​How to Help Your Rising 4th Grader With Math Over the Summer (Without the Stress)

​Wondering how to stop the summer slide in math—without turning your summer into a daily tug-of-war? You’re not alone.

Whether your child had a tough time in 3rd grade, kept up just fine, or made great strides, summer can either strengthen those gains—or chip away at them. This is especially important in Florida, where students are expected to master the B.E.S.T. Standards for Math, which are assessed through the statewide FAST Math assessment.

The good news? With just 15–30 minutes a day of the right kind of practice, your rising 4th grader can stay sharp, build confidence, and even enjoy math—all while still having plenty of summer fun.

Why Summer Math Practice Matters
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The summer slide is real—kids can lose valuable progress when they go weeks without reinforcing what they’ve learned. But that doesn’t mean your summer has to revolve around textbooks and worksheets.
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What your rising 4th grader really needs is steady, low-stress practice that feels simple, manageable, and part of everyday life.
And if you’ve already tried:

  • Helping your child yourself (but it always ends in frustration)
  • Hiring a tutor (but it was expensive—or just didn’t click)
  • Searching online (but got lost in a sea of options)
You’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.

What Math Skills Should a Rising 4th Grader Work On?

Below are the key math skills 4th graders in Florida will focus on. By exposing your child to these skills over the summer, they will feel more confident at the beginning of the school year. Do not stress about them mastering every single skill. Just create a consistent, flexible schedule to help them prevent the summer slide. 


​Place Value to the Hundred Thousands Place
  • “What is the value of the 3 in 139,708?”​
  • “How do you read the number 567,033?"
  • "Round both numbers to the nearest ten, hundred and thousand." 


​Multiplication Multi-Digit Whole Numbers Using the Area Model or Partial Products Strategies
  • "What is 23 x 45?" Use the Area Model Strategy.
  • "What is 6,509 x 4?" Use the Partial Products Strategy. ​


Multiplication Multi-Digit Whole Numbers Using the Standard Algorithm Strategy
  • "What is 23 x 45?" Use Standard Algorithm.
  • "What is 6,509 x 4?" Use Standard Algorithm.


Division with Multi-Digit Dividends Using the Area Model or Partial Quotients Strategy
  • "What is 367 ÷ 5?" Use the Area Model Strategy.
  • "What is 3,113 ÷ 5?" Use the Partial Quotients Strategy.


Division with Multi-Digit Dividends Using Long Division (i.e. Standard Algorithm)
  • "What is 367 ÷ 5?" Use Standard Algorithm.
  • "What is 3,113 ÷ 5?" Use Standard Algorithm.


Fraction Equivalence and Comparison
  • Are 4 fifths and 8 tenths equivalent fractions? How do you know? 
  • Which fraction is greater - 2 thirds or 3 fourths?
Spend just a few minutes a day on one topic each week, and your child will walk into 4th grade with confidence.

 Want It All Done for You?

If you’re thinking, “This sounds great, but how do I actually teach this without losing my mind?” — I’ve got you covered.

Check out my 👉 Step Up to 4th Grade Math | At-Home Summer Course!

This 6-week, self-paced course includes:
  • ✅ 24 engaging video lessons covering all of the topics I mentioned above - and more!
  • ✅ Printable guides & daily practice pages
  • ✅ Mindset coaching to build confidence
  • ✅ Weekly Zoom check-ins with me (Ms. McCarthy!) - over the summer
  • ✅ Lifetime access
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It’s everything you need to help your child step up—not slide back—this summer.

No stress.
Just press play and follow me. 
​Let's do this! 

- Ms. McCarthy