Fourth Grade

Anchor Charts
 The Importance of Anchor Charts
An anchor chart is a tool used to facilitate discussions and record appropriate math
strategies. These charts are created during the instruction portion of the lesson. They
are in place to “anchor” student learning to appropriate practices.

These charts are created as a result of a joint effort between the teacher and the students. They
are not created ahead of time. As the teacher models the strategy, it is recorded using a variety
of media (chart paper, journals, electronic presentations), along with any tips or advice to help
students remember the concept.

Once the lesson is complete, the chart is placed in a visible convenient location so the students
can access it at any time in order to gain support independently. Some anchor charts are on
display all year long, while others are only displayed during the current unit of study.

The resources you will find in this document are intended to be a springboard for your own
creations. They are simply examples of how you could work together with your own students to
present important concepts to further their thinking and support them as they work to understand
the material.

*For more information, please refer to the article “Hook and Hold” by Jennifer R. Brown. This
can be found in Teaching Children Mathematics (Vol. 21, No. 1, August 2014).

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 Table of Contents
For your convenience, this document is organized by standard.
Click on the standards to link to the appropriate pages in the document.

OPERATIONS AND ALGEBRAIC THINKING

NC.4.OA.1 NC.OA.3 NC.4.OA.4 NC.4.OA.5

NUMBER AND OPERATIONS IN BASE TEN

NC.4.NBT.1 NC.4.NBT.2 NC.4.NBT.4 NC.4.NBT.5 NC.4.NBT.6 NC.4.NBT.7

NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - FRACTIONS

NC.4.NF.1 NC.4.NF.2 NC.4.NF.3 NC.4.NF.4 NC.4.NF.6 NC.4.NF.7

MEASUREMENT AND DATA

NC.4.MD.1 NC.4.MD.2 NC.4.MD.3 NC.4.MD.4 NC.4.MD.6 NC.4.MD.8

GEOMETRY
NC.4.G.1 NC.4.G.2 NC.4.G.3

MISCELLANEOUS CHARTS

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 OPERATIONS AND ALGEBRAIC THINKING
Interpret a multiplication equation as a comparison. Multiply or divide to
NC.4.OA.1 solve word problems involving multiplicative comparisons using models
and equations with a symbol for the unknown number. Distinguish
multiplicative comparison from additive comparison.

An anchor chart is a great way to help students see scenarios where the
DESCRIPTION unknown portion of the problem changes and how the required math
changes as a result.

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 OPERATIONS AND ALGEBRAIC THINKING
Interpret a multiplication equation as a comparison. Multiply or divide to
NC.4.OA.1 solve word problems involving multiplicative comparisons using models
and equations with a symbol for the unknown number. Distinguish
multiplicative comparison from additive comparison.

An anchor chart uses bar models to help students make sense of word
DESCRIPTION problems so that they can identify the unknown and the action required to
find its value.

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 OPERATIONS AND ALGEBRAIC THINKING
Solve two-step word problems involving the four operations with whole
NC.4.OA.3 numbers.
● Use estimation strategies to assess reasonableness of answers.
● Interpret remainders in word problems.
● Represent problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity.

Notice how this anchor chart has been recorded in a student journal. Using
DESCRIPTION graphic organizers to keep information neat and easy to read is a key to a
useful anchor chart.

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 OPERATIONS AND ALGEBRAIC THINKING
Solve two-step word problems involving the four operations with whole
NC.4.OA.3 numbers.
● Use estimation strategies to assess reasonableness of answers.
● Interpret remainders in word problems.
● Represent problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity.

This anchor chart poses different division situations and calls for students
DESCRIPTION to determine what to do with the remainder (drop it, use it, round it). This
would be a good introduction to a lesson where students have to sort word
problems into these categories.

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 OPERATIONS AND ALGEBRAIC THINKING
Find all factor pairs for whole numbers up to and including 50 to:
NC.4.OA.4 ● Recognize that a whole number is a multiple of each of its factors.
● Determine whether a given whole number is a multiple of a given one digit number.
● Determine if the number is prime or composite.

By working with your class to generate an anchor chart like the one below,
DESCRIPTION you can help students to develop and retain definitions of the important
vocabulary associated with this standard.

