Math

Number Sense is the understanding of what numbers are and how to use them. We spend a lot of time in class working on place value, estimating and rounding. We talk about lots of mental math strategies and addition properties. We will be comparing numbers soon as well. These basic math skills are so important because students need to understand when and how to use what they are learning in math. Because they will be dealing with numbers too large to draw out on their paper, or count up to (especially when we begin multiplication), it is important they they have a mastery of what numbers mean.
 * __Number Sense and Review __**


 * **Example ** || **Property ** || **How I Remember! ** ||
 * (3 + 4) + 7 = 3 + (4+7) || Associative Property || An association is a group (like PTA). The parenthesis put these numbers in GROUPS. ||
 * 3 + 4 + 7 = 7 + 4 + 3 || Commutative Property || If you commute from place to place, you are moving. The numbers shown here are MOVING, or changing order. ||
 * 14 + 0 = 14 || Identity Property || Your identity is WHO you are. If you add nothing to yourself, then you remain the same. If you add ZERO to a number, it keeps the same identity and stays the same. ||

We have lots of math to learn in 3rd grade! Something that we will be working on throughout the year is learning multiplication facts. Learning multiplication facts in 3rd grade is so important! Having taught 4th and 5th grades, I can attest to the success of students who took the time to learn facts in 3rd grade. We will be working on memorization and learning at school, but working at home helps students greatly. I have seen multiplication flash cards on sale at stores such as Target (dollar bin in the front) and Walmart for about $1.00. I have also seen these cards in Parent-Teacher stores (Learning Experiences, Off-Campus Bookstore) and have heard that some dollar stores carry them.
 * __Starting Multiplication __**

__**<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Math Websites **__ <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">As the year progresses, your child will visit some math websites during class to work on his/her skills. I will be listing links to access these sites in the weeks to come on this part of the wiki. I hope that you will try them out and let me know what you think!

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<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">[|Fun Brain Place Value Puzzler]

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<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Have your student EXCEL at IXL.com. Students should log in (they know their screen name and password) and practice the 3rd grade skill we are currently on. If there is an area that they may be struggling in, or simply need more practice with, this website is a great resource. Also, if your child has difficulty with a skill, you can access the 2nd grade skills and try the skill at a lower grade level. This is great for complex concepts, allowing students to work their way up. //My// favorite part about the website? The results from each child's practice sessions are reported to me. This is great for seeing who needs some extra help with a skill long before testing. Please take time and encourage your child to practice math skills at home through IXL.