Super Teacher Worksheets

4th Grade Reading Comprehension

The printable reading passages on this pages are a mixture of fiction stories, nonfiction articles, poems, readers' theater scripts, and biographies. Each file has reading comprehension questions to go along with the passage, and a vocabulary activity. Several printables are free, or join STW for full access to all material!

4th Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets

Fiction Stories

Jackie is spending the day at her grandparents' farm, and she can't wait to explore the place her grandparents call the dinosaur graveyard.
4th Grade
Common Core
Multiple Versions Available
Multiple Versions Available
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Read the fantasy story about Caroline's adventures in an enchanted forest.
4th Grade
Liz can't wait to see how her school picture came out, but when she sees it, all she can think about is getting retakes. That is until she finds a creative way to deal with the embarrassing photograph.
4th Grade
Things can look a lot scarier than they really are when you can't see them clearly. That's what Dominick discovers when he loses his eyeglasses. This reading comprehension activity includes short answer questions, vocabulary words, and a writing prompt.
4th Grade
Justin and Mary are vacationing at their uncle's lake house, and when Uncle Thomas tells them about the Foggy Figure that haunts the lake, they're determined to see it with their own eyes. But the fog is holding a surprise they never would've suspected.
4th Grade
When Phoebe has to make a flag of the country that best represents her nationality for the International Luncheon, she doesn't know what to do. She's eight different nationalities all in one. But with some creative thinking, Phoebe finds a way to create a flag that proudly displays who she is.
4th Grade
Honeydew is a bear who loves honey, but he comes into some trouble with the honeybees. Readers will answer questions and complete a writing prompt.
4th Grade
Erik finds a strange-looking skeleton key in his grandfather's house, but what door does it open... and what will he find?
4th Grade
Read this story about a groundhog and his other animal friends. Then answer the comprehension questions, complete the vocabulary activity, and respond to the writing prompt.
4th Grade
It's Emily's first time in New York City. Everything is bigger and brighter, but Emily can't help missing the peacefulness of home. Will the big city be big fun like her parents promised?
4th Grade
When Bear sees the frozen lake outside his den, he is afraid that he might freeze too. Hare explains to him how the water in his body won't freeze easily like the water in the lake. Bear learns an important science lesson! Reading comprehension questions, vocabulary words, and a writing prompt are available for this story. An answer key is included.
4th Grade
This clever story is a retelling of Aesop's Fable. Activity includes thinking questions, vocabulary terms, and a journaling activity.
4th Grade
Jacob finds out his teacher isn't at school today and he will have a substitute. Will his substitute be nice? Or will he be the meanest teacher in the whole school?
4th Grade
On her way to soccer camp, Tara worries what the other kids will say when they see the black stitches on her face.
4th Grade
When a stranger visits the house with her older brother, Ella becomes jealous.
4th Grade
Daniel can't wait to go to Disney World, but the long car ride is torture. He can't imagine a worse road trip until his father tells him about a nightmare of a trip he took as a kid. Now Daniel hopes there's enough time to hear all his mother's road trip stories, too.
4th Grade
Maureen thinks fortune telling is spooky, but when her friend Becca pulls her to Madam Ursula's fortune telling booth, Maureen is quite surprised by her reading.
4th Grade
Matt and Allie want to win the High Flyer kite competition, but their design isn't nearly as exciting as the other competitors. They try to add some extra flare to the kite but it just might cost them the win.
4th Grade
While Alicia helps her grandparents move into their new house, she finds an old diary in the attic. Alicia can't put the diary down since it was written by a dancer and Alicia dreams of becoming one. But when she finds out who the diary belongs to, she just might achieve her dream.
4th Grade
Andy doesn't like going along with his dad on all the weekend errands. But when the final stop turns into an underwater adventure, Andy learns some errands can actually be fun.
4th Grade
When Marcus, Lexi, and Adam enter a labyrinth race, they discover there's more to winning a maze than just luck.
4th Grade
Here's a fiction piece called "Singing Cousin". Nikki is worried that her cousin Bella will embarrass her in front of her friends. After all, Bella sang just about everything she said. Will Nikki make it through the three-day visit or will Bella's singing ruin everything?
4th Grade
Meredith can't find any of the things she needs to get ready for school, including her homework. She knows she didn't put them away but where could they have gone?
4th Grade
When Michelle's best friend Paige suddenly becomes popular, Michelle feels left out. But when Michelle mumbles something mean about Paige and someone overhears, rumors start to run wild through the school. Can Michelle set things straight and get her friend back?
4th Grade
Amy decides to hold an ethnic dinner night at her school to help earn money for a new computer lab.
4th Grade
Laura wants to be elected the first class leader and wear a shiny gold badge for all to see, but when her best friend also runs for the position, Laura must decide if winning is more important than taking the position from someone who really deserves it.
4th Grade
Cindy wants to win the community fishing contest by catching the biggest fish, but she gets a big surprise that may win her a trophy after all.
4th Grade
