Overview by grade

Guide to homeschooling fourth grade

Fourth grade shifts to more independent reading and literature, continues Writing with Ease and Story of the World, and moves art into technical drawing with graded graphite pencils. Math continues with Beast Academy.

Writing

You may transition to regular lined paper for your child's writing practice this year. Children often enjoy picking out their own decorative notebook, which they can use as a daily journal.

Allow 30 minutes to an hour of time for writing practice each day. Continue to complete the lessons in the Writing with Ease book. If your child wishes, you may substitute creative writing for some of the Writing with Ease assignments, as long as you ensure that he or she has mastered the skills introduced in the workbook.

Continue to check your child's work and have him or her correct any spelling mistakes. This method, along with plenty of independent reading time, teaches spelling as effectively as rote memorization and is more enjoyable.

Reading & Literature

Your child will probably be capable of reading most of the literature selections independently. You may still choose to read some or all of them aloud, especially if you are combining readings for multiple children.

Set aside at least one hour per day for independent reading at this grade. Independent reading may include curriculum literature, but should not be limited to it. Continue frequent trips to the library and allow your child to choose a variety of fiction and nonfiction books for independent reading time.

History

We also recommend reading the weekly chapters of Story of the World together. Use the test booklet to ensure your child is absorbing the material.

Math

Your child should continue to do at least one workbook page per day of math, four or five days per week. You may be using Beast Academy level three or four this year, depending on the amount completed in previous grades.

Art

With the survey of art history completed, art class becomes more technical this year. Graded graphite drawing pencils are used to introduce a range of composition and shading techniques. Make sure you provide a quality sketch pad (the Strathmore 400 series is affordable and has plenty of pages) and a graded graphite pencil set.

Sample Daily Schedule

  • Math (30 minutes)
  • Writing practice (30 minutes - 1 hour)
  • Independent reading (1 hour)
  • History (30 minutes - 1 hour)
  • Literature reading (30 minutes - 1 hour, if not completed during independent reading)

Three days per week

  • Spanish, 30 minutes

Twice per week

  • Science lesson and lab activity

One day per week

  • Art project (2 - 3 hours)

Optional

  • Piano or other instrument lesson (once per week plus practice time)

Frequently Asked Questions

How is spelling taught in fourth grade?

Rather than rote memorization, we recommend checking your child's work and having them correct their own spelling mistakes, combined with plenty of independent reading — an approach that's just as effective and more enjoyable.

What art supplies are needed for fourth grade?

Graded graphite drawing pencils and a quality sketch pad, such as the Strathmore 400 series, as art becomes more technical this year with a focus on composition and shading.

How much independent reading should a fourth grader do?

At least one hour per day, which can include curriculum literature but shouldn't be limited to it — regular library visits for a variety of fiction and nonfiction are recommended.