Grade 4 is a critical year as learners transition into the Intermediate Phase. The 2026 Mathematics curriculum introduces more complex concepts such as four-digit numbers, common fractions, and formal measurement units (km, m, cm, mm). Learners are expected to solve problems using multiple strategies and justify their answers.
This guide outlines the 2026 Mathematics Annual Teaching Plan (ATP), providing a structured weekly roadmap to help teachers guide learners through long division, geometric patterns, and data handling.
Mathematics Grade 4 ATP 2026
The curriculum focuses on five main content areas: Numbers, Operations & Relationships, Patterns, Functions & Algebra, Space & Shape, Measurement, and Data Handling.
Term 1: Whole Numbers & Sentences
Focus: The first term focuses on mastering whole numbers up to 4-digits, number sentences, and basic operations (addition/subtraction).
- Week 1: Revision of Grade 3 work.
- Weeks 2–4: Whole Numbers (Counting & Ordering)
- Counting: Forward and backward in 2s, 3s, 5s, 10s, 25s, 50s, 100s up to 10,000.
- Ordering: Compare and order numbers up to 4-digits.
- Place Value: Recognize place value (Th, H, T, U) and round off to the nearest 10, 100, 1000.
- Week 5: Number Sentences
- Solve and complete number sentences using inspection, trial/improvement, and substitution.
- Introduction to the additive property of zero.
- Weeks 6–9: Addition and Subtraction
- Range: Calculations with whole numbers of at least 4-digits.
- Techniques: Estimation, rounding off and compensating, and using a number line.
- Properties: Commutative, associative, and distributive properties.
- Weeks 10–11: Revision and Formal Assessment (Test).
Term 1 Assessments
- Task 1: Assignment (Number Sentences & Whole Numbers).
- Task 2: Test (All Term 1 topics).
Term 2: Multiplication, Division & Patterns
Focus: The second term introduces more complex operations (multiplication/division) and investigates numeric and geometric patterns.
- Weeks 1–4: Multiplication
- Range: Multiplying at least 2-digit numbers by 2-digit numbers.
- Techniques: Estimation, doubling/halving, and building up/breaking down.
- Factors/Multiples: Identifying factors and multiples up to 100.
- Weeks 5–7: Division
- Range: Dividing 3-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers.
- Strategies: Using multiplication/division as inverse operations.
- Problem Solving: Grouping and sharing with remainders.
- Week 8: Numeric Patterns
- Investigating sequences with a constant difference or ratio.
- Using flow diagrams and tables to determine input/output values.
- Week 9: Geometric Patterns
- Investigating patterns represented in physical or diagrammatic form.
- Weeks 10–11: Revision and Formal Assessment (Investigation & Test).
Term 2 Assessments
- Task 3: Investigation (Explore one topic before teaching).
- Task 4: June Test (Term 1 & 2 content).
Term 3: Fractions, Time & Geometry
Focus: The third term is dedicated to common fractions, time measurement, length, and 2D shapes.
- Weeks 1–3: Common Fractions
- Comparing: Ordering fractions with different denominators (halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, sixths, sevenths, eighths).
- Calculations: Addition of fractions with the same denominator.
- Equivalence: Recognizing equivalent forms (e.g., two quarters = one half).
- Week 4: Time
- Reading 12-hour and 24-hour clocks (analogue/digital).
- Calculating time intervals in hours and minutes.
- Week 5: Length
- Instruments: Measuring with rulers, tape measures, and trundle wheels.
- Units: Converting between mm, cm, m, and km.
- Weeks 6–7: 2D Shapes
- Polygons: Recognizing regular and irregular polygons (triangles, squares, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons).
- Properties: Straight vs. curved sides.
- Weeks 8–11: Project and Revision.
Term 3 Assessments
- Task 5: Project (Combination of Term 1–3 topics).
- Task 6: Test (Term 3 content).
Term 4: Measurement & Problem Solving
Focus: The final term covers perimeter, area, volume, and consolidates all problem-solving strategies.
- Weeks 1–2: Perimeter and Area
- Perimeter: Measuring using rulers or tape.
- Area: Finding area by counting squares on grids (introduction to square units).
- Week 3: Capacity/Volume
- Instruments: Using measuring spoons, cups, and jugs.
- Units: Converting between millilitres (ml) and litres (l).
- Weeks 4–6: Problem Solving
- Solving problems in financial and measurement contexts.
- Using ratio (comparing same quantities) and rate (comparing different quantities).
- Weeks 7–10: Revision and Final Assessment.
Term 4 Assessments
- Task 7: End-of-Year Test (Term 3 & 4 topics + Fundamental Term 1 & 2 topics).
FAQ: Mathematics Grade 4
Q: How is “Rounding Off” taught in Grade 4? A: In Term 1, learners are taught to round off numbers to the nearest 10, 100, and 1000. This skill is crucial for estimation in addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
Q: What is the difference between Perimeter and Area? A: Perimeter is the distance around the outside of a shape (measured with a ruler), while Area is the space inside the shape (measured by counting square units on a grid).
Q: Are calculators allowed? A: Generally, calculators are not used in Grade 4 assessments. The focus is on developing mental maths strategies and written calculation techniques.