I’m back with the second entry in this series. Continuing my thinking on third grade math. Let’s look at the second Critical Area in third grade.
Mathematics | Grade 3
In Grade 3, instructional time should focus on four critical areas: (1) developing understanding of multiplication and division and strategies for multiplication and division within 100; (2) developing understanding of fractions, especially unit fractions (fractions with numerator 1); (3) developing understanding of the structure of rectangular arrays and of area; and (4) describing and analyzing two-dimensional shapes.
Here is the full explanation of the second critical area:
2. Students develop an understanding of fractions, beginning with unit fractions. Students view fractions in general as being built out of unit fractions, and they use fractions along with visual fraction models to represent parts of a whole. Students understand that the size of a fractional part is relative to the size of the whole. For example, 1/2 of the paint in a small bucket could be less paint than 1/3 of the paint in a larger bucket, but 1/3 of a ribbon is longer than 1/5 of the same ribbon because when the ribbon is divided into 3 equal parts, the parts are longer than when the ribbon is divided into 5 equal parts. Students are able to use fractions to represent numbers equal to, less than, and greater than one. They solve problems that involve comparing fractions by using visual fraction models and strategies based on noticing equal numerators or denominators. Read more here.
Once again I have assured my sister (Max’s mother) that third graders are capable of mastering these standards. My reiteration is that conceptual understanding really has to be developed by the classroom teacher and he or she must have the appropriate material to present to the students to accomplish this. My sister does not remember what grade she was in or how fractions were introduced in her grade school years. So, once again she is nervous and questioning how this will be accomplished in Max’s third grade classroom.
Here are two AIMS activities I recommend to help a third grader understand the second critical area of focus.
1. What Is the One? and 2. Fresh-Baked Fractions.
Browse for other AIMS activities to add to your math classroom materials.
Stay tuned for my next two posts where I will talk about the other two critical areas of focus for third grade (3) developing understanding of the structure of rectangular arrays and of area; and (4) describing and analyzing two-dimensional shapes. Let me know if my posts are helping you pick the right AIMS activities for you.
Click here to read the full explanation of the first critical area.
