How to Choose the Right 4th Grade Math Book

Choosing a 4th Grade Math Book

Curriculum Alignment

One of the most important considerations in choosing a 4th grade math book for your child is the curriculum it's aligned to. In layman's terms, this means choosing a book that covers the topics your child needs to learn at this grade level, and doing so can be trickier than you may think.

If your child is attending school, you can ask his or her teacher for math book suggestions. However, if you're homeschooling, it's a good idea to choose a book that aligns with either your state's 4th grade math standards or the Common Core Standards. Most state education departments publish their math standards (the skills students are taught at each grade level) on their websites, and you can find the national Common Core Standards at www.corestandards.org.

Publication Date

You may be able to find very affordable or even free math textbooks, but be cautious. If you choose a used textbook in order to save money, be sure you check the publication date. Although math itself doesn't change much, the terminology used and the way skills are taught changes frequently. If your child uses an older math book, he or she may end up learning outdated methods or vocabulary. Check your local library for resources if you need to keep costs down.

Teaching Resources

If you're not trained in instruction and assessment methods, it's especially important to select a text that's self-contained, meaning that it provides everything you need to teach a topic to your child. These things include lessons, practice resources and assessments. It's especially important to make sure the text you choose has sufficient practice problems, since creating them yourself can be time consuming. You should also be sure that answer keys are provided with the text.

Many textbooks include computer-based resources for review and enrichment. For instance, a textbook might come with a disc containing games and activities, or it might provide access to a website with lesson plan ideas. Games and online activities can be an effective way to boost your child's engagement with math.