How to Teach 3rd Grade Math: Concepts, Tips, and Strategies

Wondering how to teach 3rd-grade math without overwhelming 8-to-9-year-old kids with all the new concepts? Teaching 3rd-grade math can feel like trying to juggle watermelons while riding a unicycle! What do 3rd graders learn in math? It is where the math magic really begins! Kids dive into new territories—fractions, multiplication, division, area, and perimeter!

In this guide, we will explore important 3rd-grade math topics, common pitfalls, practical tips, and FREE resources for teachers, including 3rd-grade math lesson plans, digital teaching tools, 3rd-grade math games, printable math worksheets for 3rd graders, and more! To help students who need a little extra support with earlier concepts, read our blog—How to Teach 2nd-Grade Math—for targeted tips and resources.

How to Teach 3rd-Grade Math

A well-structured teaching plan can make all the difference in the classroom. Introduce new strategies one step at a time and allow time for them to sink in. Kids learn best when they can connect new knowledge to their existing “math backpack” and especially when they can immediately see its usefulness (yes, we are dealing with smarties now!). 

Introducing new math skills can be challenging, especially with the “invisible load” teachers carry (lesson prep, joining committees, endless meetings, and whatnot!). Let’s plan ahead, then! If you’re the kind of teacher who finds peace of mind in pre-planning resources, or if you’re a parent looking for reliable guidance to steer your child’s learning journey, this guide is perfect for you. 

So, are you ready to explore how to teach 3rd-grade math? Let’s dive into 3rd-grade math concepts and teaching strategies!

1. Addition and Subtraction

Addition and Subtraction in Grade 3
Add and subtract multi-digit numbers using place value.	Fluently add and subtract within and including 1000.

Let’s understand how to teach addition and subtraction to 3rd graders. In Grade 3, students learn to add and subtract numbers within 1000 using various strategies.  

• Help them add or subtract ones, tens, and hundreds separately. You can use hundreds charts, base 10 blocks, and expanded forms to show how to decompose numbers. You can also effectively use place value charts!
• Create an anchor chart to highlight the three steps of the standard algorithm for 3-digit addition and subtraction. Show different ways kids can perform this operation—using base-10 blocks, using the expanded form, number line strategy, and the standard algorithm.
• Reinforce how changing the order of addends does not affect the sum (commutative property). 
• Help them express subtraction problems as addition problems. (If A − B = ?, then B + ? = A). 

All these tiny bits are wonderfully implemented in our engaging pre-made lesson plans. Explore detailed lesson overviews, activities, instructional guidance, exit tickets, and more!

Common Misconception	Here’s a quick tip!
Kids sometimes forget the borrowing part and subtract the smaller digit from the larger one. (For example, in 105 – 28, a student might incorrectly subtract 8 from 5.)	Help them see that in such cases, we can simply “borrow” from the next higher place value (because they are worth more!). Lack of practice is another factor that may cause such errors. For guided practice, consider using 3-Digit Subtraction with Regrouping Games for 3rd Graders.

Our interactive games transform addition and subtraction practice into an exciting adventure. Perfect for supercharging spiral reviews or revision time! Here’s a sneak peek into our interactive addition and subtraction games for 3rd graders:

Worksheets are great for drilling down on specific skills like simplifying addition problems. They’re like targeted practice for your students. Plus, they can help you spot where kids might be making mistakes. Give them a try!

2. Rounding Off

Rounding Numbers in Grade 3
Learn to round numbers.	Round whole numbers to the nearest 10 or 100.

Teaching rounding numbers to kids is fun because it is easy to connect it to daily life. We use it every day, and even kids use it unknowingly. So, discuss the underlying purpose of learning this estimation skill during number talks. 

• Use number lines and number charts to help kids visualize and understand why we round up or down. Show the midpoint and let them see whether a number rounds up or down. You can project this FREE Number Line Teaching Tool in your classroom for simple demonstrations. You can hide jumps and choose any number range you want.

Let kids play rounding on a number line through online games! It’s a fun and effective way to practice rounding.

• Use relatable examples, like how kids often say they studied for 30 minutes, even for 25, or how we often say something cost us $100 when it’s actually $101! This explains the need for estimation in daily life and the idea of going to the next or previous multiple of 10.

