Third Grade Math: Estimating Solutions

Happy Weekend, friends!  This is for all our Third Grade Teacher Friends out there!  We wanted to share a couple of games for Estimating Solutions with you!

First Up… Deal it!  Estimate It!

To play this game students can use the monster number cards, a deck of cards, or index cards labeled 0-9.  It’s best if they have a few of each number.  This game can be used for numbers of any size 🙂

  

Each student builds their addition sentence whether it is 2 or 3 digit (or higher).  Students write their equation and then round to estimate solutions.  The partner who calculates the highest sum is the winner of the round.  Once students get the hang of it they will realize how to arrange their cards to create the largest sum possible!  You can also play this with Estimating Differences.  Students just have to put the greater number on top or as their first number.  The student with the difference closest to zero gets a point for that round!

The next game is Monster Bingo.  This game is for estimating sums and differences of two digit numbers.  Of course I found a mistake after taking a picture.  This BINGO card’s numbers have been fixed… goodness me!

There are six difference game boards so that students have different chances of winning the game.  You can do this whole group or in small groups.  Students solve the equation by estimating solutions.  Once they have a solution, students cover that number either with the monster eyes provided, or with counters/transparent chips.  If you don’t write on the boards then you can save them from year to year!

Week 2 focuses on 3-Digit Subtraction with Regrouping.  This concept can often times be repetitive and BORING!  We tried to keep the repetition that they need, but offer activities that are engaging and fun for our students 🙂

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!!