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What your child learns in 4th grade in Arizona

4th grade raises the pace with multi-digit multiplication and division, equivalent fractions and decimals, and longer writing. Science covers energy, electricity, magnets and Earth's changing surface, and social studies is the regions and cultures of the Americas, from early civilizations to the colonies.

4th grade subjects in the Arizona Academic Standards

Math

Focus areas

  • Number and operations: multi-digit multiplication and division, equivalent fractions, and decimals
  • Geometry: shapes, angles and the space around us
  • Measurement and data: measuring, collecting data and reading what it shows

15 units, including Numbers to 10,000, Add & Subtract, Multiply & Divide, Fractions.

English Language Arts

Focus areas

  • Reading: text structure, theme and evidence
  • Writing: opinion, information and story writing
  • Speaking and listening: sharing ideas and building on what others say

13 units, including Reading Detectives, Text Features, Figurative Language, Point of View.

Science

Focus areas

  • Energy, electric currents and magnets
  • Rocks, fossils, erosion and natural hazards
  • Renewable resources and survival over time

8 units, including Energy, Speed & Collisions, Waves & Codes, Circuits at Work, Magnet Inventions.

Social Studies

Focus areas

  • Civilizations of the Americas
  • Exploration, encounters and the Columbian Exchange
  • The colonies and their economies

9 units, including Geography of the Americas, Civilizations of the Americas, Maya, Aztec & Inca, The Columbian Exchange.

Printable 4th grade sheets

One free practice sheet for each subject, with an answer key. Print them, or work through them on screen.

What to look for on the report card

Look for comments on reading for meaning, organized paragraphs, fractions and decimals, and using maps and sources.

Arizona has no statewide report-card scale in 4th grade, so Gradelings describes practice in four steps: Beginning, Approaching, Meeting, Exceeding. See what each level means.

4th grade students also take the Arizona state tests (AASA and AzSCI). Read the state tests guide.

Arizona's Standards for Mathematical Practice apply in every grade, from kindergarten to high school. Read about Mathematical Practices.

The four practice steps in 4th grade

Beginning
Practice shows a first understanding of the learning standards. Most answers still need a hint or a second try.
At home: Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
Approaching
Practice shows a partial understanding of the learning standards. Some answers are right on the first try.
At home: Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practicing the tricky parts.
Meeting
Practice shows a solid understanding of the learning standards. Most answers are right on the first try.
At home: Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
Exceeding
Practice shows a deep understanding of the learning standards, including harder, unfamiliar questions.
At home: Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.

Ready for 4th grade?

4th grade builds on what your child practiced in 3rd grade. If a skill feels shaky, a few short practice sessions before or early in the year can help:

Common questions

Practice 4th grade skills with Gradelings

Kind hints, no ads, and reports in the language of the Arizona report card. Subscribe now, or try it free for 30 days with no card.