Manitoba
MY CHILD IN SCHOOL
MY CHILD IN SCHOOL – Informed Parent, Involved Parent

GRADE 4: MATHEMATICS

What your child is learning

You can find four areas, or “strands,” in Grade 4 math:

In the Number strands, children

  • add and subtract to 10 000, including numbers with decimals up to hundredths;
  • use mental mathematics to understand multiplication and division facts up to 9 X 9;
  • recall multiplication and related division facts up to 5 x 5;
  • multiply 2- or 3-digit numbers by 1- digit numbers, including multiplying by zero and by 1;
  • divide up to 2-digit numbers by 1- digit numbers, including dividing by 1;
  • name, record and order fractions and decimals (to hundredths) less than or equal to one.

In the Patterns and Relationships strand, children explain patterns in tables and charts.

For the Shape and Space strand, children

  • read and record time and calendar dates;
  • find areas of 2-D shapes;
  • solve problems involving 2-D shapes and 3-D objects.

In the Statistic and probability strand, children make and understand pictographs and bar graphs.

In order to achieve lifelong learning in mathematics, children:

  • communicate what they are thinking and learning;
  • connect math to everyday situations and other subjects;
  • estimate and use mental math strategies;
  • learn through problem solving;
  • reason and explain their thinking;
  • use technology to enhance their learning;
  • use visual images (think in pictures) to describe their thinking.

To find out more about what your child is learning, we encourage you to talk to the teacher. You may also find helpful information on the Curriculum Essentials posters, which are interactive PDFs designed for teachers that provide an overview of the knowledge, processes, and skills for this subject area.

Grade 4 Mathematics Curriculum Essentials posters
Grade 4 Mathematics Curriculum Essentials posters (adobe pdf 447 KB)

The first page gives an overview of what your child will be learning, grouped into learning targets (concepts) so that the curriculum is easier to understand. The number codes correspond to the curriculum learning outcomes. The arrow at the top of the page highlights the mathematical processes, which are described in more detail on the third page. These are the ways through which mathematical concepts are taught. The second page offers a more detailed description of the expectations related to each concept and the categories found on the provincial report cards regarding assessment.

You may also wish to refer to the Grades K-8 Mathematics - Manitoba Curriculum Framework of Outcomes.

How your child is assessed

Your child’s teacher will assess students on the four math strands.  Your child’s progress will be measured in three categories, shown on your child’s report card:

  • knowledge and understanding
  • mental math and estimation
  • problem solving

The teacher will report on your child’s progress three times a year. The information from each report helps you to support your child’s learning. You can use it to talk with your child and your child’s teacher about results, strengths, challenges and what your child will be doing next.

Resources

Helping Your Child Learn Math: A Parent’s Guide
This guide offers suggestions of hands-on activities that promote problem solving, communication, and links to daily life to help develop your child's math skills and understanding.

Early Years Mathematics Activities and Games
These games and activities, presented in MS Word and Adobe PDF files, can be used at home.

Numeracy At Home Newsletters
Each newsletter offers a variety of interesting and challenging activities to support student thinking and learning of mathematics.

Glossary

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that are often asked about mathematics:

If you have a question that isn't answered here, you can ask your child's teacher or use the comment form on the left of the page.

What has changed in the new curriculum?

How can I stay informed about the revised mathematics program?

Will my child learn basic addition, subtraction and multiplication?

What do you mean by mental math and estimation?

What are mental math strategies?

How can I help my child with mental math and estimation?

What is meant by personal strategies?

What is meant by problem solving?