MATHEMATICS
3rd GRADE
Through in-depth concept development and skill building, the Hudson City
School District mathematics program has four major goals: to emphasize
depth in mathematical thinking, to engage children in meaningful
mathematics problems, for students to become fluent in the language of
mathematics and to be able to communicate their ideas mathematically, and
for mathematics literacy for all students.
In Third Grade, these goals are accomplished by emphasizing the
following “big ideas” in mathematics:
 Creating a math “culture” in the classroom
 Counting by groups (skip counting – crossing the bridge from additive
thinking to multiplicative thinking)
 Working on mastery of math facts (using strategies and number sense
to figure out the facts which are not yet mastered)
 Keeping track of whole/part information in problem solving
 Understanding the magnitude of numbers (embedding an
understanding of place value in problem solving)
 Explaining solutions and solution paths
 Developing multiple solution strategies and flexibility in problem
solving
 Developing strategies for self-checking for errors
 Using landmark numbers to solve problems (10’s, 50’s, 100’s)
 Developing strategies for solving multi-step word problems using the 4
operations
 Developing mental computation strategies that make sense
 Counting, classifying and representing data
 Using attributes to describe, analyze and categorize 2D shapes
 Measurement
 Introduction to fractions
LANGUAGE ARTS
The language arts program at McDowell School includes the basic
components of language: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These
interactive processes are tools the students can use to construct meaning
through an integration of prior knowledge and information from others. The
language processes develop simultaneously and are mutually enhancing.
Third Grade emphasizes:














Word recognition and fluency
Comprehending, interpreting, and reflecting on what is read
Summarizing and retelling texts
Distinguishing between fiction and nonfiction
Use of appropriate reference materials
Drawing conclusions from information in maps, charts, graphs and
diagrams
Showing interest and enjoyment in reading
Applying spelling skills in all written work
Clearly expressing ideas verbally and through the written word
Develop the written products that convey a sense of completeness
Applying knowledge of punctuation and grammar
Using parts of speech to enhance the meaning in finished writing
Increasing vocabulary through use of context clues, prefixes and
suffixes and roots
Using the writing process from rough draft to publication