Teaching 3rd Grade Math: 5 Great Tips

Third grade is a big year for math, when your kids begin to transition from simple arithmetic into more complex concepts. They learn basic multiplication and division and even get an introduction to fractions. Teaching 3rd grade math has its own unique set of challenges as well as opportunities to provide your kids with a solid grounding for the next years of “upper elementary” school.

Whether you’re new to homeschooling or consider yourself a seasoned educator-mom, having a structured approach and the right tools can make all the difference. In this post, we’ll discuss the most helpful tips for making 3rd grade math a success in your homeschool—and introduce a helpful teaching companion: CTCMath.

While it can be hard to remember this in a busy season of homeschooling—especially if you’re teaching several grades at the same time—it’s vital to keep in mind that homeschooling is more than just academics. We have the opportunity to teach our children concepts such as self-discipline and faithfulness in the little things, as well as build strong family bonds and approach learning from a healthy worldview.

If you’re looking for help with teaching math to the younger grades, you might find our earlier posts in this series helpful:

1. Focus on Building a Strong Foundation

When starting to learn 3rd grade math, it’s critical that your child understands the basics—addition, subtraction, place value, and the concept of multiplication. As you dive into teaching your kids facts and figures, help them make the connection that our God is a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33). Math reflects His orderly nature. Helping your child understand this can make them feel a sense of purpose when it comes to learning.

If any of these pieces are missing, believe me when I say more advanced topics down the line will be harder to grasp. I’ve had experience tutoring older children and teens in the middle grades who didn’t have an early introduction to the basics, and we needed to focus on those before beginning to build upon them with higher level concepts.

Tip: Review core concepts regularly. Even just 5–10 minutes a day of math review with addition/subtraction flash cards or multiplication facts can reinforce their knowledge.

CTCMath Connection: CTCMath’s short, engaging video lessons explain concepts clearly and concisely, making it easy to review fundamentals or revisit any 3rd grade math topic your child might be struggling with.

2. Make 3rd Grade Math a Daily Habit

Consistency is key when it comes to mastering math. A little bit of math every day keeps skills sharp and helps your student avoid that dreaded “I forgot how to do this” syndrome.

A daily math routine also fosters discipline and gives your child a stable rhythm for learning. Make sure that you provide your child with enough time to complete their math work for the day. Often, I would have my kids start the school day with math; even if it took them longer to finish the subject, at least they were getting it done when they were fresh and not so squirrely.

Tip: Integrate math into your morning time or right after Bible study when hearts and minds are ready to learn.

CTCMath Connection: CTCMath makes it easy to stay on track with flexible lesson planning and the ability to work at your child’s own pace. No pressure, just steady progress.

3. Connect Math to Creation and the Real World

Math isn’t just about numbers on a page; the patterns, logic, and design that your children will learn in 3rd grade math and beyond are representative of a God of order, design, and beauty.

Use everyday moments to point your child to the Creator behind it all. For instance, if you’re teaching your child about geometric shapes in math, go on a nature walk and point out those shapes in the real world.

Tip: Kids love to understand why they’re learning something, so make sure you bring math into the real world by using examples from cooking (basic fractions, measuring ingredients), shopping (counting and adding coins, calculating change), or building projects (early concepts of perimeter and area).

CTCMath Connection: With real-life application questions and interactive exercises, CTCMath shows students how math fits into everyday life.

Practice Multiplication Early and Often

Multiplication is a major focus in 3rd grade math, and it’s the basis for division as well. So, the sooner your child starts recognizing and practicing times tables, the easier advanced math will be.

It might feel intimidating at first, but a positive, joy-filled attitude helps. Remind your children that they can do all things through Christ who gives them strength (Philippians 4:13)—even multiplication tables!

Tip: Use games, songs, flashcards—whatever keeps practice fun and engaging. Do skip counting drills of twos, fives, tens. Then move on to threes and fours, and finally, sixes through nines. By mastering skip counting, they’ll more easily make the connection when it comes to multiplying.

CTCMath Connection: The program includes targeted times table drills, practice sheets, and even a Speed Skills game to help students master their facts quickly and painlessly.

Encourage Independent Learning and Stewardship

Third grade is the perfect time to help your child begin to do a little bit of independent learning. According to your child’s level and ability, consider how you might help him develop a sense of personal responsibility over his progress.

Teaching your child to manage their own progress helps instill responsibility and stewardship—values that prepare them for life beyond academics.

Tip: Let them check off lessons as they complete them, set daily or weekly goals on a goal chart, or track their quiz/test scores on a score sheet.

CTCMath Connection: With a student dashboard, progress reports, and auto-grading features, CTCMath encourages self-directed learning while still keeping you in the loop.

 Closing Thoughts

Teaching 3rd grade math in your homeschool doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. With a little structure, some creativity, and the right tools, your child can thrive. Programs like CTCMath are designed with homeschoolers in mind, offering flexibility, clear instruction, and a user-friendly interface that takes the guesswork out of lesson planning.

We have the unique privilege of teaching math with an eternal perspective. It’s not just about solving problems—it’s about shaping hearts and minds for God’s glory. CTCMath, founded by a father of 10 who can relate to the challenges of homeschooling, and designed with families like yours in mind, is a resource that supports your educational goals and values.

You’re not just teaching 3rd grade math—you’re training up a child in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6). And that’s a calling worth embracing, one lesson at a time.