Fourth-grade math: Why it’s hard for kids
By Amanda Morin
Expert reviewed by Brendan R. Hodnett, MAT
Quick tips to help with fourth-grade math
- Quick tip 1Practice with food, like pizza.
Practice with food, like pizza.Talk about math with real-life examples. For instance, practice fractions with foods like pizza or apples. Ask, “How many slices are there in total? What would two slices of that whole look like as a fraction?”
Kids who struggle with math in fourth grade are not alone. What’s so different about fourth-grade math?
In third grade, kids learn about multiplying and dividing numbers within 100, like multiplying single-digit numbers (6 × 9). Kids also start solving word problems and doing mental math.
In fourth grade, the concepts are more complicated. Students spend a lot of time exploring math concepts like:
Multi-digit multiplication, like 26 × 10
Two- and three-digit division, like 144 ÷ 12
Working with and comparing fractions
The pace of learning also speeds up in fourth grade. Kids learn about new math concepts quickly, so they might not see right away how they’re connected. As a result, they may feel discouraged.
Fourth graders also learn why math works, not just how to get the right answer. They learn to use different models and visuals to solve problems and show their process. This is challenging, but showing work helps kids understand why math works the way it does.
