Top Notions : Elementary Third Cycle

The lists of key concepts were drawn up by researchers at the UNESCO Chair in Curriculum Development. For further information: https://cudc.uqam.ca/.

In mathematics, you can work with your child on mathematical activities related to everyday life at home. Prioritise the use of material or concrete situations. Several mathematical activities can be carried out at the same time as an art, science or technology activity.
Here is a list of maths concepts and strategies to help prepare your child for the upcoming school year. For a complete list of maths concepts in Cycle 3, see the Grade 5 and Grade 6 Review Guides.

In Cycle 3, arithmetic concepts and operations become more complex. Don't overload your child with too many exercises, and vary the nature of the activities. Here are a few concepts that can be worked on:

• Natural numbers below 1 000 000
• Written calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Multiplication of a 3-digit number by a 2-digit number
• Division a a 4-digit number by a 2-digit number, expressing the remainder as a decimal number without going beyond the hundredths position
• Priority of mathematical operations
• Prime factorization of a number
• Divisibility rules for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
• Mental calculation: multiply and divide decimal numbers by 10, 100, 1000
• Fractions
• Adding and subtracting fractions using concrete materials and diagrams (denominator of one is a multiple of the other).
• Multiplying a fraction by a whole number

New geometry concepts are introduced in Cycle 3. Learning these concepts is made easier when they are linked to everyday objects or contexts. Here are some of them:

Locating points in the Cartesian plane.

Describing and classifying triangles (scalene, right-angled, isosceles and equilateral).

Learning about the circle (radius, diameter, circumference) without the formulas.

In Cycle 3, concepts related to measurement are often introduced through geometric activities. Here are a few concepts:

• Relationship between units of measurement for length and area (comparison and conversion)
• Measuring angles (using a protractor)
• Calculating area and units of measurement for area
• Calculating the volume of prisms and units of measurement for volume
• Relationship between units of time

In Cycle 3, we continue to work with children as they investigate their environment. These activities can be carried out in a context of scientific investigation. Here are some examples:

• Interpreting data using a circle graph (pie chart)
• Calculation and understanding the arithmetic mean

It's important to point out that the intention of school programmes is not exclusively aligned with memorising mathematical knowledge or calculation techniques. In addition to the notions presented in the tables above, we also recommend that parents place their children in various problem-solving situations.

Problem solving is a fundamental approach that is central to many subjects, such as mathematics and science.

Here are the general steps involved:

1. Understanding the problem
2. Making a plan
3. Carrying out the plan
4. Analysing the results based on the original problem

It might be interesting to carry out different investigation activities with your child. Although it's a good idea to limit screen time daily, some video games can be educational and therefore help develop some of your child's problem-solving strategies.