Bridges in Mathematics Grade 3, Unit 1: Building Community & Multiplication Foundations
In this unit, third grade math starts with the big idea behind multiplication: equal groups. Your child sees that 4 × 6 means four groups of six, shares things out to meet division, and notices that switching the order of the numbers keeps the same answer. These first ideas lead straight into the next unit, where multiplication facts and story problems get more practice.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 1?
- Seeing 4 × 6 as four equal groups of six, and calling the total the product, the answer when you multiply. Learn more: Multiplication as equal groups
- Sharing a pile out fairly, like 12 crackers among 3 people, and writing it as a division sentence: 12 ÷ 3 = 4. Learn more: Division as sharing into equal groups
- Drawing a quick picture of a story about bags, plates, or rows to decide whether it calls for multiplying or dividing. Learn more: Multiplying and dividing in story problems
- Noticing that 3 × 5 and 5 × 3 make the same total, so every fact learned gives a second one for free. Learn more: Shortcuts that make times tables easier
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Hana has 3 plates with 5 strawberries on each plate. She writes 3 × 5. What does 3 × 5 tell her?
- How many strawberries there are in all
- How many strawberries are on each plate
- How many plates she has
How you can help
- Set the table together and ask how many forks you need if 4 people each get 2. Have your child say it as a times sentence: 4 groups of 2, or 4 × 2 = 8.
- Share a bowl of crackers fairly among family members at snack time, then ask your child to say the division sentence out loud, such as 15 crackers shared by 3 people is 15 ÷ 3 = 5.
- Line up toy cars in 3 rows of 5 and ask for the total, then rearrange them into 5 rows of 3 and ask whether the total changed and why.
Where kids can get stuck
- Making groups of different sizes, such as 5, 4, and 6, and still calling it 3 groups of 5.
- Adding the two numbers instead of multiplying, so 5 × 7 becomes 12 instead of 35.
- Giving one person more than another when sharing, then writing a division answer anyway.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- multiply
- To find the total of equal groups.
- equal groups
- Groups that each have the same number of things.
- product
- The answer when you multiply.
- divide
- To split a total into equal groups or equal shares.
- array
- Objects arranged in equal rows and columns.
- commutative property
- You can switch the order of the factors and get the same product.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with multiplication basics?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Bridges in Mathematics Grade 3 Unit 1 cover?
Bridges in Mathematics Grade 3 Unit 1 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.