48 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Fourth Grade

By the end of third grade, children are exposed to different types of writings. Getting ready for fourth grade involves using language and writing in different subjects, meaning they will not only know how to write stories in reading, but will know how to use these skills in math, social studies, and science. Children will start taking their basic math skills to the next level. They have learned an important step in math: multiplication. Children who are ready for fourth grade will know and understand how to use multiplication.

Here is an example checklist of what a child needs to know before starting fourth grade (the checklist can vary based on your state’s academic standards).

Reading and Reading Comprehension Skills

1. Understand different genres of fiction 
2. Determine the main idea and details in a story
3. Use other forms of print (newspapers, magazines, websites)
4. Compare and contrast information in multiple texts and learn how to use organizational methods (Venn diagrams, maps, webs)
5. Recall and retell events from a story in order
6. Tell how the author uses details to support their story or text
7. Discuss a story or topic with their classmates (ask and respond to questions)
8. Read grade-level assigned books

Writing Skills

9. Use linking words (because, since, therefore, for example)
10. Know how to write a story with a beginning, middle, and end.  
11. Know how to revise, edit, and proofread their work
12. Know how to write expository, descriptive, persuasive, and narrative essays
13. Use prefixes, suffixes, homophones, and root words
14. Write in cursive (depending on your district)
15. Use reference books (dictionary, thesaurus)
16. Know proper punctuation
17. Understand the parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives)

Mathematic Skills

18. Work with larger whole numbers
19. Solve two-three step word problems 
20. Know times tables up to twelve and how to multiply numbers by ten
21. Know how to solve and explain addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems
22. Read and write up to six-digit numbers
23. Understand and identify fractions
24. Know how to compare two fractions (ex: 1/2 is bigger than 1/4)
25. Understand and know the value of money
26. Solve problems using money
27. Understand weight and volume
28. Begin to master multiplication
29. Read charts and graphs (bar graphs, pie graphs)

Social Studies Skills 

30. Basic understanding of a map
31. Know major rivers and why they are important 
32. Know the importance of Ancient Rome
33. Research and explore the thirteen colonies
34. Master Native American culture
35. Know how methods of travel changed throughout time 

Science Skills

36. Know about the stars
37. Know about natural system relationships (sun, Earth, moon)
38. Recognize and know that the same materials can exist in different areas (solid, gas, liquid)
39. Observe behaviors of sound and light
40. Make smart predictions about an experiment 
41. Master classifying animals (vertebrates vs. invertebrates, warm-blooded vs. cold-blooded) 

Social Skills and Abilities 

42. Work independently 
43. Interact with peers and explore concepts
44. Work cooperatively in a group
45. Follow directions and participate in group activities
46. Share and communicate appropriately with other students
47. Respect their peers
48. Sit for a longer period of time than in third grade (90 minutes)

Genie Academy provides a range of after-school educational programs, including mathematics, reading, writing, and coding. These programs are accessible in several locations across New Jersey, including Plainsboro, and are specifically developed for students from Pre-Kindergarten to 8th grade.

Read the Rest of the Series!

Have multiple children in multiple grades? Read the rest of the series!

• 21 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Kindergarten
• 45 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering First Grade
  
• 45 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Second Grade
• 43 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Third Grade
• 48 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Fourth Grade
• 49 Things Your Child Should Know Before Entering Fifth Grade

Sources: 

• "Grade-by-Grade Learning: Third Grade." PBS. Public Broadcasting Service, 20 Sept. 2012. Web. 30 Aug. 2017.
• GreatSchools Staff | February 24, 2016 Print Article. "Third Grade: What Your
• Child Should Know." Parenting. Great!Schools, 24 Feb. 2016. Web. 30 Aug. 2017.
• Morin, Amanda. "Academic Skills Your Child Needs for Fourth Grade." Understood.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Aug. 2017.
• Taylor, Melissa. "What Your Third Grader Should Know." Sylvan Learning Blog. 21, Nov. 2014. Web. 30 Aug. 2017.
• Tornio, Stacy. "25 Things Every 3rd Grader Needs to Know." WeAreTeachers. 19, Oct. 2016. Web. 30 Aug. 2017.