Reading is a quiet and educational activity. A teacher should allow fourth-grade students the opportunity to choose their own books to read during free time. This will help the students develop a love for reading and help them to learn more about the topic they are reading about. Other reading ideas include books to supplement lessons and introductory information about future lesson units. Ask the students to practice active reading activities such as highlighting vital information and keywords, and taking notes in a journal. This quiet activity will keep fourth-grade students interested.
Manipulatives are objects that a student can manually manipulate with his hands that enhance the learning experience. Offer fourth-grade students manipulatives to use as a quiet activity that can done at their desks while they wait for the next classroom activity to begin. Manipulatives should be educational and should not be looked at as a fun activity or students will rush through work in order to have the opportunity to "play" with the manipulatives. Some manipulative ideas include math flash cards and map puzzles.
Students can spend time quietly writing at their desks during lulls in classroom activities. Encourage students to do creative writing such as writing a fictional book. Students can also illustrate the book and bring it home to share with parents. Other writing activities include writing various types of poetry or composing a letter to a fellow student, relative or even to a parent. Writing activities help students practice spelling, penmanship and creativity.
A teacher can ask students to work on unfinished work or start on homework at their desks while they wait for other students to finish assigned work. Other activities include providing students with hand-outs such as word finds, crossword puzzles, mazes and coloring activities. Drawing is another quiet activity that students can engage in while waiting.