Fourth grade is a year of mastery. Grandchildren apply their mathematical skills in new areas such as geometry, and use their estimation skills to help solve more complex computational and word problems. Most important, fourth-graders learn to explain their solutions and the methods they use to reach them. You can help grandchildren who are doing homework with you by asking them how they arrive at each of their answers. This type of challenge will create a stronger mathematical thinker. Key fourth-grade computational skills include multiplication of numbers up to 4 digits by 2 digits (
1,345 x 22). Students should master the multiplication tables for 0 through 10 by the end of the year. They also begin doing simple division. In other areas, fourth-graders spend more time collecting data and organizing it on simple bar graphs and circle graphs. A graph might show the results of a poll of classmates' favorite lunches or TV shows. Fourth-graders examine basic geometric concepts, including lines, angles, and symmetry; continue their study of fractions; and explore probability, perhaps using "number cubes" (otherwise known as dice).
It's All About the Journey. When you look at your grandchildren's fourth-grade math homework, you may be surprised to find them answering written questions about how they solved a problem, instead of simply completing their calculations and moving on. Teachers ask students to show their work, and explain the methods they followed, because today's standardized tests often ask the same questions.
• Math-loving fourth-graders may enjoy Cindy Neuschwander and Wayne Geehan's series of enchanted tales of Angleland, starting with
Sir Cumference and the First Round Table (Charlesbridge, 1997).
• The tunes are more than 30 years old now, but the multiplication songs created for ABC's popular Schoolhouse Rock series of the 1970s remain a great way for kids to learn "the times tables." All of the "Multiplication Rock" segments are now available on the DVD compilation of the complete Schoolhouse Rock series.
Let’s Shop. Give your grandchildren some advertising circulars from the supermarket, tell them that they have an imaginary $50 to spend, and have them cut out the items they would purchase, with prices. Ask them to tell you how much they think all their chosen items will cost, using only estimation. Then use a calculator or paper and pencil to verify the actual total and see if they went over budget.
Plan a Party. Here's a challenge: Tell your grandchildren that you are planning a party for four people in your family. List the names of the people to be included. Then ask the kids to draw pictures of all the different ways the guests could be seated around a table. (There will be 24 combinations.)
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