Lance can't wait to go to the skate park with his older brother, Nathan. He even breaks his promise to work with Haley on their science project. But when Nathan decides to go to a baseball game instead of taking Lance to the skate park, Lance will learn the true meaning of the word promise.
4th Grade
Arianna is excited when her cousin asks her to be the flower girl in her wedding, but when Arianna finds out flower girls are usually very young, she doesn't want to do it. Can her mother convince her that the job is about more than age in time for the wedding?
4th Grade
Amara wants to make a tree house for her dolls, and thinks it will be easy since she's following an online tutorial. But she'll learn design flaws can happen even when you follow directions. The question is, will those design flaws ruin her tree house?
4th Grade
Ethan can't stand the way Kyle is always following him around, but Ethan just might come to realize that he and Kyle have more in common than he thought.
4th Grade
With basketball tryouts around the corner, Jason is busy working on his free throws. He wants to make every one to impress his coach, but shooting for perfection isn't easy.
4th Grade
Emily comes face-to-face with fierce tennis opponent, Big Bertha. Does Emily have what it takes to become a champion? Find out in this exciting reading passage!
4th Grade
Terrance is terrified of spiders, so when his school trip is to go spider watching, he doesn't want to go. Still, his teacher is convinced Terrance will be amazed by the spiders' webs. Can the spiders' talents outweigh Terrance's fear?
4th Grade
Ted wishes he could trade his older sister, Kate, for his neighbor Aaron, but when Aaron comes to spend the afternoon, Ted realizes he's glad he has Kate.
4th Grade
Hadley doesn't want her friends to know she puts on performances at the senior center after school, but when her best friend catches her in the act, she'll have to confess her secret plans to be an actress.
4th Grade
With the charity dance just days away, Shauna wants to run and hide. But the dance is for a good cause and all her friends are going. She enrolls in a few dance classes and tries to learn enough not to embarrass herself. But on the night of the dance, she'll feel silly for a completely different reason.
4th Grade
Shelby thinks she knows everything about Hayword Elementary and its students, but when a new girl shows up, Shelby jumps to the wrong conclusion about the girl's appearance.
4th Grade
Daisy is ready for winter to be over and to enjoy spring, but snow still covers the ground. Can her older brother David find a way to bring spring to the snowy March they're having?
4th Grade
This is a story about a boy and his stuffed animal, and how he learns he can sleep without it if he wants to. Students will complete a series of reading comprehension questions to test their recollection of the story.
4th Grade
Darren forgot all about his science project that's due tomorrow. Now he can't go to the new skate park with his friends. And how will he come up with a project in one day? But his mom saves the day with an idea that's exploding with fun.
4th Grade
Darla and Erin are blaming each other for breaking their teacher's glass apple, but when they each explain what happened, they'll realize how they were only seeing one side of the story.
4th Grade
When Valerie has to present a personal item to the class as a way to get to know her, she can't figure out what to bring. Everything in her room is either too personal or doesn't say much about her. But a package from her favorite aunt just might contain the answer.
4th Grade
William can't wait for the new puppy to arrive, but when everyone is focused on the puppy and William isn't allowed to go to the park, he's not sure being a pet owner was what he thought it would be. Can he learn to put the puppy's needs first?
4th Grade
When Jameson eavesdrops on his Mom's phone conversation, he thinks his mom is setting up a play date with the younger boy down the street. Jameson pretends to study to get out of it, but after he wastes the entire afternoon bored in his room, he discovers he missed a lot of the conversation he was trying to overhear, and he also missed out on an afternoon of fun.
4th Grade
Kaylan and Cody try to the find the owner of a lost kitten.
4th Grade
Reese spends his entire weekend trying to beat his new video game, but when he finally does, he's run out of time to write his English essay. Or has he? Daylight Savings just might save his English grade.
4th Grade
Jamal has been training for his first 5K race and is determined to come in first in his age group, but he'll learn what it really means to be a winner.
4th Grade
When Mr. Miller asks the class to name their fears, Clayton is sure he doesn't have any. But he'll learn that being afraid to admit your fears might be the scariest thing of all.
4th Grade
Corrine loves the gymnastics unit at school, so when she steps into the gym and finds out they are watching DVDs of past Olympic Games, she's disappointed. But seeing the athletes gives her a great idea of how they can bring the Olympic Games to their school.
4th Grade
When Michelle's best friend gets a horse for her birthday, Michelle wants one too. But it's not in her family's budget. Will this birthday be a flop or is there another way Michelle can learn to ride?
4th Grade
Seth isn't happy about the project his teacher assigned, especially since he has to stay up late to complete it. But the perigee moon just might be more exciting than he realized.
4th Grade
Sam is afraid his essay about his summer vacation won't impress his friends at school since he didn't go anywhere exciting, but he'll learn that what you do is more important than where you go.
3rd through 5th Grades
Charla loves hanging out and going to the beach with Aunt Monica, but now that Aunt Monica is pregnant, Charla worries things are becoming all about the baby.
4th Grade
Pirates are about to embark on their first adventure.  (7 characters, 3 page script)
2nd through 4th Grades

