Math Terms to Know for

{Third Grade Families}

Below are a group of terms and phrases for the first cycle of the fourth nine weeks. These four
mathematical concepts (points/lines/line segments, points/lines/line segments in shapes,
attributes/category, and shapes.) are integrated throughout each unit we teach and are year-
long skills.
Points/Lines/Line Segments Points/Line/Line Segments in Shapes
Identify, describe and draw points, lines and line Identify, describe and draw points, lines and line segments
segments using appropriate tools (e.g., ruler, using appropriate tools (e.g., ruler, straightedge, and
technology), and use these terms when describing two-
straightedge, and technology), and use these dimensional shapes.
terms when describing two-dimensional shapes. Activity: Have your child identify objects inside
and outside your house and describe where
they see points and lines represented.

Attributes/Category Shapes
Understand that shapes (e.g., rhombuses, rectangles, and Identify and describe the following: cube, sphere,
others) may share attributes (e.g., having four sides), and prism, pyramid, cone, and cylinder.
that the shared attributes can define a larger category
(e.g., quadrilaterals). Recognize and draw rhombuses,
rectangles, and squares as examples of quadrilaterals.
Recognize and draw examples of quadrilaterals that do not
belong to any of these subcategories.

Which two shapes do not belong in this group?

Describe how they are different from the other 5 shapes.

Prisms
 Ideas to help your child with math at home.
Find shapes in the world around you and have your child tell you what quadrilateral the
shape is and what classifies it as that shape.
★ At the store, ask your child questions to focus their attention on the shapes that you
see. Ask him/her to find, for example, items that have spheres or pyramids on them or
boxes that are in the form of a cube or a rectangular solid.
★Have him/her notice which shapes stack easily. Try to find a stack of products that
looks like a pyramid.
★Before shopping trips, review different shapes with children by pointing them out in
items around the house. Encourage them to use the correct name for each shape:
square, rectangle, triangle, circle, cube, cylinder and so forth.

*Other Ideas and conversation starters:

Find shapes in the world around and have your child tell you what quadrilateral the shape
is and what classifies it as that shape. (See classification above.)
Find shapes in the world around and classify them accordingly (See classifications above.)
These could all also be made with cookie dough and cookies that you could eat. Enjoy!!
Clay or playdough could also be used to make a point, lines, line segment, and the shapes.
Pretzels, gummies, or other candies could be used to make a point, lines, line segment, and
the shapes. Have fun!!!!!

** Children develop positive attitudes toward math when they see that their
parents and families value it. Find ways to show that you enjoy math **