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Table of ContentsContents by Skill .................................................... 5–6Introduction ............................................................... 7Everyday Ways to Enrich Learning Experiences .... 8Fun Web Sites for Fourth Graders ............................ 9Recommended Books for

Fourth Graders ............................................ 10–11Fourth Grade Skills Checklist ............................ 12–13Cursive Letter Practice ........................................... 14Cursive Writing Evaluation ...................................... 15Matching Vowel Sounds /

Identifying Place Value .................................... 16Standard Form Notation /

Dictionary Pronunciation ................................. 17Beginning Consonant Blends /

Rounding Numbers ........................................... 18Understanding Place Value /

Complete the Sentence ................................. 19Ending Consonant Blends /

Understanding Place Value ............................ 20A Friendly Letter / Addressing an Envelope ........ 21Identifying Types of Stories ..................................... 22Silent Letters / Two-Digit Addition ......................... 23Abbreviations / Classifying ..................................... 24Following Directions ................................................ 25Break the Code / Categories of Words ............... 26Alphabetical Order /

Using Math Symbols <, >, or = ......................... 27Cloze / Three-Digit Addition .................................. 28Addition with Decimals / Syllables ........................ 29Writing Paragraphs ................................................. 30Days of the Week Abbreviations .......................... 31Context Clues / Three-Digit Addition .................... 32Reading a Bar Graph ............................................. 33Three-Digit Column Addition / Riddles ................. 34Alphabetical Order / Word Problems................... 35Three-Digit Addition / Cloze .................................. 36

Pull-out Mini-Book:“The Old Farmer and His Magic Bird” ...... 37–40

Antonym Search ..................................................... 41Can You Spell? / Column Addition ....................... 42Alphabetical Order................................................. 43Types of Sentences ................................................. 44Compound Words .................................................. 45Building Vocabulary ................................................ 46Main Idea / What’s Missing? .................................. 47Two-Digit Subtraction Review /

Analogies ........................................................... 48

Nouns and Verbs / Regroup or Not to Regroup? .......................... 49

Building Vocabulary ................................................ 50Beat the Clock (Double-Digit Subtraction) .......... 51More Nouns and Verbs ........................................... 52

Plurals (-s or -es) / Adding & Subtracting with Decimals ............. 53

Story Problems / Categories .................................. 54Possessive Plurals /

Three- and Four-Digit Subtraction .................. 55Three-Digit Subtraction / Adjectives ..................... 56Persuasive Paragraph............................................. 57Abbreviations / Subtraction Review ..................... 58Subtraction with Decimals / Contractions ........... 59Pronouns / Subtraction with Decimals ................. 60Building Vocabulary ................................................ 61Mixed Problems with Decimals /

Using Guide Words ........................................... 62Understanding What I’ve Read ............................ 63Beat the Clock (Multiplication Facts 0 to 9) ........ 64

Pull-out Mini-Book:“The Monster’s Footprints” ......................... 65–68

Antonyms, Synonyms, and Homonyms ................ 69Multiplication Facts / Writing Contractions .......... 70Prefixes / How Many? ............................................. 71Building Vocabulary ................................................ 72Find the Missing Factors / Homonyms .................. 73Multiplication Word Problems ................................ 74Compare and Contrast ......................................... 75Match the Fact to the Answer / Proper Nouns ... 76Understanding What I’ve Read ............................ 77A Multiplication Puzzle ............................................ 78Descriptive Writing / Basic Facts ........................... 79One-Digit Times Two-Digit Multiplication /

Punctuation Review ......................................... 80Sequencing Events ................................................. 81One-Digit Times Three-Digit Multiplication /

Combining Root Words and Suffixes .............. 82Compound Words / Story Problems ..................... 83Greater Than or Less Than? / Using Synonyms .... 84