Common misconception	Here’s a quick teaching tip!
Students don’t understand which digit to look at. Sometimes, they might round up or down based only on the ones digit, ignoring the tens digit.	• Emphasize looking at the digit to the right of the place being rounded to determine if you round up or down. • Ask students to underline the digit they are rounding to and circle the digit next to it. • Consider using this worksheet for extra practice: Rounding 3-Digit Numbers to the Nearest 100 Worksheet.
Students might round down when the ones digit is 5.	• Clearly explain that when the ones digit is 5, we always round up to the next ten or hundred. • Teach the rhyme: “5 or more, round up the score! 4 or less, round down and rest.”

Once kids are confident, you can plan Challenge Corners in the classroom using worksheets. Print them out and challenge kids to solve as many rounding problems as possible in a set time! 

3. Multiplication

Represent and solve problems involving multiplication.	• Find products of whole numbers using equal groups or arrays. • Multiply one-digit whole numbers by multiples of 10 in the range 10-90. • Use multiplication within 100 to solve word problems involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities. • Determine the missing whole numbers (unknowns) in a multiplication equation.
Multiply within 100.	• Fluently multiply within 100. • Learn multiplication facts of 1-9 with speed and memory.
Learn the properties of multiplication.	• Apply commutative, associative, and distributive properties to multiply.
Solve problems involving the four operations. Identify and explain patterns in arithmetic.	• Solve two-step word problems using the four operations. • Recognize arithmetic patterns (such as those in addition or multiplication tables) and explain these patterns using the properties of operations.

NOTE: Before moving on, let’s discuss this: Do you teach multiplication and division together or separately? 

It’s an excellent question that has no definitive or one-size-fits-all answer—some teachers prefer to establish a strong foundation in multiplication first, while others introduce both concepts together using fact families to highlight their connection as inverse operations. The best approach ultimately depends on your students’ needs.

Regardless of your method, it’s always helpful to start by discussing why we need to learn multiplication and division. For instance, ask your students: “What if you had to add the number 5 to itself 88 times? Would you want to do that repeatedly?” This can lead to a conversation about how multiplication simplifies repeated addition. 

Similarly, you can introduce division with a scenario that demonstrates how it’s the flip side of the same concept. Both examples help students see the practical value of these operations.

Now, let’s discuss how to teach multiplication and explore steps to create engaging lesson plans. 

Step 1: Equal groups and arrays: Use teaching resources that will save you time, effort, and the energy that goes into prep work. Try our free, interactive lesson plans that are easy to present in the class and ready to use! Enjoy lively discussions with your class and watch as kids enjoy various multiplication array activities. Never feel rushed!

Project our FREE Multiplication Teaching Tool in the classroom. Write a multiplication fact and create arrays or equal groups with just a click. This is also a great opportunity to introduce the terms “factor” and “product.” Help kids see that the × symbol represents “equal groups of.” 

To help kids master multiplication within 100 (basically to help them memorize the product of any two 1-digit numbers), you can refer to the following multiplication strategies chart. Use multiplication charts to visualize!:

Strategy	Description and Example
Patterns	Identifying and using predictable number relationships Example: Multiplication by 0 and 1, doubles, tens facts, fives facts
Skip Counting	Counting in groups to find productsCounting by twos to find 4 x 2
Decomposing Numbers	Breaking down numbers to use known factsExample: 4 x 8 = 4 x 7 + one more group of 4 = (4 x 7) + 4
Square Numbers	Recognizing and remembering products of equal factors Example: 4 x 4 = 16
Arithmetic Patterns	Using number relationships to find productsExample: Using tens facts to find nines facts 9 x 7 = (10 x 7) − 7

Need to make multiplication more fun for kids? Use interactive educational games in math stations during the week you teach multiplication skills.

Keep kids on their toes with varied practice! Conduct frequent practice tests using a variety of worksheets! Create task cards that mix different types of problems. When problems are too similar, kids can fall into mechanical practice without really thinking. Mixing up the problems ensures that students truly grasp the relationship between arrays, equal groups, and multiplication sentences.

Step 2: Times Tables: Should multiplication tables be memorized? It’s a common question among parents. While the true goal is a deeper understanding, memorizing times tables has its own benefits. It helps kids fluently recall multiplication facts, boosts speed, and improves their mental math skills. Encourage kids to explore times tables, discover various patterns, find tricks, and share them with the class. This can be incredibly beneficial. Explore our engaging lessons that provide ready-to-use activities or inspiration for your own creative lessons. 

To reinforce learning in a fun way, check out our interactive times tables games. Assign specific tables to groups and rotate them regularly to keep student engagement high.

Finally, once kids are confident with times tables, it’s time to check if they can recall and identify multiplication facts for a given number. Timed worksheets and puzzles can add more fun to this exercise!

