Parentheses in Math

Grade 3 | 60 Minutes

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Standards Alignment (Common Core & TEKS)

CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.D.8
Solve two-step word problems using the four operations and parentheses.

TEKS:

• 3.4D: Use parentheses, brackets, or braces in numerical expressions, and evaluate expressions with these symbols.
• 3.4E: Apply mathematics to solve problems, including multi-step numerical expressions with parentheses.
• 3.4G: Determine the value of an expression using order of operations.
• 3.4K: Use addition and subtraction strategies to solve problems with parentheses.
• 3.5D: Solve problems involving multiplication and division and express them with parentheses.
• Supporting:
  • 3.4H: Use problem-solving strategies with guided support.
  • 3.5A: Connect strategies to solve equations.
  • 3.5B: Use models to justify answers.

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Learning Objectives / Success Criteria

Students will be able to:

• I can explain what parentheses mean in a math expression. (Understanding parentheses)
• I can solve math problems that include parentheses by following the correct order. (Evaluating expressions)
• I can use parentheses to organize multi-step math problems. (Applying parentheses)
• I can check my work by breaking down steps clearly. (Problem-solving and reasoning)

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Materials Needed

• Large chart paper or whiteboard
• Printable worksheets with problems featuring parentheses (dyslexia-friendly font e.g., OpenDyslexic, Comic Sans)
• Colored pencils or markers
• Visual aid cards showing expressions with parentheses (with pictures)
• Manipulatives (e.g., counters, number blocks)
• Digital timer or clock

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

Goal: Introduce parentheses as a tool to group numbers and clarify order in expressions.

• Start with a short story or analogy:
  "Imagine you are packing a backpack and want to put your books and lunchbox inside a big bag. Parentheses are like that big bag—they hold things together!"
• Show simple expressions on the board both with and without parentheses:
  • Example: 3 + 4 × 2 and (3 + 4) × 2
• Use visual color-coding (e.g., circle the parentheses in green, numbers in blue) and read expressions aloud slowly, pointing to each symbol.
• Emphasize that parentheses tell us to work on the part inside them first.

Success Criteria:

• Students say: "I can explain what parentheses do in math."

Differentiation:

• Use large print and dyslexia-friendly fonts on board/handouts.
• Show color-coded and pictorial examples, e.g., group objects in pictures inside parentheses.

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2. Guided Practice (15 minutes)

Goal: Practice solving expressions with parentheses in small steps.

• Write 3–4 expressions on board (simple to slightly complex), e.g.:
  • (5 + 2) × 3
  • 8 + (4 × 2)
  • (6 + 3) – 5
• Use think-aloud method: Solve one problem step-by-step. Example:
  "First, we add 5 + 2 inside the parentheses to get 7, then multiply by 3."
• Invite several volunteers to solve the problems orally using the board.
• Use manipulatives to physically group numbers:
  Place 5 and 2 counters inside a circle (parentheses), then multiply the total.
• Provide sentence stems on chart paper to support explanations, e.g.:
  • "I solved what is inside the ___ first."
  • "Then I ___."

Success Criteria:

• Students say: "I can solve expressions by working inside parentheses first and then following rules."

Differentiation:

• Offer sentence starters and visual cues for students needing language support.
• Use partner work for peer support with clear roles (reader/solver).

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3. Independent Work (20 minutes)

Goal: Students independently solve problems involving parentheses.

• Distribute worksheets with:
  • 5 single-step problems with parentheses
  • 3 two-step word problems requiring parentheses to solve
• Use dyslexia-friendly formatting: large spacing, clear fonts, no clutter, and pictures to support word problems.
• Circulate and support students needing help, offering scaffolded hints:
  • "Where are the parentheses here?"
  • "What do you solve first?"
• Encourage students to underline parentheses and write steps in margins to show organization.

Success Criteria:

• "I can solve math problems with parentheses on my own and explain my steps."

Differentiation:

• Provide modified problems with fewer steps or use manipulatives for students who need more concrete support.
• Challenge advanced learners with multi-step problems and ask them to create their own expressions with parentheses.

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4. Assessment & Closure (15 minutes)

Goal: Check for understanding and extend learning.

• Quick quiz (5 questions): Evaluate expressions and solve word problems involving parentheses (mix of numeric and contextual).
• Review answers as a class with visual aids and student explanations.
• Reflect with students:
  • Have students say one thing they learned about parentheses.
  • Use “I can” statements on a poster to self-assess.

Extension Activity (for advanced learners):

• Provide multi-step problems that include parentheses and more complex operations, e.g.:
  • (3 + 5) × (2 + 1) – 4
• Ask students to explain their solution strategies in a few sentences or draw step diagrams.

Success Criteria:

• "I can solve and explain multi-step problems with parentheses."

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Differentiation Strategies Summary

Learner Type	Strategies & Supports
Dyslexic Learners	Dyslexia-friendly fonts, large print, color-coding, visuals, chunked text, oral instructions.
English Learners	Visual supports, sentence frames, partner work, slower pace.
Struggling Learners	Manipulatives, guided steps, simplified instructions, repeated practice.
Advanced Learners	Multi-step challenges, problem creation, explaining reasoning verbally/written.

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Reflection Questions for Teachers

• How did students demonstrate understanding of parentheses and order of operations?
• Were the visuals and reading supports effective for diverse learners?
• Which students might need continued scaffolding or enrichment?
• How can the lesson be adapted for upcoming topics on expressions and equations?

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This lesson plan blends clear language, hands-on practice, and scaffolded supports aligned with Common Core and TEKS, particularly emphasizing the function and use of parentheses in Grade 3 mathematics. It empowers students with the confidence and tools to master expressions, a foundational skill for future math success.