NYS Standards Aligned

Fourth Grade Homeschool Curriculum

A comprehensive, standards-aligned educational journey designed to support the pivotal "fourth-grade shift" from learning to read to reading to learn

36
Weeks
180
Days
4
Core Subjects
20+
Research Projects

Our Educational Philosophy

This curriculum is designed to support the crucial "fourth-grade shift" - the transition from learning to read to reading to learn. We combine best-in-class resources across different subjects rather than relying on a single boxed curriculum, ensuring your child receives excellent instruction in every area.

  • Tailored & Adaptable: Customized to your child's unique learning profile as it becomes more distinct in 4th grade
  • Standards-Aligned: Meets all NYS Next Generation Learning Standards while fostering critical thinking
  • Content-Rich: Emphasis on knowledge building across disciplines for deeper understanding
  • Integration: Connects history, science, math and literature for a cohesive learning experience

Core Components

Social Studies Foundation

NYS Social Studies Framework with Core Knowledge History and Geography - Focus on New York State history from Native Americans to modern times

Reading & Writing

All About Reading Level 4 and Essentials in Writing Level 4 - Advanced phonics, multi-syllable words, literary devices, and structured writing

Mathematics

Math with Confidence Grade 4 with Zearn Math - Multi-digit operations, fractions, decimals, and geometry with conceptual understanding

Science

Core Knowledge Science (CKSci) - Units on energy, waves, living things, earth processes, and natural resources

Year at a Glance

Quarter 1: Foundations of New York

Weeks 1-9 • September - November

An exploration of New York State geography and its earliest inhabitants. Students become geographers and historians as they study landforms, map skills, and the rich cultures of the Haudenosaunee and Algonquian peoples.

Themes: Geography, Native Americans, Environment, Adaptation
Skills: Multi-digit Addition/Subtraction, Basic Multiplication, Informative Writing
View Quarter 1 Details

Quarter 2: A New Province, A New Nation

Weeks 10-18 • November - January

Explore New York's colonial history and pivotal role in the American Revolution. From European encounters to decisive battles, students learn how New York helped shape a new nation.

Themes: Colonial Life, French & Indian War, American Revolution
Skills: Multi-digit Multiplication, Long Division, Primary Source Analysis
View Quarter 2 Details

Quarter 3: Building the Empire State

Weeks 19-28 • January - April

Examine the growth and social reforms that shaped New York after the Revolution. From the new state government to the Erie Canal and women's suffrage, students explore how New York became the "Empire State."

Themes: Government, Erie Canal, Abolition, Women's Rights
Skills: Fractions, Geometry, Persuasive Writing, Biographies
View Quarter 3 Details

Quarter 4: The Modern State

Weeks 29-36 • April - June

Journey into New York's transformation into a modern, diverse state. Students investigate immigration, industrialization, and conservation efforts while connecting historical developments to current issues.

Themes: Immigration, Tenement Life, Industry, Conservation
Skills: Decimals, Research Projects, Energy Resources, Citizenship
View Quarter 4 Details

Subject Progression Throughout the Year

English Language Arts

Q1: Main idea & supporting details, informative writing, text features
Q2: Point of view, analyzing primary sources, theme determination
Q3: Biographies, cause & effect, persuasive writing techniques
Q4: Research projects, synthesizing information, multi-paragraph essays

Mathematics

Q1: Place value to 1,000,000, multi-digit addition/subtraction, multiplication as comparison
Q2: Two-digit multiplication, long division with remainders, multi-step word problems
Q3: Fractions with like denominators, multiplying fractions, lines and angles
Q4: Decimals (tenths & hundredths), geometry, measurement conversion

Science

Q1: Processes that shape Earth, weathering & erosion, rock formations & fossils
Q2: Energy transfer & transformation, potential & kinetic energy, energy conversion
Q3: Structures & functions of living things, plant & animal adaptations, sensing information
Q4: Using natural resources for energy, renewable & nonrenewable resources, environmental impact

Social Studies

Q1: NY geography, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, Algonquian peoples
Q2: European encounters, colonial life, New York in the American Revolution
Q3: NYS government, Underground Railroad, Erie Canal, women's suffrage movement
Q4: Immigration, tenement life, industrial growth, conservation & citizenship

Implementation Guide

Sample Daily Schedule

Morning Meeting 15 min
Mathematics 45-60 min
Reading/Literature 45 min
Break & Movement 20 min
Writing/Grammar 30-45 min
Science/Social Studies 45 min
Art/Music/PE 30 min
Total Instructional Time 4-4.5 hours

Assessment Methods

  • Daily Assessment: Quick check-ins during lessons
  • Weekly Reviews: End-of-week skills practice
  • Portfolio Collection: Curated work samples from each unit
  • Quarterly Reports: Detailed narrative assessments
  • Year-End Assessment: Standardized test or narrative evaluation

NYS Requirements

  • IHIP Submission: Due by July 1st or within 14 days
  • Instructional Hours: 180 days documented
  • Quarterly Reports: Required every 10 weeks
  • Year-End Assessment: Required for grades 4, 6, 8
  • Core Subjects: ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Health, PE

Access Our Curriculum Resources

Complete Curriculum

Full year lesson plans with all standards

Access Full Curriculum

Planning Templates

Weekly planners and tracking sheets

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Complete Book List

Literature, history, and science readings by quarter

Access Book List

Supply Checklist

Supplies needed for the homeschool year

Access Checklist

Ready to Support the Fourth-Grade Shift?

Start with Quarter 1 and guide your child through this pivotal year of academic growth. Our carefully sequenced curriculum builds independence, critical thinking, and a deeper love of learning.