Fourth grade math introduces serious challenges. Long division arrives. Fractions become more complex. Multi-digit multiplication demands attention. The curriculum you select this year can make the difference between confidence and frustration.
After guiding families through math choices for over eight years, I’ve seen which programs consistently succeed. Your best pick depends on your child’s learning style and your available teaching time.
Quick Answer: Math-U-See Delta excels for hands-on learners tackling division. Singapore Math 4 builds strong problem-solvers. Teaching Textbooks 5.0 delivers independence for busy families.
Fourth Grade Math Skills Overview
The U.S. Department of Education outlines these fourth grade math standards. By year’s end, your child should master:
- Multi-digit multiplication up to four digits
- Long division with one-digit divisors
- Fraction addition and subtraction with like denominators
- Equivalent fractions and comparing fractions
- Decimal understanding to hundredths
- Multi-step word problems
- Factors and multiples
- Angle measurement and classification
Strong programs cover all areas thoroughly. Weak programs rush through topics, leaving gaps that cause problems later.
Top Programs for Fourth Graders
1. Math-U-See Delta – Best for Division Mastery
Math-U-See Delta focuses on division all year. Steve Demme’s blocks make the concept of dividing groups visible and concrete. Kids who struggled with abstract division finally understand when they can see it happening.
My youngest son hit a wall with division. These blocks saved us. Within two months, he went from tears to confidence. He could explain division to his younger sister using the blocks.
Advantages:
- Blocks make division concrete
- DVD instruction handles teaching
- Mastery approach builds solid skills
- Systematic review prevents forgetting
Disadvantages:
- Limited daily variety
- Quick learners may want faster pace
- Higher initial cost
Cost: About $145 complete
Daily time: 25-35 minutes
2. Singapore Math Primary 4 – Best for Problem Solving
Singapore Math continues developing exceptional thinking skills. The bar model method now tackles more complex word problems. Mental math strategies strengthen computational fluency.
According to Cathy Duffy Reviews, Singapore Math produces students who understand math deeply rather than just following procedures.
Advantages:
- Outstanding word problem instruction
- Strong mental math development
- Prepares for advanced courses
- Affordable pricing
Disadvantages:
- Requires significant parent time
- Can challenge average students
- Less built-in review
Cost: About $70-90 for books
Daily time: 35-45 minutes with parent
3. Saxon Math 5/4 – Best for Steady Progress
Saxon Math 5/4 introduces concepts gradually through daily incremental lessons. Each lesson reviews previously taught material while adding small new concepts. The consistent structure helps children who resist change.
Advantages:
- Gentle pace prevents overwhelm
- Constant review maintains skills
- Scripted lessons simplify teaching
- Proven track record
Disadvantages:
- Lessons run 45-60 minutes
- Some find it repetitive
- Advanced learners may get bored
Cost: About $175 for home kit
Daily time: 45-60 minutes
4. Teaching Textbooks 5.0 – Best for Independence
Teaching Textbooks provides complete independence through animated computer lessons. Fourth graders who read well can work entirely on their own while the program teaches, grades, and tracks progress.
A homeschool dad told me: “I work from home and can’t teach math. Teaching Textbooks lets my daughter learn independently while I’m in meetings.”
Advantages:
- Complete independence possible
- Automatic grading saves time
- Engaging animated lessons
- Unlimited problem attempts
Disadvantages:
- Daily screen time required
- Limited hands-on work
- May not build deep understanding
Cost: About $67 yearly
Daily time: 35-45 minutes independent
5. Beast Academy Level 4 – Best for Advanced Students
Art of Problem Solving designed Beast Academy for mathematically gifted children. Comic-style instruction introduces challenging concepts while puzzles develop creative problem-solving.