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 OPERATIONS AND ALGEBRAIC THINKING
Find all factor pairs for whole numbers up to and including 50 to:
NC.4.OA.4 ● Recognize that a whole number is a multiple of each of its factors.
● Determine whether a given whole number is a multiple of a given one digit number.
● Determine if the number is prime or composite.

Notice how the teacher uses multiple examples to help students understand
DESCRIPTION the definitions listed on this anchor chart.

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 OPERATIONS AND ALGEBRAIC THINKING
Generate and analyze a number or shape pattern that follows a given rule.
NC.4.OA.5

This anchor chart displays both number and shape patterns. Function
DESCRIPTION tables are also a great resource for anchor charts because they help students
organize their thinking.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - BASE TEN
Explain that in a multi-digit whole number, a digit in one place represents
NC.4.NBT.1 10 times as much as it represents in the place to its right, up to 100,000.

This anchor chart uses a place value chart to demonstrate the value of each
DESCRIPTION place as increasing by 10 times.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - BASE TEN
Read and write multi-digit whole numbers up to and including 100,000
NC.4.NBT.2 using numerals, number names, and expanded form.

The anchor chart below provides an opportunity for students to refer to

DESCRIPTION important vocabulary necessary to be successful in this standard.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - BASE TEN
Add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers up to and including 100,000
NC.4.NBT.4 using the standard algorithm with place value understanding.

This anchor chart displays four common strategies for adding. This chart
DESCRIPTION was created with students during number talks. It is intended to encourage
students to try an alternative strategy and help students correctly identify
addition strategies as they use them.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - BASE TEN
Add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers up to and including 100,000
NC.4.NBT.4 using the standard algorithm with place value understanding.

This anchor chart displays four common strategies for subtracting. This
DESCRIPTION chart was created with students during number talks. It is intended to
encourage students to try an alternative strategy and help students correctly
identify subtraction strategies as they use them.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - BASE TEN
Add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers up to and including 100,000
NC.4.NBT.4 using the standard algorithm with place value understanding.

This anchor chart was created to encourage using different strategies for
DESCRIPTION problem solving (decomposing, number lines, and adding to subtract).

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - BASE TEN
Add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers up to and including 100,000
NC.4.NBT.4 using the standard algorithm with place value understanding.

This anchor chart is designed to help students see a variety of strategies for
DESCRIPTION adding two two-digit numbers, including the algorithm. It is important that
students see connections across strategies, and have the opportunity to
choose what works best for them.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - BASE TEN
Multiply a whole number of up to three digits by a one-digit whole
NC.4.NBT.5 number, and multiply up to two two-digit numbers with place value
understanding using area models, partial products, and the properties of
operations. Use models to make connections and develop the algorithm.

This chart demonstrates the properties of multiplication in kid-friendly

DESCRIPTION language, along with actual examples of the properties in action.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - BASE TEN
Multiply a whole number of up to three digits by a one-digit whole
NC.4.NBT.5 number, and multiply up to two two-digit numbers with place value
understanding using area models, partial products, and the properties of
operations. Use models to make connections and develop the algorithm.

This anchor chart demonstrates four different strategies for students to

DESCRIPTION use when multiplying.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - BASE TEN
Multiply a whole number of up to three digits by a one-digit whole
NC.4.NBT.5 number, and multiply up to two two-digit numbers with place value
understanding using area models, partial products, and the properties of
operations. Use models to make connections and develop the algorithm.

In this anchor chart, there are two models for how to multiply two two-digit
DESCRIPTION numbers. Both models are effective ways to arrive at solutions for
multiplication. It is important when using the Lattice Model that students
understand the place value of the numbers in the model.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - BASE TEN
Multiply a whole number of up to three digits by a one-digit whole
NC.4.NBT.5 number, and multiply up to two two-digit numbers with place value
understanding using area models, partial products, and the properties of
operations. Use models to make connections and develop the algorithm.

This teacher created chart showcases both partial products and area
DESCRIPTION models for multiplication. It also gives four different examples of how
students may choose to multiply in fourth grade.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - BASE TEN
Find whole-number quotients and remainders with up to three-digit dividends and
NC.4.NBT.6 one-digit divisors with place value understanding using rectangular arrays, area
models, repeated subtraction, partial quotients, properties of operations, and/or the
relationship between multiplication and division.

Notice how this anchor chart describes the concept of division while
DESCRIPTION identifying key vocabulary (dividend, divisor, quotient).

