5280 Math Content Guide
GRADE 3

CMP Content Guide: Intro Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grades 7 and 8

Suggestions for Getting Started

  • Click on a prompt to get either (1) an enlarged pdf that you can display or copy, or (2) a page of supporting notes. I am working on writing supporting notes for every prompt, but this will take time. Feel free to request prompts that you would like me move to the top of my list!

  • Notice that Creative Math Prompts do not have directions. You and your students decide what questions to ask. Prompts that have supporting notes will give you some ideas, but don’t be afraid to explore the prompts that don’t have notes yet!

  • Watch for prompts that make connections across topics. They appear in more than one content category.

  • Explore beyond your grade level. Depending on your students and your curriculum, prompts from one or even two grades before or after the grade you teach may sometimes work better than the ones listed here! Also, the prompts are very open-ended, so you may be able to continue using prompts that have already been used by teachers at earlier grade levels!

  • Read about tips and suggestions for Using Creative Math Prompts.

  • Contact me if you have a new idea for a Creative Math Prompt, especially for the few content areas that lack one. I will give you credit!

CONTENT

CREATIVE MATH PROMPTS

Adding and Subtracting Whole Numbers

connections between the two; properties, strategies, and algorithms; number stories and models

Linear Measurement

defining units; using rulers; perimeter

Multiplication

equal groups; arrays; multiples and patterns; number models; strategies; facts

Multiplication and Division

equal shares and groups; number models and stories; facts; fact families

Place value through millions and hundredths

modeling (base-ten blocks); ordering; renaming; very large numbers; metric length

Please share any ideas you may have for this content area!

Segments, Rays, and Lines; Angles and Turns; Triangles and Quadrilaterals

parallel and intersecting; measuring and drawing

Algebra

patterns and multiplication facts; number models with parentheses; ratios in geometric figures

Multiplication and Division Extended Facts

multiply and divide with multiples of 10, 100, and 1000

Please share any ideas you may have for this content area!

Fractions

naming parts; equivalent fractions; fractions greater than one; number stories

Area and Multiplication

arrays; area models; fractions; distributive property and multiplication algorithms; factors

Data

mean and median as concepts; calculating the mean; frequency distributions; coordinate grids