Advantages:
- Genuinely challenging content
- Develops problem-solving creativity
- Engaging comic format
- Online component included
Disadvantages:
- Too difficult for average students
- Requires mathematical maturity
- Can cause frustration if mismatched
Cost: About $70 per level
Daily time: 30-45 minutes
6. Horizons Math 4 – Best for Visual Learners
Horizons Math 4 offers colorful workbooks with spiral review. Each lesson touches multiple skill areas, keeping learning fresh and reinforcing previous content daily.
Advantages:
- Bright, engaging pages
- Constant review maintains skills
- Comprehensive coverage
- Clear teacher guides
Disadvantages:
- Multiple topics per lesson
- Christian content throughout
- Some find jumping around frustrating
Cost: About $95 for set
Daily time: 30-40 minutes
Quick Comparison
| Program | Approach | Parent Time | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Math-U-See Delta | Mastery + blocks | Low-Medium | Hands-on kids | $145 |
| Singapore 4 | Mastery + models | Medium-High | Deep thinkers | $70-90 |
| Saxon 5/4 | Incremental spiral | Medium | Steady learners | $175 |
| Teaching Textbooks 5 | Computer spiral | Minimal | Independent kids | $67 |
| Beast Academy 4 | Challenging puzzles | Medium | Gifted students | $70 |
| Horizons 4 | Colorful spiral | Medium | Visual learners | $95 |
Choosing Your Best Match
Consider Learning Style
Hands-on learners thrive with Math-U-See’s blocks. They need to touch and manipulate to understand abstract concepts like division.
Visual learners do well with Horizons’ colorful pages or Singapore’s bar diagrams. Pictures help cement understanding.
Auditory learners benefit from Teaching Textbooks’ spoken instruction or Saxon’s scripted teaching.
Match Your Time
Be honest about daily availability. If you’re working while homeschooling, Teaching Textbooks may serve better than time-intensive options like Singapore.
Evaluate Current Skills
Does your child need extra support with challenging concepts? Choose programs with extensive review like Saxon or Horizons.
For more options, see our complete math curriculum guide.
Division: The Big Fourth Grade Hurdle
Long division challenges many fourth graders. Here’s how programs approach it:
- Math-U-See dedicates the Delta level entirely to division concepts
- Singapore teaches through understanding place value and estimation
- Saxon introduces steps gradually over many weeks
- Teaching Textbooks provides animated step-by-step demonstrations
If division seems like a potential struggle, Math-U-See’s focused approach prevents frustration.
Helpful Supplements
These tools enhance any curriculum:
- IXL Math – practice aligned to grade-level standards
- Khan Academy – free video lessons
- Prodigy – game-based adaptive practice
- Math Goodies – free worksheets and explanations
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should fourth grade math take daily?
Most fourth graders handle 35-45 minutes well. If lessons consistently exceed an hour, consider adjusting the pace or trying a different approach.
Should my child have all multiplication facts memorized?
Yes, by fourth grade, multiplication facts through 12 should be automatic. This fluency makes division and fraction work much easier.
Is it normal to struggle with long division?
Absolutely. Long division combines multiple skills and requires patience. Most children need significant practice before it feels comfortable. Don’t rush this process.
When should I consider a different curriculum?
If your child consistently struggles despite your best efforts, a different approach may help. However, first try adjusting how you use your current program before switching entirely.
How important is fraction work in fourth grade?
Very important. Fourth grade fraction concepts build the foundation for fifth grade work with different denominators. Strong understanding now prevents major struggles later.
Can my fourth grader work independently?
Many can, especially with Teaching Textbooks. However, check understanding regularly. Independent doesn’t mean unsupervised when it comes to ensuring actual learning.
Our Recommendation
For most families, Math-U-See Delta provides excellent instruction with manageable parent involvement. The focused division approach builds the skills fourth graders need most.
For students ready for challenge, Singapore Math 4 develops exceptional abilities. Plan for more teaching time with this choice.
For independence, Teaching Textbooks 5.0 delivers self-sufficiency while maintaining solid skills.
Whatever you choose, consistency wins. Daily work with any solid program outperforms occasional use of something “perfect.” Trust the process.
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