4th Grade Math Lesson Plan with Template

For some teachers, lesson planning is a lot of fun But for others, it’s a task they put at the bottom of their list. 

 If you’re a bit more like the latter, don’t worry! 

We’ve created a free 4th grade math lesson plan example to get you started on the right foot.

Your school may expect you to make 4th grade math common core lesson plans. Or you may adhere to a different set of standards. Whatever you use, it’s important to make sure that what you’re teaching is appropriate.

Here is a list of commonly covered skills and concepts for 4th grade math students.

Operations and Algebraic Thinking

• Use the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) with whole numbers to solve problems.
• Generate and analyze patterns using all four operations.

Number and Operations in Base Ten

• Generalize place value understanding for multi-digit whole numbers.
• Use place value understanding and properties of operations to perform multi-digit arithmetic, including:
• Multiplying multi-digit whole numbers.
• Dividing multi-digit whole numbers and interpreting quotients and remainders.

Number and Operations—Fractions

• Extend understanding of fraction equivalence and ordering.
• Build fractions from unit fractions by applying and extending previous understandings of operations on whole numbers.
• Add and subtract fractions with like denominators.
• Multiply a fraction by a whole number.
• Understand decimal notation for fractions and compare decimal fractions.

Measurement and Data

• Solve problems involving measurement and conversion of measurements from a larger unit to a smaller unit.
• Understand and apply concepts of angles and measure angles in whole-number degrees using a protractor.
• Represent and interpret data in tables and graphs.
• Solve word problems involving distances, intervals of time, liquid volumes, masses of objects and money using the four operations.

Geometry

• Draw and identify points, lines, line segments, rays, angles (right, acute, obtuse) and perpendicular and parallel lines.
• Classify shapes based on the properties of their lines and angles.
• Recognize and draw lines of symmetry in two-dimensional figures.

Working from a sample lesson plan can take the guesswork out of the process. 

You can rest assured that you will have every minute of lesson time planned and accounted for. And your students will be engaged from start to finish.

If you teach different grades or are just looking for a different grade level, check out our other lessons plans. 

• 1st Grade Math Lesson Plan
• 2nd Grade Math Lesson Plan
• 3rd Grade Math Lesson Plan
• 5th Grade Math Lesson Plan
• 6th Grade Math Lesson Plan
• 7th Grade Math Lesson Plan
• 8th Grade Math Lesson Plan

We also have a generic math lesson plan available here. This is great for teachers that teach multiple grades or for parents that homeschool.

This 4th grade math lesson plan example focuses on measuring and calculating perimeter, area, and volume. 

Feel free to change any part of the lesson plan that won’t work well in your classroom. This is simply a starting point to get your creative juices flowing. 

Okay now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get into the lesson plan!

Learning Objectives or Goals:

1. Understand the concepts of perimeter, area and volume.
2. Accurately measure and calculate the perimeter of various polygons.
3. Calculate the area of squares, rectangles and triangles.
4. Understand and compute the volume of rectangular prisms.
5. Apply these concepts in solving real-life problems.

Teaching Strategies to be Used:

• Direct Instruction: Introduce key concepts and formulas with clear explanations and examples.
• Hands-On Activities: Use physical manipulatives and interactive tasks to reinforce learning.
• Collaborative Learning: Encourage group work and peer discussions.
• Visual Aids: Utilize charts, diagrams and models.
• Real-Life Applications: Connect lessons to everyday situations to enhance relevance and understanding.

Materials Needed:

• Rulers and measuring tapes
• Grid paper and plain paper
• Various 3D shapes (cubes, rectangular prisms)
• Chart paper and markers
• Calculators
• Interactive whiteboard or projector
• Worksheets with practice problems

Specific Procedures and Activities:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):
2. Begin with a brief discussion about where we encounter shapes and measurements in daily life (e.g., planning a garden, building a bookshelf).
3. Introduce the concepts of perimeter, area and volume with simple definitions and examples.
4. Direct Instruction (20 minutes):
5. Perimeter: Explain how to find the perimeter of polygons. Show examples with different shapes and use a ruler to measure sides on grid paper.
6. Area: Discuss how to calculate the area of squares, rectangles and triangles. Draw shapes on the board and walk through the calculations.
7. Volume: Introduce the concept of volume, focusing on rectangular prisms. Use physical models to demonstrate and calculate volume.
8. Guided Practice (15 minutes):
9. Provide students with worksheets containing various shapes.
10. Have students measure sides, calculate perimeters, areas and volumes with guidance.
11. Hands-On Activity (20 minutes):
12. Divide students into small groups and give each group a set of 3D shapes.
13. Ask them to measure dimensions and calculate the volume of each shape.
14. Encourage groups to discuss their findings and compare results.
15. Real-Life Application Activity (15 minutes):
16. Present a scenario (e.g., designing a small park) and ask students to plan the layout using given measurements. They need to calculate the perimeter for fencing, area for grass and volume for a sandbox.
17. Allow students to work in pairs to come up with their designs and calculations.
18. Review and Discussion (10 minutes):
19. Review key concepts and correct common errors seen during activities.
20. Allow students to ask questions and clarify any doubts.
21. Highlight the importance of accurate measurement and calculation.

How the Lesson will be Graded or Scored:

• Participation (20%): Active participation in discussions and group activities.
• Accuracy of Calculations (40%): Correctness in worksheets and real-life application tasks.
• Group Collaboration (20%): Effective teamwork and communication in group tasks.
• Completion of Assignments (20%): Timely and complete submission of all tasks and worksheets.

Goals for the End of the Lesson or Unit:

• Short-Term Goals:
• Students can confidently measure and calculate the perimeter, area and volume of given shapes.
• Students can apply mathematical concepts to solve practical problems.
• Long-Term Goals:
• Students develop a strong foundational understanding of geometry and measurement.
• Students can recognize and use these mathematical concepts in various real-world contexts.
• Students improve collaborative and problem-solving skills.

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