Pull-out Mini-Book:“The Steel-Drivin’ Man” .............................. 85–88

Synonym Search ..................................................... 89Interpreting a Grid .................................................. 90Finish the Sentences ............................................... 91Show Your Work / Forming Plurals with y .............. 92Forming Plurals with f / Show Your Work Again ... 93What’s Wrong? / How Much Money? .................. 94Contraction Fun ...................................................... 95Solve the Code / Prefixes....................................... 96Analogies / Learning to Divide ............................ 97Division Designs / Linking Verbs ............................. 98Identifying Parts of Speech / Story Problems....... 99Descriptive Writing ................................................ 100Beat the Clock (Division Facts 0 to 9)................. 101Sentences & Fragments / Division Designs ........ 102

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Table of ContentsComplete Subjects / >, =, or < ............................ 103Division Practice / Conjunctions ......................... 104Understanding What I’ve Read .......................... 105Division / Main Idea .............................................. 106Writing Sentences / Division Facts ....................... 107Magic Trail .............................................................. 108Constructing Stories .............................................. 109Divison with Remainders /

Using Suffixes ................................................... 110Word Box Stories .................................................... 111Root Words / Three-Digit Dividends .................... 112Predicates / Word Problems with Division .......... 113Main Idea / Money Word Problems ................... 114

Pull-out Mini-Book:“The American Heroine” ....................... 115–118

Identifying Misspelled Words / Adding Fractions ............................................ 119

Words into Math .................................................... 120Story Web ............................................................... 121Division Facts 9–12 Review / Topic Sentence .... 122Math Puzzle ............................................................ 123Constructing Stories .............................................. 124Solve the Code ..................................................... 125Topic Sentence / Adding Fractions .................... 126Fraction Addition / Adjectives ............................ 127Writing in the Third Person .................................... 128Analogies / Subtracting Fractions ....................... 129Mixed Problem Puzzle ........................................... 130Completing Analogies /

Subtracting Fractions ..................................... 131Writing in the First Person ...................................... 132Proofreading .......................................................... 133Tic-Tac-Toe Synonyms / Adding & Subtracting

Fractions .......................................................... 134Mixed Problems <, >, or =..................................... 135Words into Math .................................................... 136Antonym Puzzle ..................................................... 137Measure Sense / Conversion Excursion .............. 138

Pull-out Mini-Book:“Flying Disc Science” ............................. 139–142

Spelling Assessment .............................................. 143Narrative Passage ................................................. 144Vocabulary Assessment ....................................... 145Place Value with Large Numbers........................ 146

Answer Key .................................................... 147–158

Cut-and-Color Awards ......................................... 159

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Contents by SkillAnswer Key .................................................... 147–158

AssessmentCursive Writing Evaluation...................................... 15Beat the Clock (Double-Digit Subtraction).......... 51Beat the Clock (Multiplication Facts 0 to 9) ........ 64Beat the Clock (Division Facts 0 to 9)................. 101Spelling Assessment .............................................. 143Vocabulary Assessment ....................................... 145

Awards ................................................................... 159

Dictionary SkillsUsing Guide Words.................................................. 62

GrammarTypes of Sentences................................................. 44Nouns and Verbs..................................................... 49More Nouns and Verbs........................................... 52Plurals (-s or -es)....................................................... 53Possessive Plurals ..................................................... 55Adjectives ................................................................ 56Contractions ............................................................ 59Pronouns................................................................... 60Writing Contractions ............................................... 70Proper Nouns ........................................................... 76Punctuation Review................................................ 80Forming Plurals with y ............................................. 92Forming Plurals with f .............................................. 93Linking Verbs ............................................................ 98Identifying Parts of Speech.................................... 99Sentences & Fragments ....................................... 102Complete Subjects ............................................... 103Conjunctions.......................................................... 104Writing Sentences ................................................. 107Predicates .............................................................. 113Adjectives .............................................................. 127

Language Arts / Writing Cursive Letter Practice ........................................... 14Cursive Writing Evaluation...................................... 15A Friendly Letter....................................................... 21Addressing an Envelope ........................................ 21Identifying Types of Stories..................................... 22Abbreviations .......................................................... 24Alphabetical Order................................................. 27Syllables .................................................................... 29Writing Paragraphs ................................................. 30Days of the Week Abbreviations .......................... 31Alphabetical Order (Months of the Year)............ 35Antonym Search ..................................................... 41Can You Spell? ........................................................ 42

