Reading comprehension worksheets designed for fourth-grade students provide fun and interesting stories for children to read. The stories can be fiction or non-fiction and can educate, enlighten and entertain. After the students are done reading, give them a list of questions to answer about the stories that will test how well they comprehend what they read. Their answers will not only reveal their level of comprehension, but will also provide avenues for discussion.
Children sometimes read so quickly they miss elements of stories. Help a child slow down and savor the story by breaking it down. Ask the child about the characters. Read a section aloud and talk about what's happening in the story and how the characters are feeling. Practice reading the dialogue aloud together, using tones and body language to fit the characters. Once you have the story down, perform a reader's theater. This could be done at home or in school.
Help children understand what comprehension means without extensively explaining the concept to them. Read aloud to children and explain the main idea of the story, but also ask them questions about the characters, circumstances and possible outcomes. Use material that is interesting to fourth-graders so they will be more inspired to have greater understanding. Stick to the same topic for two to four weeks to increase comprehension.
Encourage children to read on their own for fun every night. Children practice reading comprehension every time they read. Plus, reading on their own makes it fun rather than work.
A book club, at home or school, or both, can also help fourth-graders improve reading comprehension as they engage in discussions about what they have read. At home, the child can engage with family members, while at school, fourth-graders can discuss the story among themselves.