---
title: The changes in teaching between third and fourth grade
description: What’s the difference in teaching between third and fourth grade? Find out what kids learn in grade 3 vs grade 4.
slug: the-changes-in-teaching-between-third-and-fourth-grade
author: Erica Patino
reviewer: Ginny Osewalt
published: '2019-10-16T11:51:49.224Z'
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/the-changes-in-teaching-between-third-and-fourth-grade
lang: en
---

# The changes in teaching between third and fourth grade

It may seem like starting fourth grade is just like starting any other school year. But there’s a big difference between what third graders and fourth graders do in class. Here are some of the changes. 

## Reading

**Third grade:** Kids focus on learning to [read fluently](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/why-isnt-my-child-reading-fast-enough). That includes building a strong vocabulary and figuring out what words mean based on context. Kids may still be reading story books.

**Fourth grade:** Kids read lots of different formats. That might be encyclopedias, news stories, and chapter books. They also have to form ideas about what they read.

**What’s changing:** Fourth graders have to understand what they read and draw conclusions about it. They might even have to write essays about what they read.

## Math

**Third grade:** Math class focuses on multiplication and division.

**Fourth grade:** Kids move on to math concepts like fractions, decimals, and basic geometry, like measuring lines and angles.

**What’s changing:** Fourth graders start to use arithmetic (like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) to do more complex math.

## Science

**Third grade:** Kids often do hands-on science projects that require experimenting, measuring, and observing (like growing plants).

**Fourth grade:** Kids might start classifying organisms, like plants and flowers. They learn about more abstract concepts, like electricity and motion.

**What’s changing:** Fourth graders start to do more abstract science. They have to use organization skills to work on concepts like classification.

## Social studies

**Third grade:** Third graders often spend a lot of time learning the geography and history of their home state.

**Fourth grade:** Kids start learning more about the United States and the world. This includes reading maps and learning national history.

**What’s changing:** Fourth graders start to learn more about the world as social studies takes on a broader focus.

Get tips on [how to get your child ready for fourth grade](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/preparing-your-child-for-fourth-grade).

---

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