What your child learns in 4th grade in California
4th grade raises the pace with multi-digit multiplication and division, equivalent fractions and decimals, and longer writing. Social studies is all about California, a changing state: its regions, California Indian nations, the missions and ranchos, the Gold Rush and statehood, the state's growth and its government.
4th grade subjects in the California Content Standards
Math
Focus areas
- Number and operations: multi-digit multiplication and division, equivalent fractions, and decimals
- Measurement, data and geometry: shapes, measuring and reading data
- Mathematical practices: making sense of problems and explaining reasoning
15 units, including Numbers to 10,000, Add & Subtract, Multiply & Divide, Fractions.
English Language Arts
Focus areas
- Reading literature and informational text: 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 and waves
- How plant and animal structures work
- Rocks, erosion, earthquakes and energy resources
10 units, including Sense & Respond, Light, Sound, Adaptations & Habitats.
Social Studies
Focus areas
- California: a changing state
- California's regions and California Indian nations
- Missions and ranchos, the Gold Rush, statehood and growth
8 units, including Latitude & Longitude, California's Land & Regions, California Indian Nations, Missions, Presidios & Ranchos.
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 research on California history.
California report cards describe learning with Beginning, Approaching, Meeting, Exceeding. See what each level means.
4th grade students also take the California state tests (CAASPP). Read the state tests guide.
California's social and emotional learning competencies apply in every grade. Read about Social and emotional learning.
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:
- Math: Add & Subtract, Multiplication, Division, Fractions, Patterns & Equations
- English Language Arts: Read and Think, Story Elements, Word Jobs, Punctuation Power, Spelling Patterns
- Science: How Plants Grow & Change, Pushes, Pulls & Forces, Basic Needs & Life Cycles, Speed & Motion, Traits & Variation
- Social Studies: Needs Around the World, Working Together Fairly, Money, Taxes & Voting, Culture & Traditions, Changemakers & Allies
Common questions
4th grade covers math, English language arts, science, social studies in the California Content Standards. 4th grade raises the pace with multi-digit multiplication and division, equivalent fractions and decimals, and longer writing. Social studies is all about California, a changing state: its regions, California Indian nations, the missions and ranchos, the Gold Rush and statehood, the state's growth and its government.
California report cards describe learning with Beginning, Approaching, Meeting, Exceeding. Students in 4th grade also write the California state tests (CAASPP), which is separate from the report card.
Short, regular practice works better than long sessions: 10 to 15 minutes a few times a week, on the skills your child's teacher flags. Read together, use math in real life, and praise effort.
Practice 4th grade skills with Gradelings
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