Common Core Grade 3 Math Exam Survival Guide

Must-do topics

• Multiplication & Division: facts within 100; interpret arrays & equal groups; solve word problems.
• Fractions: understand unit fractions (1/n); represent on number line; compare fractions with like denominators.
• Place Value & Operations: add/subtract within 1000; round to nearest 10/100; fluency in multi-digit addition/subtraction.
• Measurement & Data: time to minute; mass & volume (grams, liters); area/perimeter of rectangles; scaled picture/ bar graphs.
• Geometry: classify shapes (quadrilaterals, rhombi, rectangles); partition into equal parts.

Top traps

• Mixing multiplication vs repeated addition; not grasping inverse relation with division.
• Fraction “bigger denominator means bigger fraction” misconception.
• Subtraction errors with regrouping (e.g., 402 – 197).
• Area vs perimeter confusion.
• Using cm/in without aligning to zero.

Quick checks

• “4×6” — show as array, equal groups, repeated addition.
• Number line: place 2/4 and 3/4. Which is bigger? Why?
• Word problem: “Class has 32 apples shared among 4 students. How many each?”
• Draw a rectangle 5 by 3. Find perimeter vs area.

You will make

• Multiplication Flash Array Cards (3×4 grid, etc.).
• Fraction Number Line Mat (0 to 1 segmented).
• Perimeter vs Area Poster (side + side + side + side vs length × width).
• Graph Your Day (bar graph of reading/playing/sleeping hours).

Daily practice plan (25–30 min)

• 10 min fluency (multiplication/division drills).
• 10 min word problems (fractions, multi-step).
• 10 min measurement/geometry station.