Poems

What's a rabbit habit?  It's when you love to eat rabbit food!   This entertaining poem promotes healthy eating.  Read the poem and answer the questions on this free printable.
4th Grade
A cute poem about inheriting traits from your family.
4th Grade
A fun poem about children who play outside in the snow.
4th Grade
While tossing a baseball back and forth with her sister, this girl makes an amazing catch.  This poem has a fun twist at the end that kids enjoy.
4th Grade
This is a cute poem about a girl who wishes she had a butter churn in her kitchen.
4th Grade
After reading this poem about spring, students will answer reading comprehension questions, complete a vocabulary exercise, and follow a writing prompt.
4th Grade
This poem about a strong tree also has a message about growing up. Five reading comprehension questions are included.
4th Grade
Spring has brought with it many surprises! The biggest surprise of all is an April Fool's Day joke! Poem includes reading comprehension questions, vocabulary words, and a writing prompt.
4th Grade
A thoughtful poem about what to do when you cannot sleep at night.
4th Grade
This poem teaches students about writing similes. The worksheet that follows allows students to practice writing their own similes.
4th Grade
This poem shows students many examples of metaphors. On the following page, students write their own metaphors.
4th Grade
This fun poem presents students with many examples of onomatopoeia, such as bang, crash, boom, clang, and quack.
4th Grade
The poet uses a color array or words to describe a sunset in this poem.
4th Grade
What would you do if you could rocket to the stars? This poem outlines a fun day in space for the narrator. Following the poem are five reading comprehension questions.
4th Grade
A curious girl looks up into the brilliant sky and sees a dragon soaring her way!
4th Grade
Some desert plants are adapted to thrive in dry and hot climates.
4th Grade
Learn about urban, suburban, and rural communities in this clever poem.
4th Grade
Learn all about supply and demand in this fun poem that features Stan and his Boomtastic Flies!
4th Grade
This is an uplifting poem about the "everyday heroes" who help out in your community.
4th Grade
A cute Christmas poem about a fashionable gingerbread man who writes a letter to Santa Claus.
4th Grade
Students will enjoy this cute poem about the unusual names that trees are given.
4th Grade
Comparing two texts - an article and a poem; Learn about Venus Flytraps and answer the questions.
4th Grade
This poem shows how hard it was to live on the frontier long ago. Milking cows, darning socks, and hemming a dress were some of the many household chores.
4th Grade

