4th Grade Milestones

Math

In fourth grade, children learn mathematical concepts such as multiplication facts, division, and fractions in much more depth. While hands-on activities are still popular, fourth-graders engage in a lot of abstract thinking, that is, using symbols and numbers to represent real objects. Students are expected to use their new skills to complete multi-step word problems that mirror "real world" situations. Here are some other things you'll find fourth-graders can do and some great instructional products that encourage them to learn:

Computation  

• Add and subtract whole numbers up to six digits
• Show mastery of whole number multiplication and division

Place Value, Estimation, Measurement, and Data Collection  

• Understand place value to millions
• Estimate, round, or use exact numbers as needed in calculations
• Show familiarity with units of measure in both U.S. standard and metric system
• Collect, organize, compare, interpret, and display data

Problem Solving  

• Use a variety of strategies to solve problems
• Solve money problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• Explain solutions to problems using appropriate pictures (e.g. charts, graphs, diagrams), mathematical terms and vocabulary, and explain computation in oral and written form

Geometry  

• Identify, classify, and name geometric shapes (e.g. rhombus, parallelogram)
• Demonstrate an understanding of geometric concepts (e.g. symmetry, congruence, perimeter, area, and volume)

Fractions  

• Understand fraction concepts and add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers

Algebra  

• Compute simple algebraic equations with one variable (e.g. 2(x + 6) = 16)

Reading & Writing

Having mastered the basics of reading, fourth-graders are ready to explore the world through chapter books and other reading materials, including reference books, magazines, and newspapers. Children discover the joy and power of reading as they are transported to different worlds and exposed to new ideas. Fourth-graders spend a lot of time practicing ways to communicate effectively using both written and spoken language. Many more rules of grammar are introduced and strictly enforced. This year look for fourth-graders to develop these skills, which you can encourage using these great instructional products:

Reading  

• Read fiction and non-fiction including newspapers, textbooks, magazines, and literature books
• Display reading comprehension through oral and written responses
• Accurately restate the main idea of a reading selection in his or her words

Writing 

• Organize and develop essays, consistently attempting to use appropriate conventions of writing, including paragraphs, capitalization, spelling, punctuation, complete sentences, proper verb tense, and subject-verb agreement
• Write effectively for a variety of purposes, such as to inform, tell a story, persuade, and express ideas

Listening and Speaking  

• Listen and speak effectively in formal and informal settings

Vocabulary, Phonics, and Study Skills  

• Continue to develop vocabulary using synonyms, antonyms, phonics, and context clues (i.e. figure out what a word means by reading the words around it)
• Use a glossary, dictionary, or other reference works to determine the meaning of unknown words

Social Studies

By the time students reach fourth grade they have a basic understanding of geographical concepts and some knowledge of other countries and cultures. This year they begin to study these topics in depth. Although the specific topics vary across school districts, most fourth-graders learn about regions of the world and the cultures of other countries, often comparing them to one another. Most students spend some time studying their home states as well. Here are some other things you'll find that fourth-graders can do and some great instructional products to consider: 

Geography  

• Demonstrate map and globe skills
• Show graph and chart skills
• Study geographical regions of the world (including deserts, forests, mountains, and plains) and the people who live there
• Study his or her home state geography, government, economics, and culture
• Study and compare the cultures of various countries around the world

History  

• Demonstrate an understanding of the history of PA

Science

Science is a hands-on experience in fourth grade. Students engage in a variety of structured activities and conduct experiments designed to illustrate important scientific principles and theories. A lot of emphasis is placed on observing and recording information. The actual topics of study vary across school districts; however, the goals of science education are the same. This year look for fourth-graders to develop these skills, which you can encourage using these great instructional products:

Science  

• Observe and report characteristics of things and events
• Classify according to similar or different traits
• Create records by drawing or writing results of observations
• Draw conclusions based on observations
• Develop an understanding of the needs of living things
• Exhibit a curiosity and interest in science
• Predict outcomes or results based on observations