4th grade · Kindergarten to Grade 5

What Should a 4th Grader Know?

Nobody can tell you what every 4th grade student knows; students differ, and so do states. What we can tell you exactly is what we teach. Below is the whole 4th grade list: 63 topics in eight subjects, in the order we teach them, each with the standard it addresses. It is a plan, not a test and not a legal standard — if your student is ahead in one subject and behind in another, that is ordinary.

63 topics8 subjects6910 questions

Math

10 topics550 questionsSubject page

1. Factors and multiplesPrime and composite numbers to 1004.OA.B
2. Place value to 1,000,000Read, write, compare and round large numbers4.NBT.A
3. Multi-digit multiplicationUp to 4 digits by 1 digit and 2 digits by 2 digits4.NBT.B.5
4. Long divisionUp to 4-digit dividends by 1-digit divisors, with remainders4.NBT.B.6
5. Equivalent fractionsGenerate and compare fractions with different denominators4.NF.A
6. Adding fractions and mixed numbersLike denominators; multiply a fraction by a whole number4.NF.B
7. DecimalsTenths and hundredths; link to fractions4.NF.C
8. Unit conversionsConvert within one measurement system4.MD.A
9. AnglesMeasure and draw angles with a protractor4.MD.C
10. Lines, angles and symmetryParallel and perpendicular lines; lines of symmetry4.G

Reading

8 topics960 questionsSubject page

1. Reading long words with roots and affixesUse letter-sound knowledge, syllables and morphology to read unfamiliar multisyllabic wordsRF.4.3
2. Making inferences with text evidenceRefer to details and examples when explaining what a story says and what it suggestsRL.4.1
3. Theme and summary of a storyDetermine a theme from details and write a short, objective summaryRL.4.2
4. Describing character, setting and events in depthUse specific details such as thoughts, words and actions to describe story elementsRL.4.3
5. Poems, plays and proseExplain differences between poems, drama and prose using verse, rhythm, meter, cast lists and stage directionsRL.4.5
6. Main idea and summary of nonfictionDetermine the main idea, explain how key details support it and summarize the textRI.4.2
7. Text structure in nonfictionDescribe chronology, comparison, cause and effect, and problem and solution structuresRI.4.5
8. Explaining and inferring with text detailsRefer to details and examples when explaining what an informational text says and when drawing inferencesRI.4.1

English & Writing

8 topics960 questionsSubject page

1. Fixing fragments and run-onsProduce complete sentences, recognizing and correcting inappropriate fragments and run-onsL.4.1f
2. Commonly confused wordsCorrectly use frequently confused words such as to, too, two and there, their, they'reL.4.1g
3. Commas in compound sentencesUse a comma before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentenceL.4.2c
4. Similes and metaphorsExplain the meaning of simple similes and metaphors in contextL.4.5a
5. Opinion writing with reasons and factsSupport a point of view with reasons backed by facts and details, linked with words like for instance and in additionW.4.1
6. Informative writing with paragraphsGroup information in paragraphs and sections; develop the topic with facts, definitions and examplesW.4.2
7. Narratives with sensory detailsUse dialogue, description, transitional words and concrete sensory details to tell a storyW.4.3
8. Identifying a speaker's reasons and evidenceListen for a speaker's point, name the reasons given, and find the evidence behind each reasonSL.4.3

Science

8 topics960 questionsSubject page

1. Speed and energyThe faster an object moves, the more energy it has4-PS3-1
2. Energy on the moveEnergy is transferred by sound, light, heat and electric currents4-PS3-2
3. Waves and their patternsWaves have amplitude and wavelength and can make objects move4-PS4-1
4. How we see objectsLight reflects from objects and enters the eye4-PS4-2
5. Plant and animal structuresInternal and external structures support survival, growth, behavior and reproduction4-LS1-1
6. Rock layers and fossilsPatterns in rock layers and fossils show how a landscape changed over time4-ESS1-1
7. Weathering and erosionWater, ice, wind, plants and gravity break down and move rock and soil4-ESS2-1
8. Comparing several solutionsGenerate three or more possible solutions and compare them against the criteria and constraints before choosing one3-5-ETS1-2

