Fourth Grade

    Welcome to Fourth Grade 

    Welcome to fourth grade! This year, our fourth-grade classrooms are utilizing updated, high-quality curricula in literacy and mathematics designed to promote deep conceptual thinking, advanced reading comprehension, and collaborative problem-solving.

    Grade 4 Literacy: Amplify CKLA (Version 3)

    Our fourth-grade language arts program builds on the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) framework with updated Version 3 enhancements, rooted firmly in Science of Reading principles and rich content knowledge.

    • Thematic Knowledge Units: Students dive into rich topics including personal narratives, medieval civilizations, Islamic empires, geology, poetry, and famous inventors.

    • Complex Text Analysis: Fourth graders work directly with authentic literature, historical documents, and informational texts to build strong vocabulary and advanced comprehension skills.

    • Structured & Purposeful Writing: Writing instruction focuses on composing detailed personal narratives, informative essays, and evidence-based opinion pieces using accurate grammar and sentence structure.

    • Morphology & Vocabulary Expansion: Students explicitly study Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes to unlock the meanings of complex academic vocabulary.

    Grade 4 Mathematics: Amplify Desmos Math

    This year, MCPS is implementing Amplify Desmos Math in place of Eureka Math. This interactive, problem-based program helps students explore mathematical concepts deeply before applying standard algorithms.

    • Interactive & Visual Learning: Students use visual representations, digital tools, and physical manipulatives to model complex math concepts and explain their reasoning.

    • Key Fourth Grade Topics: Major learning goals include multi-digit multiplication and division, fraction equivalence, operations with fractions and decimals, place value concepts, and two-dimensional geometry.

    • Collaborative Problem-Solving: Lessons begin with engaging real-world scenarios where students collaborate, share strategies, and learn multiple approaches to solving problems.

    • Responsive Practice: Built-in digital practice tools offer immediate feedback and adjust to meet students where they are, offering targeted support or extensions.

    How to Support Learning at Home

    • Read Across Genres: Encourage 20–30 minutes of daily reading, including non-fiction books, news articles, and chapter books. Ask your child to summarize what they read and share new vocabulary words. Here are some ideas to get you started.

    • Discuss Math Reasoning: Ask your child to show you how they arrived at a solution or to explain the visual model they used during math class.

    • Review Unit Letters: Look for upcoming unit overview letters sent home digitally or in folders to stay connected with current themes and math concepts.