Serbia Third Grade Mathematics Curriculum

The Serbian third-grade mathematics curriculum aims to provide students with foundational mathematical knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge in everyday situations. It also seeks to prepare students for further mathematical education and develop their problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and a scientific worldview.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is structured around four main content areas:

• Numbers and Operations: This includes understanding natural numbers (including zero), performing arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), and understanding numerical expressions, equations, and inequalities.
• Geometry: This involves identifying and measuring geometric shapes. Students are introduced to basic geometric concepts and develop spatial reasoning skills.
• Fractions: This area introduces the concept of fractions as parts of a whole. Students learn to represent fractions and perform basic operations with them.
• Measurement and Data: This includes understanding the metric system, measuring objects, and understanding the relationships between different units of measurement. Students also learn to collect, organize, and interpret data.

Learning Objectives

By the end of third grade, Serbian students are expected to achieve the following competencies:

• Understand natural numbers including zero.
• Perform operations with natural numbers and understand numerical expressions including equations and inequalities.
• Identify and measure geometric shapes.
• Understand the metric system, measure objects in the environment, and understand the relationship between familiar units of measurement.
• Solve word problems with increasing levels of complexity.
• Use mathematical language, including basic symbols, expressions, and formulas.

Subjects and Weekly Hours

In the first cycle of Serbian primary school (grades 1-4), mathematics is a mandatory subject with 5 hours of instruction per week. Other mandatory subjects include Serbian Language, English Language, The World Around Us (grades 1-2), Nature and Society (from grade 3), Art, Music, Physical Education, and Digital World. Students also choose between Civic Education and Religious Education.