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - BASE TEN
Find whole-number quotients and remainders with up to three-digit dividends and
NC.4.NBT.6 one-digit divisors with place value understanding using rectangular arrays, area
models, repeated subtraction, partial quotients, properties of operations, and/or the
relationship between multiplication and division.

This anchor chart shows multiple strategies for division while identifying
DESCRIPTION key vocabulary (dividend, divisor, quotient).

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - BASE TEN
Find whole-number quotients and remainders with up to three-digit dividends and
NC.4.NBT.6 one-digit divisors with place value understanding using rectangular arrays, area
models, repeated subtraction, partial quotients, properties of operations, and/or the
relationship between multiplication and division.

An anchor chart can simply demonstrate steps in a process. It doesn’t need

DESCRIPTION to be elaborate to get a point across. This chart is a great resource for
students to refer to during independent practice.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - BASE TEN
Compare two multi-digit numbers up to and including 100,000 based on
NC.4.NBT.7 the values of the digits in each place, using >, =, and < symbols to record
the results of comparisons.

This chart demonstrates how students can use a place value chart to
DESCRIPTION compare multi-digit numbers. It also provides support for those difficult
comparison symbols.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - FRACTIONS
Explain why a fraction is equivalent to another fraction by using area and
NC.4.NF.1 length fraction models, with attention to how the number and size of the
parts differ even though the two fractions themselves are the same size.

While these skills are actually aligned to third grade standards, the chart is
DESCRIPTION a great way to review fraction understanding before teaching NC.4.NF.1.
Students will distinguish between fractions that are equally and unequally
partitioned.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - FRACTIONS
Explain why a fraction is equivalent to another fraction by using area and
NC.4.NF.1 length fraction models, with attention to how the number and size of the
parts differ even though the two fractions themselves are the same size.

Notice how this anchor chart refers to a skill in NF.2 (Comparisons are
DESCRIPTION valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole) while using
models to build skills from NF.1. Charts can build on multiple skills at
once.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - FRACTIONS
Explain why a fraction is equivalent to another fraction by using area and
NC.4.NF.1 length fraction models, with attention to how the number and size of the
parts differ even though the two fractions themselves are the same size.

Anchor charts are good places to also display learning targets, serving as
DESCRIPTION reminders to students about expectations in the lesson. This anchor chart
uses a model to connect multiplication to equivalent fractions.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - FRACTIONS
Explain why a fraction is equivalent to another fraction by using area and
NC.4.NF.1 length fraction models, with attention to how the number and size of the
parts differ even though the two fractions themselves are the same size.

This anchor chart uses length models to compare fractions. It also

DESCRIPTION provides a reminder about always remembering to consider the size of the
whole.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - FRACTIONS
Explain why a fraction is equivalent to another fraction by using area and
NC.4.NF.1 length fraction models, with attention to how the number and size of the
parts differ even though the two fractions themselves are the same size.

This anchor chart could be generated with students as they are working
DESCRIPTION with models. When students understand the importance of benchmark
fractions and their equivalents, they have valuable tools to use in higher
level fraction work.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - FRACTIONS
Compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators, using the
denominators 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 100. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the
NC.4.NF.2 two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with symbols >, =, or <,
and justify the conclusions by:
• Reasoning about their size and using area and length models.
• Using benchmark fractions 0, ½, and a whole.
• Comparing common numerator or common denominators.

This is an example of how an anchor chart can be developed within a

DESCRIPTION student’s journal. This provides opportunities for differentiation by
allowing students to use their own numbers as examples as long as key
information is related.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - FRACTIONS
Compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators, using the
denominators 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 100. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the
NC.4.NF.2 two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with symbols >, =, or <,
and justify the conclusions by:
• Reasoning about their size and using area and length models.
• Using benchmark fractions 0, ½, and a whole.
• Comparing common numerator or common denominators.

This anchor chart provides examples of four ways students can compare
DESCRIPTION and order fractions. Notice the high level of vocabulary on the chart.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - FRACTIONS
Compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators, using the
denominators 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 100. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the
NC.4.NF.2 two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with symbols >, =, or <,
and justify the conclusions by:
• Reasoning about their size and using area and length models.
• Using benchmark fractions 0, ½, and a whole.
• Comparing common numerator or common denominators.