Nonfiction Articles

This engaging article will teach readers all about otters. Then, they'll complete reading comprehension questions that reinforce key ideas from the article.
4th Grade
What is that fuzzy green stuff growing on the sandwich you left out for too long? It's mold! Learn all about what mold is, how it forms, and how mold is both harmful and helpful in this fascinating article. Worksheet includes comprehension questions, a writing prompt, and vocabulary terms.
4th Grade
Learn all about whale sharks - the world's largest fish! This reading comprehension activity includes questions about the text, vocabulary words, and a writing prompt. An answer key is included.
4th Grade
The wide, flat plains of Tornado Alley are a recipe for one of Earth's strongest storms! Read about how, when, and where tornadoes tend to form in this full-length article.
4th Grade
Learn all about roly-poly pill bugs by reading this free high-interest article.  Then, answer the comprehension questions.
4th Grade
This free article teaches students how and why we sneeze. 
4th Grade
This article includes lots of facts about the amazing saguaro cactus of the Sonoran Desert. Test students' reading comprehension skills by having them answer the questions after reading the article.
4th Grade
The Appalachians are some of Earth’s oldest mountains. They run through several provinces and more than a dozen states. Find out how they were shaped and how they shaped communities in this article.
4th Grade
Read all about the gibbon, a type of agile ape, and answer questions about the article. The worksheet includes a vocabulary crossword and a writing prompt.
4th Grade
Learn how the recycling process works, and what items can be recycled.
4th Grade
Students using this worksheet will get a great overview of the concept of erosion. Questions include short answer, a vocabulary activity, and a writing prompt.
4th Grade
Mount St. Helens is arguably the most famous volcano in the continental United States. By reading this article, students can learn all about it. Then they can test their comprehension skills by answering the questions.
4th Grade
Read about the Colosseum, an iconic building in Rome, Italy, and answer questions about it. Questions include multiple choice, short answer, a vocabulary activity, and a writing prompt.
4th Grade
A persuasive article about the sport of running.
4th Grade
With this article, students will learn all about the famous headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, known as the Pentagon. Reading comprehension questions help test and reinforce their understanding of the text.
4th Grade
Learn all about the sleep cycle, dreaming, and more in this fascinating nonfiction article!
4th Grade
In 1953, two climbers, Edmund P. Hillary and Tenzig Norgay, became the first men to climb to the summit of Mount Everest.
4th Grade
Read about the Newfoundland pony, an animal known for its strength, courage, and common sense. Then answer a series of reading comprehension questions, complete a vocabulary activity, and respond to a writing prompt.
4th Grade
From ancient cave discoveries to Aztec ceremonies to playing a part in the invention of the microwave, popcorn has a fascinating history.
4th Grade
The article explains how constellations got their names (comparing it to finding pictures in the clouds) and how the same constellation can be known by different names across the globe.
4th Grade
Read the compare and contrast passage about porpoises and dolphins. This article has a question page, a cut-and-paste Venn Diagram activity, and a vocabulary worksheet.
4th Grade
Electric eels sure are electric, but did you know they're not really eels? Learn interesting facts about electric eels in this reading comprehension article. Includes comprehension questions, vocabulary words, and a writing prompt.
4th Grade
Did you know that stingrays are in a group of fish called batoids because their bodies look like bats gliding through the water? Learn this and other interesting facts about stingrays in this reading comprehension activity!
4th Grade
Students learn all about the Erie Canal and how it impacted the development of New York State and the United States as a whole. After reading the article, they can complete reading comprehension questions, a vocabulary exercise, and a writing exercise.
4th Grade
This nonfiction article and reading comprehension worksheet is a great resource for teaching your students about the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, sometimes called the Iroquois or Six Nations.
4th Grade
This article tells the unique history of Haudenosaunee beadwork, seen on items such as pincushions, purses, and picture frames. After reading the passage, students will test their understanding by answering several reading comprehension questions and completing a vocabulary activity and writing prompt.
4th Grade
Learn about the reason why leaves change their color in the fall! This worksheet includes reading comprehension questions, a writing prompt, and vocabulary terms. An answer key is included.
4th Grade
