Visit a local library together, and allow your fourth grader to select interesting books that match the student's reading level. Different types of books that make reading enjoyable are available for fourth grade students, such as adventure books. Comic books may also be of interest to them, because they contain interesting characters and short text.
Set aside 30 minutes each day to read with your fourth grader at home. Sit in a quiet area of the home that is free of distractions, and have him read a story out loud to parents and siblings. Reading out loud helps build confidence, and allows parents to hear what areas of difficulty in reading children are having, such as fluency and pronunciation.
Instruct your student to write down questions she has about the story and confusing words from the text when she reads books on her own. Answer each question to the best of your ability, or research the answers online with her. Providing a dictionary for your fourth grader to use while reading also helps her learn new words present in each book and understand the text.
Have your fourth grader share a part of the story that was interesting. Ask him to share an experience he had that was similar to the story, making a connection between the text and real life. Invite him to guess what events will occur next, if the book is more than 100 pages in length. Sharing helps parents ensure that the child comprehends what is being read and the message the author is trying to send to readers.
Get on the same page with the teacher. Express problems your fourth grader is experiencing while reading, and work with the teacher to create an action plan to assist her at home and school. Speak to the teacher about programs available at school to help with any speech issues that make reading difficult for your child.
Sign your student up for a book club at a local library, or create a book club at home to encourage reading. Children have the opportunity to share books with kids their own age and form opinions about books being read when participating in a library book club. Forming a book club at home allows parents to evaluate books being read by fourth graders and take note of their child's interests. It also creates a bonding opportunity for parents and children.