Alphabetical Order (Solar System) ....................... 43Compound Words .................................................. 45Analogies ................................................................. 48Persuasive Paragraph............................................. 57Abbreviations .......................................................... 58Antonyms, Synonyms, and Homonyms ................ 69Prefixes ...................................................................... 71Homonyms ............................................................... 73Compare and Contrast ......................................... 75Descriptive Writing .................................................. 79Combining Root Words and Suffixes .................... 82Compound Words .................................................. 83Using Synonyms ....................................................... 84Synonym Search ..................................................... 89Contraction Fun ...................................................... 95Prefixes ...................................................................... 96Analogies ................................................................. 97Descriptive Writing ................................................ 100Constructing Stories .............................................. 109Using Suffixes .......................................................... 110Word Box Stories .................................................... 111Root Words ............................................................. 112Identifying Misspelled Words ................................ 119Story Web ............................................................... 121Constructing Stories .............................................. 124Writing in the Third Person .................................... 128Analogies ............................................................... 129Completing Analogies ......................................... 131Writing in the First Person ...................................... 132Proofreading .......................................................... 133Tic-Tac-Toe Synonyms ........................................... 134Antonym Puzzle ..................................................... 137Spelling Assessment .............................................. 143Vocabulary Assessment ....................................... 145

MathIdentifying Place Value .......................................... 16Standard Form Notation ........................................ 17Rounding Numbers ................................................. 18Understanding Place Value (Thousands) ............. 19Understanding Place Value (Ten Thousands) ...... 20Two-Digit Addition ................................................... 23Break the Code ....................................................... 26Using Math Symbols <, >, or =................................ 27Three-Digit Addition ................................................ 28Addition with Decimals .......................................... 29Three-Digit Addition (Timed Test) .......................... 32Reading a Bar Graph ............................................. 33Three-Digit Column Addition ................................. 34Word Problems (Addition) ...................................... 35Three-Digit Addition ................................................ 36Column Addition ..................................................... 42

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Contents by SkillWhat’s Missing? ....................................................... 47Two-Digit Subtraction Review ................................ 48Regroup or Not to Regroup? ................................. 49Beat the Clock (Double-Digit Subtraction) .......... 51Adding & Subtracting with Decimals ................... 53Story Problems (Subtraction) ................................. 54Three- and Four-Digit Subtraction ......................... 55Three-Digit Subtraction ........................................... 56Subtraction Review ................................................. 58Subtraction with Decimals ..................................... 59Subtraction with Decimals

(Tenths and Hundredths) ................................. 60Mixed Problems with Decimals.............................. 62Beat the Clock (Multiplication Facts 0 to 9) ........ 64Multiplication Facts ................................................. 70How Many? (Multiplication Facts) ........................ 71Find the Missing Factors ......................................... 73Multiplication Word Problems ................................ 74Match the Fact to the Answer .............................. 76A Multiplication Puzzle ............................................ 78Basic Facts ............................................................... 79One-Digit Times Two-Digit Multiplication .............. 80One-Digit Times Three-Digit Multiplication ........... 82Story Problems ......................................................... 83Greater Than or Less Than? .................................... 84Interpreting a Grid .................................................. 90Show Your Work ....................................................... 92Show Your Work Again ........................................... 93How Much Money? ................................................ 94Solve the Code ....................................................... 96Learning to Divide ................................................... 97Division Designs ....................................................... 98Story Problems ......................................................... 99Beat the Clock (Division Facts 0 to 9)................. 101Division Designs ..................................................... 102>, =, or < ................................................................. 103Division Practice .................................................... 104Division (Division Facts) ......................................... 106Division Facts ......................................................... 107Magic Trail .............................................................. 108Division with Remainders ...................................... 110Three-Digit Dividends ............................................ 112Word Problems with Division ................................ 113Money Word Problems ......................................... 114Adding Fractions ................................................... 119Words into Math .................................................... 120Division Facts 9–12 Review ................................... 122Math Puzzle ............................................................ 123Solve the Code ..................................................... 125Adding Fractions ................................................... 126Fraction Addition .................................................. 127Subtracting Fractions ............................................ 129