Perhaps the most well-known structure in all of France, the Eiffel Tower is easily recognizable to most. However, there's a lot to know about the tower that you might not expect. Read this article and answer the questions that follow to find out all about the world-famous building.
4th Grade
The Middle East is known for its dry and arid climate, so how did it end up as home to some of the earliest known farming and the first civilizations? Read this article to find out!
4th Grade
Did you know people have been chewing gum for thousands of years? Learn about the history of bubble gum in this fascinating article! Reading comprehension questions, writing prompt, and vocabulary words are included in this activity.
4th Grade
Discover the stink bug - an animal that uses a noxious odor to scare enemies away.
4th Grade
Students will read this informative article about spider monkeys--the acrobats of the rain forest! Then they'll answer questions, including a vocabulary activity and writing prompt.
4th Grade
Here is a nonfiction passage about the desert cottontail, an interesting animal that lives in the American southwest.
4th Grade
Did you know that rabbits and hares are actually different? Learn the similarities and differences between rabbits and hares in this reading comprehension article. Comprehension questions, a writing prompt, and vocabulary words are included.
4th Grade
Learn about several birds that run and walk and swim instead of fly.
4th Grade
Discover how polar bears have adapted to live in the Arctic.
4th Grade
Learn all about the beautiful and powerful tiger in this reading comprehension article with short answer questions, vocabulary words, and a writing prompt.
4th Grade
Students will enjoy reading about bats, skunks, owls, and other nocturnal animals.
4th Grade
This nonfiction article describes the many unknown virtues of dandelions.
4th Grade
Learn about the big-eared, bushy-tailed fennec fox.
4th Grade
A porcupine rattles its quills and sends off an unpleasant odor to protect itself.  Finding yourself on the wrong end of a porcupine's quills may be more thrills than you're looking for.
4th Grade
Learn the similarities and differences between boas and pythons with this compare/contrast article.
4th Grade
Learn the differences between crocodiles and alligators.
4th Grade
A poem about a colony of ants jubilantly collecting crumbs for their queen.
4th Grade
Learn about the anatomy and behaviors of one of the most feared spiders in the world.
4th Grade
Ancient sailors may have seen manatees and thought they were mermaids.
4th Grade
Read about the three different types of wetlands:  swamps, bogs, and marshes.
4th Grade
Learn about a special kind of wetland found mostly along the Gulf of Mexico by reading this article. Complete a paired crossword, writing prompt, and variety of comprehension questions.
4th Grade
Learn all about blimps, what they are used for, and how they work.
4th Grade
This is an nonfiction reading comprehension worksheet about ostriches. This animal worksheet is geared toward fourth grade students. Students learn facts about the ostrich in a nonfiction article and answer reading comprehension questions to follow. Vocabulary exercises and a writing prompt are included.
4th Grade
This nonfiction article tells how elephants played important roles in both World Wars. Students will carefully read the article and complete questions, a vocabulary activity, and a reading prompt to test their reading comprehension.
4th Grade
Your students will learn about how the first settlers in America established their colonies and the hardships they faced.
4th Grade
Are grasshoppers a farmer's friend or foe?  Actually, both.  Find out how grasshoppers can help and harm humans.
4th Grade
When President Theodore Roosevelt wouldn't shoot a bear on a hunting trip, he became known as a kind and humane person.  The toy that was named after him reminds us of his legacy.
4th Grade
Discover the similarities and differences between frogs and toads.
4th Grade
Learn how walnuts grow, and why they're important to people.
4th Grade
Discover many fascinating facts about chameleons.
4th Grade
Read about the differences between carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores.
4th Grade
Did you know that lions are the only wild cats to live in cooperative groups, called prides? Learn this, and other interesting facts, about lions in this reading comprehension article. Includes comprehension questions, vocabulary words, and a writing prompt.
4th Grade
This article describes the anatomy and habitat of major shark species. It also describes why many types of sharks are endangered.
4th Grade
Learn about the events that cause winter, how animals prepare for winter, and wintertime activities people enjoy.
3rd and 4th Grades
Discover everything you wanted to know about spiny hedgehogs.
4th Grade
This article is all about alligator snapping turtles. These animals look like dinosaurs because they have thick tail, clawed feet, and powerful jaws. Underwater, they use their pink, worm-like tongue to lure in predators.
4th Grade
Learn all about these fascinating canines with this engaging reading comprehension passage. After the article, there are several questions, a crossword with key terms, and a writing prompt.
4th Grade
Learn tons of fascinating facts about iguanas in this article.
4th Grade