History & Social Studies

8 topics960 questionsSubject page

1. The five regions of the United StatesUse maps at different scales to locate the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest and West and describe their landforms and climatesD2.Geo.3.3-5
2. Native nations and their environmentsExplain how Native nations in different regions used and adapted to their environments for food, shelter and clothingD2.Geo.4.3-5
3. The 50 states and capitalsLocate all 50 states by region on a US map, name their capitals, and use the map key, compass rose and scaleD2.Geo.1.3-5
4. Primary and secondary sourcesTell primary sources from secondary sources and compare what two sources say about the same eventD2.His.10.3-5
5. How state government worksExplain the state constitution and the three branches of state government: legislative, executive and judicialD2.Civ.5.3-5
6. Responsible citizens in a democracyExplain how a democracy depends on people voting, staying informed, following laws and helping their communitiesD2.Civ.2.3-5
7. Choices: benefits, costs and opportunity costCompare the benefits and costs of a choice and name the opportunity cost, the next-best thing given upD2.Eco.1.3-5
8. Specialization and trade between regionsExplain why people, businesses and regions specialize in what they make and trade with one anotherD2.Eco.4.3-5

Life Skills

7 topics840 questionsSubject page

1. Taking care of myself as I growBuild daily habits for showering, deodorant, clean clothes, teeth and hairNHES 7
2. Reading food labelsRead a nutrition label for serving size, sugar and ingredients to compare snacksNHES 3
3. Responsibility and being trustworthyKeep promises, own mistakes, tell the truth and do my part without being askedCASEL Responsible Decision-Making
4. Respect, differences and standing up to bullyingRespect differences, recognize bullying and know how to be an upstander and get helpCASEL Social Awareness
5. Managing my time: planners and to-do listsUse a planner and to-do list to schedule homework, chores and free timeCASEL Self-Management
6. Smart shopping: comparing pricesCompare prices and unit costs, spot ads that pressure you and make wise buying choicesJump$tart Spending
7. Laundry, chores and caring for my thingsSort and fold laundry, keep my space tidy and take care of my belongingsNHES 7

Entrepreneurship & Business Thinking

7 topics840 questionsSubject page

1. Market research: asking what people wantUse a short survey and tally chart to learn what customers wantCEE Standard 14
2. Setting a fair priceSet a price using costs, what customers will pay and competitors' pricesCEE Standard 8
3. Profit, loss and keeping recordsTrack sales and costs in a simple ledger and find profit or lossCEE Standard 14
4. Branding and marketingCreate a name, logo idea and message that fits the customerCEE Standard 14
5. Incentives: why people chooseExplain how rewards and costs change what people chooseCEE Standard 4
6. Honest business: ethics and trustExplain why honesty, fairness and keeping promises build trustCEE Standard 14
7. Inventors and innovationExplore how inventions and new ideas improve lives and grow economiesCEE Standard 15

Psychology for Kids

7 topics840 questionsSubject page

1. Senses, nerves and the brainExplain how senses send information through nerves to the brain, which decides how to respond4-LS1-2
2. Short-term and long-term memoryExplain how memories move from short-term to long-term with practiceCASEL Self-Awareness
3. Why we feel fear and how courage worksExplain the fight-flight-freeze response and how to act bravelyCASEL Self-Awareness
4. Groups, friends and fitting inUnderstand why we want to belong and how to stay true to ourselvesCASEL Social Awareness
5. Waiting for a bigger rewardPractice delayed gratification and strategies for waitingCASEL Self-Management
6. How ads try to change our mindsSpot advertising tricks and think before buyingCASEL Responsible Decision-Making
7. Confidence and self-esteemBuild confidence by knowing strengths and trying hard thingsCASEL Self-Awareness

Optional language courses

• Spanish for Kids · Level 3 · Grades 4–58 topics
• Portuguese for Kids · Level 3 · Grades 4–58 topics
• English for Spanish Speakers · Level 3 · Grades 4–58 topics
• English for Portuguese Speakers · Level 3 · Grades 4–58 topics

What one lesson contains

Every topic in every subject follows the same five steps, then an answer key. Nothing changes between subjects, so a student always knows what comes next.

1. Quick CheckQuestions before you teach, to show what the student already knows. A high score means you can move faster.
2. Learn ItKey words, step-by-step teaching with lines you can read aloud, worked examples, and the mistakes to watch for.
3. We Do It TogetherQuestions you work through side by side. The answer and the reason it is the answer are printed right after each question.
4. You TryThe student works alone. Do a page a day, or as many as the student needs.
5. Show What You KnowNew questions at the end. Compare the score with the Quick Check to see the change.
6. Answer KeyEvery question has its answer and a short explanation, at the end of each topic, so a student can work without peeking.

Other grades

• What should a kindergarten student know?
• What should a 1st grade student know?
• What should a 2nd grade student know?
• What should a 3rd grade student know?
• What should a 5th grade student know?

More

• See the whole curriculum
• Workbook store
• Frequently asked questions

Questions parents ask