This anchor chart provides examples of four ways students can compare
DESCRIPTION and order fractions. Notice the same two fractions are compared in four
ways. This allows students to see which strategy works best for them.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - FRACTIONS
Understand and justify decompositions of fractions with denominators of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, and
100.
• Understand addition and subtraction of fractions as joining and separating parts referring to the same whole.
NC.4.NF.3 • Decompose a fraction into a sum of unit fractions and a sum of fractions with the same denominator in more than one way
using area models, length models, and equations.
• Add and subtract fractions, including mixed numbers with like denominators, by replacing each mixed number with an
equivalent fraction, and/or by using properties of operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction.
• Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions, including mixed numbers by writing equations from a
visual representation of the problem.

This anchor chart displays four ways to add mixed numbers, including area
DESCRIPTION and length models.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - FRACTIONS
Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication to:
NC.4.NF.4 • Model and explain how fractions can be represented by multiplying a whole number by a unit
fraction, using this understanding to multiply a whole number by any fraction less than one.
• Solve word problems involving multiplication of a fraction by a whole number.

Anchor charts can be recorded in student journals so that they may refer to
DESCRIPTION them after the chart is pulled from the wall. Notice the concise nature of
the notes here. Students can get the point of the information without
multiple examples of the same strategy.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - FRACTIONS
Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication to:
NC.4.NF.4 • Model and explain how fractions can be represented by multiplying a whole number by a unit
fraction, using this understanding to multiply a whole number by any fraction less than one.
• Solve word problems involving multiplication of a fraction by a whole number.

Anchor charts can help students make sense of and organize different
DESCRIPTION approaches. Notice how the same problem is solved with all three
strategies. Students can then use this chart to decide which strategy makes
the most sense to them.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - FRACTIONS
Use decimal notation to represent fractions.
NC.4.NF.6 • Express, model and explain the equivalence between fractions with denominators of 10 and 100.
• Use equivalent fractions to add two fractions with denominators of 10 or 100.
• Represent tenths and hundredths with models, making connections between fractions and decimals.

Anchor charts provide opportunities to link important models to deepen student

DESCRIPTION understanding. Notice here how a place value line is accompanied by picture models
of tenths and hundredths. Students are able to understand how place value, fractions,
and decimals are connected.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - FRACTIONS
Compare two decimals to hundredths by reasoning about their size using area and
NC.4.NF.7 length models, and recording the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, or
<. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two decimals refer to the
same whole.

When students are working on this standard, it is important to ask them to compare
DESCRIPTION decimals in the tenths and hundredths place. This anchor chart shows how to use
models to help students understand how place affects the value of a number.

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 NUMBER AND OPERATIONS - FRACTIONS
Compare two decimals to hundredths by reasoning about their size using area and
NC.4.NF.7 length models, and recording the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, or
<. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two decimals refer to the
same whole.

Once students understand how to create equivalent decimals, they can use this
DESCRIPTION understanding to begin comparing other decimals. This anchor chart reminds
students to create equivalent decimals in order to compare.

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 MEASUREMENT AND DATA
Know relative sizes of measurement units. Solve problems involving metric measurement.
NC.4.MD.1 • Measure to solve problems involving metric units: centimeter, meter, gram, kilogram, Liter, milliliter.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve one-step word problems involving whole-number measurements of length,
mass, and capacity that are given in metric units.

This anchor chart is an example of how you can start with a pre-set chart and then work
DESCRIPTION with students to add to the chart to personalize it for the class.

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 MEASUREMENT AND DATA
Know relative sizes of measurement units. Solve problems involving metric measurement.
NC.4.MD.1 • Measure to solve problems involving metric units: centimeter, meter, gram, kilogram, Liter, milliliter.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve one-step word problems involving whole-number measurements of length,
mass, and capacity that are given in metric units.

This anchor chart demonstrates how to list previous understandings on an anchor chart
DESCRIPTION and then use the same anchor chart throughout a unit to continue to build new
understandings. The customary units of measure listed here are a review of third grade
standards. As the class learned more about the metric system, they added to the right side
of the chart.

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 MEASUREMENT AND DATA
Use multiplicative reasoning to convert metric measurements from a larger
NC.4.MD.2 unit to a smaller unit using place value understanding, two-column tables,
and length models.

This anchor chart helps students to see the connection between converting metric
DESCRIPTION units to place value.

