Mathematics

The Farmington mathematics program focuses on developing students’ skills in many areas of mathematics. By studying the underlying structure and relationship of numbers and operations students learn to compute, estimate, and solve mathematical problems in meaningful ways. Instruction emphasizes problem-solving strategies and reasoning as students arrive at and justify mathematical solutions. Students are also helped to make connections among mathematical concepts to strengthen and further their understanding. 

Fourth grade students continue to develop skills and concepts using manipulatives and clear visual models. Students expand their understanding of the base-ten system by building on previously taught concepts and moving from using concrete materials to pictorial representations to abstract notation. Students develop fluency using the four operations with multi-digit whole numbers. They extend their understanding of fractions, including decimal notation for fractions. Students solve problems involving measurement and conversion of measurement. They draw and identify lines and angles, and classify shapes by their properties. Students are encouraged to practice and apply concepts, solve challenging problems, and explain their thinking orally and in writing across all topics. Throughout the fourth grade experience, the emphasis is on deep understanding which is characterized by flexible thinking and problem solving.

For more information visit: Farmington Public Schools K6 Mathematics Website 

Number and Operations in Base Ten

Understanding Place Value

• • Recognize the value of each digit in a four-digit number (thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones).

  • Read, write, and compare multi-digit whole numbers.

Using Place Value to Perform Operations

• • Use place value understanding to round multi-digit whole numbers.

  • Perform multi-digit arithmetic using the standard algorithm for addition and subtraction.

Operations and Algebraic Thinking

Understanding Multiplication and Division

• • Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems.

  • Understand the properties of multiplication and the relationship between multiplication and division.

Generating and Analyzing Patterns

• • Identify and explain patterns in arithmetic (e.g., number sequences).

Fractions

Understanding Fractions

• • Recognize and generate equivalent fractions.

  • Compare fractions by reasoning about their size.

Operations with Fractions

• • Add and subtract fractions with the same denominator.

  • Multiply a fraction by a whole number.

Measurement and Data

Solving Measurement Problems

• • Solve problems involving measurement and conversion of measurements from larger units to smaller units.

  • Understand concepts of angle and measure angles.

Representing and Interpreting Data

• • Represent and interpret data using graphs and charts.

Geometry

Understanding Shapes and Their Attributes

• • Draw and identify lines and angles.

  • Classify shapes based on properties like parallel sides, angle measures, and symmetry.

These standards aim to build a solid foundation in math by focusing on key concepts and skills that are critical for future learning.

Here's a list of additional ways parents can support their child in math:

• Practice multiplication and division skills: Continue to review multiplication and division facts and build on speed and accuracy. Knowing these will help your child as they progress to multi-digit computation. 

• Use manipulatives: Use physical objects to help your child begin to visualize and understand basic division. 

• Play math games: Playing games is a great way to extend mathematical thinking, logic, and strategy. Try games such as Battleship,  Mastermind, or Sudoku. 

• Daily math talk: Discuss and interpret graphs or charts that you may find online, in newspapers, or on TV. 

• Math stories: Read books that involve math concepts, such as counting books or stories that incorporate patterns and shapes.

• Connect with geometry: Have your child explore angles, lines and symmetry with art projects that emphasize geometry.   Point out artwork that has parallel lines or interesting geometric shapes and patterns.

• Encourage problem-solving: Present your child with simple math problems and encourage them to find solutions using their own methods and strategies.

• Create a math space: Designate a specific area at home for math activities, equipped with math-related books, puzzles, and games.

• Math vocabulary: Introduce and use math vocabulary words (e.g., add, subtract, equal, greater than, less than) in everyday conversations and activities.

• Connect math to their interests: Find ways to incorporate your child's interests into math activities, such as using sports statistics for math problems or measuring toys in creative play.

For families looking to provide additional support at home, the following resources are available:

• FPS K-6 Mathematics Website - provides links for online and app resources

• IXL - an online program that provides individualized practice for students; this can be accessed via the ClassLinks Bookmark on your student’s Chromebook

For families looking to provide additional challenges at home, the following resources are available:

• IXL - an online program that provides individualized practice for students; because this program is adaptive, students may be challenged to work on skills beyond what is covered in class

• Self-directed work - encourage your student to explore a topic/interest of choice (learn about the stock market, explore a topic via Khan Academy, etc.) or to create a resource to share with or teach their peers (via Flipgrid, WeVideo, etc.) 

From the FPS K6 Mathematics Website: 

1. Talk positively about math.  Please avoid saying,"I'm just not good at math." 

2. Talk about math whenever you can.  For example, you and your child are shopping.  Have them round the items you are purchasing to the nearest dollar.  Have them add these rounded numbers to get a total.

3. Talk to them about how you use math at home and work.  For example: paying bills, keeping a checkbook, buying presents, cooking with recipes, playing musical instruments, measuring during projects, etc.

4. Encourage them when they are challenged by math.  Little successes lead to increased confidence.  Increased confidence leads to more risk-taking in math.  More risk-taking leads to accepting more challenging problems, which leads to greater confidence and greater understanding.

5. When your child is having difficulty with homework, have him/her read the problem out loud to you. Ask him/her to identify exactly what the question is asking.  Help start the problem. Tell them to show something so the teacher knows there has been an effort. Have your child prepare a specific question to ask the teacher.

6. Play games in the car.  You can do something simple like practice multiplication facts.  Or, you could learn a game like "buzz" that connects to multiplication tables.

7. Help your child develop a growth mindset.  Praise effort and risk-taking, not just results.  If your child is struggling with a problem, suggest that he/she tries a different strategy.  Effort does not always mean trying harder but trying something different.