Recipe for a Hands-On Math Class

4^th Grade Mathematics

Some parents have recently inquired about how math is taught and assessed  in the fourth grade.  I hope the following information is helpful, and I welcome the opportunity to answer any other questions you may have with regards to your child’s progress in my class this year.

Curriculum/Content

Attached you will find an overview of the 4^th grade math curriculum.  This list, which I compiled using the KY Curriculum Framework for 4^th grade, should give you a fairly good idea of what mathematics concepts your child will need to master this year.

Teaching Methods

My approach to teaching math is very hands-on.  I don’t want my students to merely compute (that’s what calculators are for!).  My goal is for students to be able to analyze, manipulate, and make real world connections.  Very little of my class time is spent on pencil/paper activities; instead we utilize problem-solving and critical thinking skills.  If I use the textbook at all during class, it is mainly as a reference.  

You may have heard the word “differentiation” before.  I am a  believer of differentiation (which basically means meeting the varying needs of the students in our class).  Our gifted math students are given many opportunities to extend and explore concepts at a higher level.  The majority of my assignments are open-ended and I push students to work at their own level and pace. 

Homework Philosophy

Since we do so very little math paperwork in class, I expect students to practice math computation at home.  It won’t be unusual for you to see your child working on math equations and facts.  An evening’s homework should rarely take more than 30 minutes of your child’s time.  Please let me know if it takes longer—and please let it be your child’s own work.  I plan my lessons based on what your child actually understands, and homework is a good way for me to evaluate progress.  I also assess student progress based on understanding of in-class activities, as well as individual performance assessments.  As we move through different units, I will give alternative problem-solving activities to the students who have shown mastery of a particular concept in class.  These higher-level homework assignments should also not take longer than 30 minutes or so. (Again, please let me know so that I can adjust the work accordingly.)

During these first few weeks of school, I’m still getting to know your child and the varying levels in my classroom.  On the third day of school, I gave every child the 3^rd grade MST (a math test which measures concepts that should have been mastered by the end of 3^rd grade).  Students who showed mastery on that test were given the 4^th grade level MST.  These tests help me guide the pace and content for your child.

I am looking forward to a wonderful year with an exciting group of students!  Rest assured that your child will be challenged and engaged throughout his or her fourth grade year here at Picadome, and thank you for taking an interest in your child’s education.

Leanne Larkins

Fourth Grade Math Curriculum

in a Nutshell

ü    whole numbers:  place value, estimating, comparing, ordering

ü    math operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division (using a variety of methods)

ü    decimals

ü    factors

ü    probability

ü    predictions

ü    mean, mode, median

ü    collecting, organizing, displaying and interpreting data (using drawings, tables, charts, and graphs)

ü    geometric concepts (points, rays, lines, segments, angles)

ü    symmetry and congruence (reflections, rotations, and translations)

ü    three-dimensional shapes

ü    perimeter and area

ü    fractions and mixed numbers

ü    measurement (of weight, length, volume)

ü    patterns