This document provides a preview of the grade 3 mathematics unit for the first quarter, which will focus on algebra, patterns, functions, and problem solving. Students will learn to identify, describe, and extend patterns with numbers and shapes, and solve problems using pictures, numbers, and patterns. Key vocabulary includes pattern, rule, symbol, and extend. Suggested activities to do at home include pattern hunting, identifying numeric patterns, making patterns with objects, and skip counting by various amounts.

1. Grade 3 Mathematics Unit Preview
Quarter 1: Algebra, Patterns, and Functions, and Problem Solving
Objectives: (Your student will be able to)
• Identify, describe and extend patterns with numbers. For example, 4, 7, 10, 13 follows the rule n + 3.
The numbers are increasing by 3.
• Identify, describe and extend patterns with shapes and pictures. For example,
follows the rule AABAAB.
• Solve problems with pictures, numbers and patterns. Students will be constructing brief responses.
Vocabulary: (Words your student will need to understand)
• pattern: repeated design or recurring sequence • rule: describes how a pattern changes (includes
the operation as identified above)
• symbol: a sign or character that represents • extend: to continue
something
Activities to do with your student (in addition to homework, optional):
• Go on a pattern hunt! Look for patterns with shapes and patterns in your home and community. For
example, colors of houses, patterns in fabric, kinds of cars, shapes of street signs.
• Identify and describe patterns with numbers in your home (for example, clock, thermometer, TV guides).
• Use household objects to make patterns (for example, paper clips, coins, macaroni).
• Skip count numbers by 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, 10s and 25s when doing rhythmic tasks (e.g., brushing hair, stirring
cookie batter, jumping rope, dribbling a ball).
• Skip count when counting nickels, dimes and quarters.
• Start a numeric pattern and ask your student to complete it.
• Think of other ways to label patterns using letters and numbers. For example, the pattern red, red, red,
blue, red, red, red, blue could also be described as an A,A,A,B,A,A,A,B pattern or 1,1,1,2,1,1,1,2 pattern.
• Have students describe (orally or written) how they solved a problem or completed a pattern.
• Practice addition and subtraction facts.
© Elementary Mathematics Office, Howard County Public School System, 2011-2012
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