Bonus Tips: Use the following teaching tools for interactive classroom instruction:

1. Multiplication Chart Teaching Tool: You can do everything with this tool, from introducing times tables to showing their various patterns using color highlights.

2. Times Tables Teaching Tool: Boost engagement with our interactive times tables tool! Create a dynamic learning environment by having students take turns completing multiplication facts and times tables through drag-and-drop. Perfect for student-led class activities or small group practice!

Step 3: Multiplication Properties: The right time to introduce multiplication properties is when your students are confident with the basics. Kids love shortcuts, so show them how these properties help us solve problems faster and more easily. Help kids remember the properties by their names, as the names themselves are clues to what they do. 

• Commute: Switching numbers does not affect the result!

• Associate: How you group three or more numbers does not change the product!

• Distribute: You can distribute the × sign over addition or subtraction!

Note: The term “turn-around facts” might confuse students and even some parents, as it’s not immediately self-explanatory. It’s helpful to explain that it simply means switching the numbers in a multiplication problem. For example, 3 x 4 is the turn-around fact of 4 x 3.

These fun games can help you successfully navigate this adventure.

Teachers, remember the power of pen and paper! Writing down and solving examples of multiplication properties helps kids truly understand how they work. Focused practice is key to mastering multiplication properties. Incorporate our printable worksheets into homework or math centers. With enough practice, recognizing and applying these properties will become second nature.

Related Reading: Best Multiplication Tricks for Math Students

4. Division

Division in Grade 3
Represent and solve problems involving multiplication and division.	• Calculate and describe whole-number quotients using the context of equal shares. • Determine the missing whole numbers (unknowns) in a division equation.
Learn the relationship between multiplication and division.	• Understand division as finding an unknown factor in a multiplication problem.
Multiply and divide within 100.	• Fluently divide within 100 using the relationship between multiplication and division or properties of operations.

Let’s dive in and understand how to approach division concepts in Grade 3.

Show kids two ways to think about division: partitive and quotative. 

1. Partitive Division (Sharing Equally): We know the total and number of groups and want to find out how many are in each group. (Example: Sharing 15 candies among 5 friends. How many cookies does each friend get?

2. Quotative Division (Making Equal Groups): We know the total and the number in each group, and we want to find out how many groups we can make. (Example: With 15 candies, how many boxes of 5 cookies can you make?)

Start with simple phrases like “number of shares” and “number of groups” to help students grasp these concepts. Once they understand the basic idea of “sharing,” you can smoothly introduce the formal terms—quotient (the solution to a division problem), dividend, divisor, and factor. We have prepared interactive lessons that cover everything from introducing the concepts of the group-size and the number of groups to division word problems. Find clear learning objectives, fun activities, extra practice questions, and more!

To further boost classroom instruction, try our division teaching tool. It is all ready to assist you as you help kids visualize equal sharing! 

Here’s one crucial division strategy you MUST include in your lessons: turning division facts into multiplication facts with an unknown factor.

For instance, 45 ÷ 5 = ? becomes 5 × ? = 45. 

Kids who know their times tables will not struggle here! Use fact families to help them understand what we mean by “related facts.” Our interactive division facts games feature games on division facts 2-10. Perfect for math stations or group rotations!

Visualize division with a number line! This hands-on approach helps students concretely understand the concept of equal sharing by making equal jumps on the number line. how division works by “jumping back” in equal steps. It’s a great way to show how division is essentially repeated subtraction, bridging the gap between concrete and abstract thinking. Here are some expertly designed practice worksheets:

Related Reading: Easy Math Division Tricks to Simplify Your Child's Learning

5. Fractions

Fractions in Grade 3
Understand fractions as numbers.	Identifying Fractions: • Understand the unit fraction 1/n as the quantity formed by 1 part out of n equal parts of a whole. (denominator values = n = 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8) • Understand a fraction m/n as the quantity formed by “m” parts, each of size 1/n. (n = 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8)
	Meaning of fractions: • Understanding unit and non-unit fractions
	Fractions on a number line:  • Represent both unit and non-unit fractions on a number line.
	Equivalent fractions: • Explain when fractions are equivalent • Show their same value and same position on a number line. • Identify and create simple equivalent fractions.
	Comparing Fractions: • Compare fractions by understanding their sizes. • Compare two fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator based on their size with the symbols >, =, or < and a visual fraction model.

