of the sprint in
quick succession with the goal of improving on the second part even if
only by one. Math sprints are NOT GRADED. They focus on selfimprovement and reinforcement of basic arithmetic skills. Try a math
sprint of your own at home or just simply practice skip counting to help
sharpen these skills.
What is RDW (or Read, Draw, Write)?
RDW is a strategy used to help students answer simple and complex
math problems. The steps are:
• Read the problem
• Draw and label
• Write a number sentence (equation)
• Write a word sentence (statement)
To help with this, students should be asking themselves what do I see,
can I draw something, what conclusions can I make from my drawing?
How often can we expect homework?
Please contact your child’s teacher for homework policies.
Module One Overview:
Students will:
• Explore multiplication and the meaning of factors
• Explore division as an unknown factor
• Using arrays, explore multiplication and division of 2s, 3s,
and 4s.
• Distributive property and problem solving using units of
2-5 and 10. (Added information will be provided on this
concept)
Module One Terminology:
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module-unit of study
factor-numbers that are multiplied
product-the answer to a multiplication problem
dividend-the number being divided in a division problem
(largest)
divisor-the number that the dividend is divided by
quotient-the answer in a division problem
equation-a number sentence with each side equal
o 3x2=6
number sentence- similar to an equation but not
necessarily with equal sides.
o 3x2=n
unknown-the missing factor in an equation
array-a set of numbers or objects that follow a specific
pattern, a matrix.
commutative property (applies for addition and
multiplication)-order of factors or addends does not
change the answer.
o 2x3=6 and 3x2=6 also written as 2x3=3x2
o 2+3=5 and 3+2=5 also written as 2+3=3+2
• Distributive Property- decomposing (breaking apart) the
larger factor into two numbers whose sum is the larger
factor. Then multiply each to the second factor and add
those products to get the answer to the larger problem.
This is very helpful when multiplying larger numbers.
o 12x3=(10x3)+(2x3)
• number bond-shows a part-part-whole relationship
12 • tape diagram- a method for modeling problems
83 ? 76 83+76=? Or 25 n 75 75-­‐25=n 8 4