Biography

This short biography of Walt Disney is filled with interesting facts.  Students read the biography and test their comprehension with the questions that follow.
4th Grade
This biographical article highlights the major events of Abraham Lincoln's life.
4th Grade
This passage features an overview of George Washington's life.
4th Grade
Students read the biography of Dr. Seuss, then answer the set of questions that follow.
4th Grade
Read the passage about Rosa Parks and answer the comprehension questions.
4th Grade
Learn about the famous composer and musician Ludwig van Beethoven with this engaging article and worksheet. After reading the article, students will answer reading comprehension questions, respond to a writing prompt, and complete a vocabulary activity.
4th Grade
This printable worksheet teaches students about an inspiring athlete named Wilma Rudolph. After reading the article, they will answer several reading comprehension questions.
4th Grade
Read this short biography of Bessie Coleman to learn about the first female African American to become a pilot.
4th Grade
Jane Goodall is famous for her work with chimpanzees. Read this short article on her and then answer the comprehension questions.
4th Grade
Mary Anning was a fossil hunter who found the first complete skeleton of a Plesiosaurus in 1823. Find out more and test your reading comprehension skills with this worksheet.
4th Grade
Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman doctor in the United States. Read this short article to learn more about her life.
4th Grade

Short Passages

Learn the causes and effects of a toothache.
4th Grade
A short poem about a young girl who can't walk in her mother's high heels.
4th Grade
Quick-read passage teaches students about a cave that is so long, it hasn't been entirely mapped.
2nd through 4th Grades
Another quick read paragraph with facts and questions about the Amazon River.
2nd through 4th Grades
This picturesque volcano is almost perfectly cone shaped! Answer six questions after reading about this famous Japanese landmark.
4th Grade
Read about lines of latitude and longitude in this short article. Five questions are included to test reading comprehension.
4th Grade
Most notably used by the Haudenosaunee (also known as Iroquois), longhouses are a type of traditional Native American home. Students will learn about these buildings with a short passage and several reading comprehension questions.
4th Grade
Circus Maximus was the first and largest stadium built in Rome. Read a brief overview of it and then answer several questions.
4th Grade
A short passage about haiku and three haiku poems.
4th Grade
A short biographical overview of Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim across the English Channel.
4th Grade

Reading Comprehension
Files by Grade:

1st Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets

A collection of reading passages and questions for 1st graders.

2nd Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets

A collection of reading passages and questions for 2nd graders.

3rd Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets

A collection of reading passages and questions for 3rd graders.

5th Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets

A collection of reading passages and questions for 5th graders.

Literature Circle and Book Club Worksheets

Reading worksheets for all grade levels.

Animal Articles

This collection of 3rd through 5th grade reading comprehension passages features articles about many different species of animals.

Reading Comprehension Stories

Reading Comprehension Questions

Reading Worksheets

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Common Core Alignment
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