Grade 4 represents a transition to deeper, more analytical learning in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Students move beyond basic skills to apply knowledge, think critically, and connect learning across subjects. Parents should expect a curriculum that balances core academics with opportunities for inquiry, collaboration, and independent thinking.
“This is the year when students begin synthesizing information and expressing their understanding in more complex ways,” says Dr. Jessica Rivera, a Chicago education consultant. “Parents can support this growth by engaging with their child’s learning, encouraging discussion, and connecting schoolwork to real life.”
CPS aligns Grade 4 standards with statewide requirements while allowing teachers the flexibility to tailor instruction to the needs of their students. Across subjects, students explore content with increasing depth and develop skills that prepare them for middle school and beyond.
Grade 4 Curriculum in CPS: Overview
| Subject Area | Key Topics | Skills Developed | Learning Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language Arts (ELA) | Reading comprehension, vocabulary, narrative & informational writing | Critical reading, text analysis, structured writing | Discussion, writing workshops, guided reading |
| Mathematics | Multi‑digit operations, fractions, decimals, measurement | Problem solving, reasoning, mathematical fluency | Hands‑on practice, real‑world problems, manipulatives |
| Science | Energy, ecosystems, Earth systems, adaptations | Inquiry, experimentation, data analysis | Labs, projects, observations |
| Social Studies | U.S. regions, state history, government basics, economics | Research, civic understanding, historical thinking | Projects, discussions, source evaluation |
| Social‑Emotional Learning (SEL) | Self‑management, responsible decision‑making, collaboration | Emotional regulation, teamwork, empathy | Group activities, reflection, classroom routines |
| Art & Music | Techniques in visual art, music theory, performance | Creative expression, artistic skills | Studio projects, ensemble practice |
| Physical Education (PE) | Fitness, coordination, teamwork | Motor skills, health awareness | Structured games, fitness routines |
Preparing for More Complex Literacy: English Language Arts
In Grade 4, reading and writing become more analytical and purposeful. Students encounter longer texts, both fiction and nonfiction, and are expected to interpret, evaluate, and explain what they read.
Reading Focus:
- Understanding main ideas and supporting details
- Making inferences and drawing conclusions
- Comparing themes, characters, and perspectives
- Interpreting vocabulary in context
Teachers use guided reading groups, literature circles, and class discussions to develop comprehension and critical thinking.
Writing Focus:
- Structured narrative writing with clear beginnings, middles, and ends
- Informative/explanatory writing using evidence from texts
- Opinion writing with logical reasoning and supporting details
- Editing and revising for clarity and coherence
Dr. Emily Sanders, Professor of Urban Education, explains: “Fourth graders are expected to support ideas with evidence from texts. Writing shifts toward organization and clarity, strengthening communication skills across all academic areas.”
Parents can help by reading together, asking thoughtful questions about stories, and encouraging children to write regularly about topics of interest or school assignments.
Deepening Math Understanding
Fourth-grade math in CPS builds on earlier foundations with more complex number relationships and problem solving.
Key mathematics topics include:
- Multi‑digit addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
- Fraction equivalence, comparison, and operations
- Decimals and place value
- Measurement concepts (area, perimeter, volume)
- Problem‑solving with real‑life applications
Students use manipulatives, visual models, and real‑world scenarios to understand abstract concepts. Math discussions, collaborative problem solving, and reflection help students articulate strategies and reasoning.
“Fractions and decimals are critical in Grade 4,” says Michael Thompson, senior researcher at the Urban Education Lab. “Students need multiple representations and real context to build fluency and confidence.”
Parents can support math learning by incorporating measurement in cooking, budgeting, or games that involve strategic thinking.
Science With Inquiry and Exploration
Science in Grade 4 emphasizes investigation, explanation, and evidence.
Focus areas include:
- Energy forms and transfer
- Ecosystems and interdependence
- Earth systems including water cycles and resources
- Adaptations and survival strategies
Students engage in hands‑on labs, collect and analyze data, and use observations to support conclusions. Inquiry projects encourage students to pose questions, experiment, and communicate findings.