MD.2

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 MEASUREMENT AND DATA
Solve problems with area and perimeter.
NC.4.MD.3 • Find areas of rectilinear figures with known side lengths.
• Solve problems involving a fixed area and varying perimeters and a fixed perimeter and varying
areas.
• Apply the area and perimeter formulas for rectangles in real world and mathematical problems.

This anchor chart demonstrates how you can use visual cues to help
DESCRIPTION students remember important vocabulary. In addition, the teacher used the
bottom of the chart to record student thinking during class discussion.

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 MEASUREMENT AND DATA
Represent and interpret data using whole numbers.
• Collect data by asking a question that yields numerical data.
NC.4.MD.4 • Make a representation of data and interpret data in a frequency table, scaled bar graph,
and/or line plot.
• Determine whether a survey question will yield categorical or numerical data. .

This anchor chart is a starting point for a lesson on data. Notice how the anchor chart
DESCRIPTION lists examples of categorical and numerical data. As the lesson is being taught, students
and teacher together can generate other examples to add to the chart. They can also post
other examples of numerical graphs they encounter throughout the unit. They can look
for these examples in textbooks, newspapers, magazines, and online resources.

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 MEASUREMENT AND DATA
Develop an understanding of angles and angle measurement.
• Understand angles as geometric shapes that are formed wherever two rays share a common
NC.4.MD.6 endpoint, and are measured in degrees.
• Measure and sketch angles in whole-number degrees using a protractor.
• Solve addition and subtraction problems to find unknown angles on a diagram in real-world and
mathematical problems.

This anchor chart is a great way to help students remember important

DESCRIPTION vocabulary in geometry.

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 MEASUREMENT AND DATA
Develop an understanding of angles and angle measurement.
• Understand angles as geometric shapes that are formed wherever two rays share a common
NC.4.MD.6 endpoint, and are measured in degrees.
• Measure and sketch angles in whole-number degrees using a protractor.
• Solve addition and subtraction problems to find unknown angles on a diagram in real-world and
mathematical problems.

An anchor chart is a great place to list procedures for students to refer to

DESCRIPTION throughout the lesson. It is also a place to note tips students may have for
one another as a result of practicing a concept.

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 MEASUREMENT AND DATA
Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of time intervals
NC.4.MD.8 that cross the hour.

This anchor chart helps the teacher record thinking for how to use a t-chart
DESCRIPTION to track elapsed time. Notice how the teacher set up the hours and minutes
on the right side to make it easier to add in order to find the total.

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 MEASUREMENT AND DATA
Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of time intervals
NC.4.MD.8 that cross the hour.

This anchor chart shows students how to use a number line to find an
DESCRIPTION ending time. The number line makes the passage of time clear because the
jumps are labeled with increments of minutes/hours.

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 GEOMETRY
Draw and identify points, lines, line segments, rays, angles, and
NC.4.G.1 perpendicular and parallel lines.

These anchor chart is a great way to help students remember important

DESCRIPTION vocabulary in geometry. Notice how each word is accompanied by
pictures to increase student understanding.

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 GEOMETRY
Classify quadrilaterals and triangles based on angle measure, side lengths,
NC.4.G.2 and the presence or absence of parallel or perpendicular lines.

This anchor chart is another example of how to help students understand

DESCRIPTION all of the complex vocabulary in geometry, along with the relationships
between the words.

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 GEOMETRY
Classify quadrilaterals and triangles based on angle measure, side lengths,
NC.4.G.2 and the presence or absence of parallel or perpendicular lines.

This anchor chart helps students understand the vocabulary associated

DESCRIPTION with classifying triangles by their sides and angles.

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 GEOMETRY
Recognize symmetry in a two-dimensional figure, and identify and draw
NC.4.G.3 lines of symmetry.

This anchor chart presented the definition of symmetry using kid friendly
DESCRIPTION language as well as multiple picture examples. Notice that the examples
include figures that have multiple lines of symmetry.

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 CLASSROOM COMMUNITY
Anchor charts are a great way to help students remember the 8 math
DESCRIPTION practices.

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 CLASSROOM COMMUNITY
This anchor chart can be used to help teach growth mindset and working as a
DESCRIPTION team. Students can actually decide which ideas they would like highlighted on the
chart.

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 CLASSROOM COMMUNITY
This anchor chart can be used as a guide to teach students about appropriate
DESCRIPTION “math talk”. This is an example of a chart that may be on display all year long.

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