Fractions can be intimidating for students, especially when they’re already comfortable with whole numbers by grade 3. Since fractions look and behave differently, it’s no surprise they can be confusing. But don’t let their fraction fears hold back your instruction! Take the time needed to build strong fraction basics. Thankfully, by grade 3, students already have experience dividing shapes into equal parts—leverage this knowledge to introduce fractions as parts of a whole.

Before diving into skills, resources, and tips, take a moment to explore our free fraction lessons crafted by expert educators. These lessons cover all the essential fraction skills in the curriculum and are thoughtfully organized into ready-to-use teaching plans. 

i) Fraction models: Start with concrete visual fraction models to help students identify and draw unit and non-unit fractions. This free fractions teaching tool will help you quickly draw fraction models in the classroom—fraction bars, strips, circles, and many other shape models! You can also use it to introduce the terms—numerator and denominator.

ii) Fractions on a number line: Using number lines alongside shapes helps students see fractions as NUMBERS. With number lines, kids can visualize fractions as points on a line, just like whole numbers. Also, show them how to express whole numbers as fractions using a number line. Here are some games that can boost kids’ understanding:

Our fractions-on-a-number-line teaching tool will be super helpful in the classroom. Introduce both proper and improper fractions with various examples. Customize denominator and numerator values as needed. Save time! 

NOTE: The term “improper fractions” isn’t mentioned in educational standards because it might lead to misconceptions, such as the idea that these fractions are somehow wrong or less valid. 

It’s recommended to refer to them simply as “fractions” or “fractions greater than 1” to emphasize that when the numerator is greater than the denominator, the fraction’s value exceeds 1. 

While it may not be possible to avoid the term entirely, carefully considering how it’s introduced and discussed during lessons, revisions, and assessments can help students grasp the concept without negative connotations. This approach ensures that students understand these fractions are just as valid as any other. 

iii) Equivalent fractions: Use visual models to show how two fractions may look different but represent the same portion of the whole! Incorporate fun games during independent practice hours for further reinforcement since they help kids visualize the equivalence. 

This free equivalent fractions teaching tool will help you create equivalent fractions using various models—strips, circles, and more!

iv) Comparing fractions: Before diving into comparing fractions, it’s essential to solidify students’ understanding of what fractions represent. They need to grasp both the size of the parts (equal or unequal) and the total number of parts. Visual aids, such as fraction bars, circles, and number lines, are invaluable tools. They help students see that fractions are parts of a whole and that comparing fractions requires equal-sized wholes. These interactive games can help: 

Common misconception	Here’s a quick tip!
Confusing unequal parts as fractions (like identifying 4 unequal parts as fourths)	Reinforce the concepts of equal and unequal parts using fun activities. Consider i) Partition into Equal Parts Game – Math Games ii) Understand Unit Fractions Game – Math Games for at-home learning or during lesson reflection.
Thinking that fractions only exist within shapes	As mentioned earlier, use number lines and models together to teach that fractions are also numbers. Use our Fractions on a Number Line Games for 3rd Graders for guided practice.

Let’s summarize! Check students’ understanding of these third grade math concepts during your fraction lessons: 

• Equal Parts Matter: When dividing a whole into fractions, all parts must be the same size.
• Counting the Pieces: The denominator tells us how many equal parts make up the whole.
• Bigger Pieces, Fewer Parts: As the number of equal parts increases, the size of each part gets smaller.
• Fractions are Relative: The size of each fractional part depends on the size of the whole.
• Numerator and Denominator: The top number (numerator) shows how many equal parts we’re considering, and the bottom number (denominator) shows the total number of equal parts.
• Benchmarks: Fractions like 1/2 and 1/4 help us compare other fractions.

Related Reading: How to Teach Fraction to Kids

6. Measurement Problems

Measurement in Grade 3
Solve problems involving measurement and estimation concepts.	Liquid volume/capacity: • Measure and estimate liquid volumes and masses of objects using standard units: grams (g), kilograms (kg), and liters (l).
	Length Estimate and measure lengths in customary units to the quarter-inch and half-inch, as well as feet and yards to the whole unit.
	Mass Estimate and measure weight in customary units to a whole number.
	Solve one-step word problems involving whole number measurements of length, weight, and capacity in the samecustomary units.

When teaching measurement in Grade 3, help students estimate and measure lengths, capacities, and weights using customary and metric units. Give them plenty of hands-on opportunities to measure real-world objects and containers. This practical experience helps students understand the size and weight of different units. These activities build a strong foundation for solving measurement word problems and develop a real sense of liter, gram, and kilogram. Here are some games that may help students apply their understanding: