Fourth grade is a pivotal time when it comes to reading. By the time children reach fourth grade, reading shifts from learning to read to reading to learn. They are expected to read longer, more complex texts, infer meaning, and analyze information across subjects. You also want your child to enjoy the experience of reading for their own entertainment instead of it feeling like a chore. But what if your child still struggles to get the most out of their reading with fluency, comprehension, or vocabulary?
As a reading coach, I convey the importance of The Science of Reading philosophy: direct instruction in phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension is key to building strong reading skills. Not only that, but I help children understand that reading is useful and enjoyable, which boosts their motivation to read.
Whether your child is a reluctant reader or just needs extra support and fun motivation, these 10 effective strategies will help them become a confident, capable reader.
1. Read Aloud Together—Yes, Even in Fourth Grade!
Just because your child can read independently doesn’t mean they don’t benefit from hearing fluent reading. Listening to you read aloud serves as a consistent model for your child and also strengthens listening skills. It also makes reading time more engaging and serves as quality time together.
Reading aloud helps:
- Build fluency and expression.
- Introduce advanced vocabulary including pronunciation.
- Strengthen listening comprehension.
How to Make Read-Aloud Time Engaging:
- Pick books above their reading level to challenge them. It’s a great time to talk about more complex themes and new words together.
- Take turns reading paragraphs to model fluent reading.
- Pause for discussion: Asking questions like, “What do you think the author meant by that?” and discussing characters’ decisions helps your child think more deeply and critically about the story.
This shared reading experience boosts comprehension and shows an example of an appreciation for reading. You are never too old to listen to stories. A lot of us adults love to listen to audio books or a soothing sleep story. I know I do!
2. Strengthen Fluency with Repeated Reading
Fluency is one of the keys to developing into a confident reader. If your child hesitates or reads word-by-word, practicing ways to read fluently would benefit them.
Ways to Improve Fluency:
- Encourage rereading favorite, well known books to build speed and accuracy.
- Use echo reading—you read a sentence, then your child repeats it.
- Try choral reading—read a passage together at the same time.
- Play “read it like…”—ask your child to read a sentence like a robot, a storyteller, or their favorite character to practice expression.
When reading becomes fluent, comprehension improves!
3. Expand Vocabulary Through Word Analysis
Fourth graders encounter more complex words, especially in nonfiction. Instead of memorizing definitions, help your child expand vocabulary through word analysis. This involves breaking down words into their parts and recognizing patterns.
Ways to analyze words:
- Use prefixes, root words, and suffixes (e.g., unhappiness = un + happy + ness).
- Teach how to look for context clues in surrounding sentences. The words surrounding an unknown word provide clues about meaning.
- Identify synonyms and antonyms: understanding a variety of words that have the same or opposite meanings can enhance vocabulary.
A strong vocabulary helps kids understand what is happening in the story and leads to smoother, more natural reading. This undoubtedly makes reading a more enjoyable and meaningful experience.
4. Ask Questions to Improve Comprehension
A big part of reading is about understanding what is written and thinking critically about it. Help your child connect with books by asking open-ended questions:
Examples of open-ended questions:
- Literal: Literal story questions are those that ask for specific details directly stated in the text, usually focusing on who, what, when, where, and how“. For example: “Where does this story take place?” or “What is the main character’s name?”
- Inferential: Inferential story questions are questions that require the reader to “read between the lines” and draw their own conclusions based on clues within the text. The answers to inferential questions cannot be found directly in the text such as, “Why do you think the character made that decision?” and “What do you think the character’s facial expression was when they received that great news?”
- Evaluative: Evaluative story questions ask you to analyze and judge aspects of a story. This involves personal opinion and justification. For example: “Do you agree with the character’s choice? Why or why not?” “How realistic is the setting of the story?”
These discussions encourage deeper thinking and take comprehension skills to the next level.
5. Encourage Independent Reading with High-Interest Books
The best way to help kids love reading? Let them choose their own books!
How to guide them:
- Regularly talk to your child about what they like and when picking out new books to read, help them look for books that match their interests (sports, mysteries, graphic novels).
- Encourage them to read series books to keep them engaged (Percy Jackson, I Survived series).
- Set a daily reading goal: 20–30 minutes of independent reading daily helps make it a habit. There are a number of ways to integrate reading into the day. You can even make it something you do together! You can read your own books on the porch on a beautiful day, bring your books to the beach, or read before bed.
When kids enjoy what and where they read, they read more!
6. Use Graphic Organizers for Deeper Understanding
Visual tools help break down complex information. If your child struggles with comprehension, graphic organizers can help!
Make use of:
- Story maps to track characters, setting, and plot.
- Compare-and-contrast charts for different perspectives.
- KWL charts (Know, Want to Know, Learned) for nonfiction reading.
Graphic organizers turn abstract concepts into clear, visual ideas and are easy to find with a quick online search. You can even draw your own.
7. Make Reading Interactive with Discussions and Writing
Book discussions and writing help deepen a connection with books along with increased understanding and retention.
How to make reading interactive:
- Have book discussions: talking about books with others can reveal new perspectives, interpretations, and insights you may have missed. “What was your favorite part and why?”
- Encourage your child to write book reviews or create alternative endings. Even jotting in the margins of the book or keeping a reading journal helps your child engage more actively with the material. A reading journal can include all sorts of reflection, comprehension, and fun ideas such as a list of the main characters and their traits, pretend character interviews, new words and their definitions, favorite parts, connections, illustrations of scenes, and predictions.
- Suggest your child draw a comic strip based on the events in the book. This is an artful way to tap into your child’s creative side while summarizing the story.
Interactive reading supports kids’ understanding of what they read in a personalized way and keeps them more engaged and excited.
8. Play Word Games and Puzzles
Whether they involve collaboration, a little competitive edge, or solo pondering, games are a great way to enhance foundational reading skills.
Games to incorporate:
- Scrabble or Boggle to build spelling and vocabulary. You can make learning time a fond memory. I have such sweet memories of playing Scrabble with my mom when I was a kid; she won most of the time, but I was still having fun and learning!
- Mad Libs to practice grammar and sentence structure. Some of the mad libs turn out to be funny and silly; always great to get a good laugh!
- Word searches and crossword puzzles to reinforce new vocabulary. Even doing this while in a waiting room for an appointment can keep kids occupied and their skills fresh.
Play-based learning keeps kids motivated and fosters curiosity with exploration.
9. Use Reading Apps and Digital Tools Wisely
Technology can support reading skills, but it should supplement, not replace, real books.
Helpful websites:
- Epic! – A digital library with comprehension questions.
- Newsela – Nonfiction articles at different reading levels.
- ReadTheory – Interactive comprehension exercises.
Pair apps with traditional reading to get the best of both worlds!
10. Consider an Online Reading Tutor for Extra Support
If your child struggles with:
- Fluency and reading pace
- Understanding longer, complex texts
- Expanding their vocabulary
An online reading tutor can provide one-on-one, research-based instruction tailored to their needs.
- Personalized lesson plans that target weak areas.
- Engaging, interactive instruction using proven strategies.
- Flexible scheduling to fit your family’s routine.
At Savvy Learning, our expert tutors help fourth graders develop confidence, fluency, and comprehension skills in a fun and supportive way.
Final Thoughts
Helping your fourth grader become a strong, confident reader doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By incorporating fluency practice, engaging discussions, and reading activities, you can support their growth in a fun and effective way.
- Keep reading interactive and enjoyable.
- Encourage critical thinking through questions and discussions.
- If extra help is needed, consider an online reading tutor for personalized support.
Want expert guidance? Contact Savvy Learning today to learn how our online reading tutors can help your child thrive in reading and beyond!