Mixed Problem Puzzle ........................................... 130Subtracting Fractions ............................................ 131Adding and Subtracting Fractions ..................... 134Mixed Problems <, >, or =..................................... 135Words into Math .................................................... 136Measure Sense ...................................................... 138Conversion Excursion ............................................ 138Place Value with Large Numbers........................ 146

PhonicsMatching Vowel Sounds ........................................ 16Dictionary Pronunciation ....................................... 17Beginning Consonant Blends ................................ 18Ending Consonant Blends ...................................... 20Silent Letters ............................................................. 23

Pull-out Mini-Books“The Old Farmer and His Magic Bird” ............ 37–40“The Monster’s Footprints” ............................... 65–68“The Steel-Drivin’ Man” .................................... 85–88“The American Heroine” .............................. 115–118“Flying Disc Science” .................................... 139–142

Reading ComprehensionComplete the Sentence ........................................ 19Classifying ................................................................ 24Following Directions ................................................ 25Categories of Words ............................................... 26Cloze ......................................................................... 28Context Clues .......................................................... 32Riddles ...................................................................... 34Cloze: Hunting for a Rainbow ............................... 36Building Vocabulary: Good Old Gumbo ............. 46Main Idea (Pen Pal / Friendship) ........................... 47Building Vocabulary: A Fishing Friend ................... 50Categories ............................................................... 54Building Vocabulary: Ike, Spike, and

the Circle Game ............................................... 61Understanding What I’ve Read: Parasites ........... 63Building Vocabulary: Friends to the End ............. 72Understanding What I’ve Read: Space Probes . 77Sequencing Events ................................................. 81Finish the Sentences ............................................... 91What’s Wrong? ........................................................ 94Understanding What I’ve Read:

Independence Day ....................................... 105Main Idea: (Brother / Water Sports /

Allowance) ...................................................... 106Main Idea (Marching Band / Eyeglasses) .......... 114Topic Sentence ..................................................... 122Topic Sentence ..................................................... 126Narrative Passage ................................................. 144

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Introduction

Welcome to Mastering Basic Skills. Fourth grade often marks the end of elementary school. At this age, children are maturing, able to set standards for themselves, and developing personal interests and talents. Fourth graders are learning to use their academic skills as life skills. They are reading for knowledge and enjoyment, using real-world math skills and discovering an increased ability to communicate through the written word.

For some children, fourth grade also marks the emergence of the preteen. This can mean that you might begin to see moodiness and some rebellious behaviors. Children at this age are trying to grow up and become more independent. We want children to think independently and to act critically and responsibly. To accomplish this, children need to put some distance between themselves and their parents. Do not let this distancing behavior alarm you. Instead, try to understand it and keep the lines of communication open. Encourage sharing. Ask questions. Be ready to listen.

Emerging preteens also need to be surrounded by a positive environment. Instead of constantly reminding her to complete tasks or reprimanding her when you think she is wrong, try finding moments throughout the day when you say only positive com-ments to your child. Children need your support and encouragement now, even more than when she was little. Provide an atmosphere that will promote open and honest communication.

Friends are becoming increasingly more important. Children are developing social skills and are now able to engage in group decision-making. You will also find that many fourth graders have developed a great sense of truthfulness—they can be incredibly honest. This is a trait that we want to last forever!

Fourth grade children are getting ready to take that leap into more abstract thinking. For this reason, it is vital that children have developed a solid foundation of basic skills. The skill review provided in this book helps strengthen that foundation for further school success—and it is fun!

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Writing

Cursive Letter PracticeTrace and write the cursive letters.

X x Y y Z zU u Vv WwR r Ss TtOo Pp QqM m N nJ j K k L lG g H h I iDd E e F fA a B b C c

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Cursive Writing EvaluationWriting

Copy the poem in your best cursive handwriting.

TÇòÑïƧÑïë á´âĆßë Äë ƧÅÄÇàäàçôáêëWáôáêÇòë Äë ÇàâÄÅîë ÇòÅÄÇàçôáêëOÇñë áöøŸÖùáƒáôÖûÅóÏ üéûë áƒÇúÅÄÉìÑï†ßëLáôÇõÑïë ìƧÉüãìÉüâîáôÇúÑï†ßë’ ÇñÅÄÉìÑï†ßë!

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Matching Vowel SoundsPhonics

Identifying Place ValueMath

Draw a line to connect each word in the first column with a word in the second column that has the same vowel sound.

ax big

cool cat

cup led

egg pay

lake school

like smile

lit toll

load up

Write the place value of the highlighted digit on the line.The first one has been done for you.

A. 8,567,123 ________________________________________________

B. 7,400,205 ________________________________________________

C. 5,952,631 ________________________________________________

D. 2,540,513 ________________________________________________

E. 4,521,368 ________________________________________________

F. 2 ,261,968 ________________________________________________

G. 4,231 ,948 ________________________________________________

ten thousands

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Standard Form NotationMath

Write each number in standard form.

A. 500 + 90 + 6 _______________

B. 2,000 + 400 + 60 + 7 _______________

C. 40,000 + 3,000 + 800 + 20 + 1 ___________________________

D. 200,000 + 50,000 + 7,000 + 10 + 4 ___________________________

E. Write your own. _______________________________________________________

Dictionary PronunciationPhonics

Listen to the vowel sounds in each word below. Draw a line to connect each word with its dictionary pronunciation.

dream (at)

knot (pik´ l)

shirt (rit)

crew (shurt)

officer (kom´ t)

tense (drem)

write (kroo)

mermaid (mur´mad)

pickle (not)

eight (o´f sur)

comet (tens)

–

–

—

–

˘

˘

˘

˘

–

˘

ˆ

ˆ

e

e

e

ˆ

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Beginning Consonant BlendsPhonics

Round each number to the nearest ten.

A. 6,388 _______________________ B. 567,912 ____________________ C. 1,587,561 ___________________ D. 89,258 ______________________

Round each number to the nearest hundred.

E. 8,258 _______________________ F. 553 _________________________

G. 22,025 _____________________ H. 2,364 _______________________

Round each number to the nearest thousand.

I. 10,589 _____________________ J. 23,278 _____________________ K. 654,342 ____________________ L. 32,751 _____________________

Rounding NumbersMath

Look at the consonant blends in the box below. Write a blend on each line to form a word that matches one of the pictures. Draw a line from the word to its picture.

cl dr sc sk sn st

1. __________ake 6. __________ore

2. __________oud 7. __________amp

3. __________ess 8. __________um

4. __________ared 9. __________irt

5. __________unk 10. __________ock

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Understanding Place ValueMath

Write the place value of the highlighted digit on the line. The first one has been done for you.

A. 3,921 ________________________ B. 1,572 ________________________

C. 2 ,463 ________________________ D. 5,761 ________________________

E. 4,984 ________________________ F. 1,756 ________________________

G. 6,357 ________________________ H. 6,852 ________________________

Complete the Sentence Reading Comprehension

hundreds

Use the words from the word list to complete the sentences below.

insists blend borrow dangerous entire proud amazing fond

1. The acrobats at the circus do ______________________________ tricks.

2. Jan is ______________________________ of her new classmate, Diana.

3. When you ______________________________ blue and yellow, you get green.

4 Mom always ______________________________ that I wear my seat belt.

5. Playing in the street can be ______________________________.

6. I was ______________________________ when I won first prize.

7. May I ______________________________ your eraser?

8. Sarah drank the ______________________________ carton of milk.

Word List