“By fourth grade, students are expected to think like young scientists,” notes Dr. Rivera. “They design investigations, interpret results, and draw connections to real world phenomena.”
At home, parents can support science learning through nature exploration, simple experiments, and discussions about observations.
Social Studies: Community, History, and Civic Understanding
Grade 4 social studies helps students understand communities, history, and civic systems.
Core topics include:
- Exploration of U.S. regions and local state history
- Government structures and citizen roles
- Economic concepts such as production and resources
- Cultural diversity and community connections
Students engage in projects, research, and source evaluations to build understanding of how people and places connect. Discussion and reflection help students consider multiple perspectives and develop civic awareness.
Parents can encourage exploration of community history through local museums, public libraries, and conversations about civic responsibilities.
Social‑Emotional Learning (SEL) and Whole Child Development
SEL remains a key part of Grade 4, supporting students’ interpersonal skills and self‑management.
Students practice:
- Cooperation and collaboration
- Conflict resolution and empathy
- Responsible decision‑making
- Self‑awareness and goal setting
SEL is integrated across activities, helping students navigate peer relationships and classroom expectations. Teachers create safe spaces for discussion and reflection, supporting emotional growth alongside academics.
Dr. Emily Sanders adds: “Encouraging students to explain their thinking, whether in reading, writing, or math, strengthens reasoning and builds strong academic habits.”
Arts, Music, and Physical Education
Arts and music offer creative outlets that enhance expression and cultural understanding.
In art, students explore techniques, media, and design principles. In music, they learn rhythm, harmony, notation, and performance. Both subjects nurture creative thinking and self‑expression.
Physical Education (PE) emphasizes fitness, coordination, teamwork, and health awareness through structured games and activities that build motor skills and positive habits.
Parents can support these areas by encouraging creative play, music practice, and active lifestyles outside of school.
Principal Linda Chen of Rogers Elementary notes: “Parents who engage with their children’s learning create a partnership that enriches understanding and builds confidence.”
How Parents Can Support Grade 4 Learning?
Parents play a critical role in reinforcing school learning. Here are practical ways to be involved:
1. Set a Routine for Reading and Discussion
Regular reading time and thoughtful questions build comprehension and vocabulary.
2. Connect Math to Daily Life
Use cooking, shopping, or travel planning to explore measurement, fractions, and problem‑solving.
3. Explore Science Together
Conduct simple experiments, observe weather patterns, or explore local parks to make science real.
4. Discuss Current Events and History
Talk about community issues, local history, and government functions in age‑appropriate ways.
5. Encourage Writing for Purpose
Journals, letters, or creative stories help students practice organization and expression.
6. Attend School Events and Conferences
Staying engaged with teachers provides insight into progress and areas for support.
Dr. Jessica Rivera explains: “Grade 4 is when students begin to connect dots across subjects and express deeper understanding. Parents who know what to expect can make learning meaningful beyond the classroom.”
Impact & Implications
Understanding the Grade 4 curriculum helps families support learning and anticipate developmental expectations:
- For Students: Builds critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills.
- For Families: Provides guidance to reinforce learning at home.
- For Schools: Encourages collaboration with families to promote student success.
Grade 4 lays essential groundwork for middle school readiness, encouraging independence, responsibility, and academic resilience.
Michael Thompson emphasizes: “Real‑world connections and inquiry deepen learning. When students see relevance, they engage more deeply and retain knowledge longer.”
FAQs
What reading skills are emphasized in Grade 4?
Students focus on comprehension, inference, comparing texts, and structured writing.
How does Grade 4 math differ from earlier grades?
It includes multi‑digit operations, fractions, decimals, and measurement with deeper problem solving.
How can parents help with science at home?
Explore nature, conduct simple experiments, and discuss observations and results.
Do Grade 4 students learn history and government?
Yes, students study U.S. regions, state history, government basics, and economic concepts.
Why is SEL part of the curriculum?
SEL supports emotional regulation, responsible decision making, and collaboration skills essential for academic and social success.
