Looking for an exciting learning journey for fourth graders? You’re in the right place! We’ve curated over 36 engaging activities specifically tailored to meet the developmental needs of fourth-grade students.
These activities are designed to boost academic growth, improve self-esteem, and promote emotional well-being. Explore science activities, math challenges, and art activities that cater specifically to fourth graders.
We also have team-building exercises and mindful activities that make learning fun and comprehensive. Whether it’s enhancing problem-solving skills or fostering creativity, our resources are here to help your child thrive.
So grab a coffee and explore the world of learning with us!
Activities For 4th Grade
Crafty Pipe Cleaner Glasses
The Crafty Pipe Cleaner Glasses activity is a fun craft for kids. This activity allows them to create funky glasses using colorful pipe cleaners, perfect for pretend play and dress-up.
Materials: Colorful pipe cleaners, scissors, and small decorative items.
How to Do:
- Shape two pipe cleaners into circles and squares for lenses.
- Twist the ends to secure the shape.
- Create a bridge by twisting another pipe cleaner around each lens.
- Attach pipe cleaners for the arms, bending them to fit around the ears.
- Decorate with pom-poms or beads if desired.
Pencil Toppers Craft
The Pencil Toppers Craft activity is a creative way for kids to personalize their school supplies. This fun project allows them to make unique pencil toppers using simple materials, adding a touch of creativity to their daily writing tools.
Materials: Colored construction paper, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, glue, scissors, and pencils.
How to Do:
- Cut shapes from colored construction paper.
- Glue googly eyes and decorations to the shapes.
- Wrap a pipe cleaner around the pencil top.
- Glue the decorated shapes to the pipe cleaner top.
- Let the glue dry completely before use.
Photo Frame Craft
The Photo Frame Craft activity is a lovely way for kids to create personalized frames for their favorite pictures. This craft allows them to use their creativity to design and decorate photo frames that can be given as gifts or used to display cherished memories.
Materials: Cardboard, glitter paper, scissors, glue, decorative items (pom-poms, beads, stickers), and photos.
How to Do:
- Cut a rectangle from cardboard for the frame base.
- Cut a smaller rectangle from the center to create the frame opening.
- Cover the frame with colored or glitter paper using glue.
- Decorate with pom-poms, beads, stickers, etc.
- Attach a photo to the back, centered in the opening.
Water Dispenser Science Project
The Water Dispenser Science Project is an exciting activity for kids. It teaches them about the basic principles of physics and engineering while allowing them to create a functional water dispenser from simple materials.
Materials: Empty plastic bottle, a cardboard box, construction paper, scissors, tape, a paper cup, and a marker.
How to Do:
- Cut a hole in the cardboard box for the bottleneck.
- Cut a small hole near the bottom of the bottle.
- Secure the bottle upside down in the box hole with tape.
- Place a cup under the bottle hole.
- Decorate and label the box “Water Dispenser.”
- Fill the bottle with water. Loosen the cap to control the water flow.
Paper Cup Rocket
The Paper Cup Rocket activity is an exciting craft that lets kids create their own rockets. This fun project encourages creativity and fine motor skills, making it perfect for young space enthusiasts.
Materials: Paper cups, colored construction paper, scissors, glue, markers, decorative items like glitter and stickers, paint, and brushes.
How to Do:
- Paint the paper cup with paints or crayons for the rocket’s body.
- Cut a circle from construction paper, slit halfway, roll into a cone, and glue it on top for the nose cone.
- Cut triangles from paper and glue to the cup for rocket fins.
- Add glitter or stickers for decoration.
Colorful Spinner Craft
The Colorful Spinner Craft is a fun activity that lets kids create their own spinners. This project is perfect for developing fine motor skills and creativity, providing hours of entertainment.
Materials: Cardboard or thick paper, markers or crayons, scissors, glue, and a toothpick or small stick.
How to Do:
- Cut circles from cardboard or thick paper for the spinner’s base.
- Decorate circles with markers or crayons for vibrant patterns.
- Carefully poke a small hole in each circle’s center.
- Insert a toothpick or small stick through the hole, securing with glue if needed.
- Spin the circles to enjoy the colorful patterns.
Mini Papercraft
The Mini Papercraft activity is a creative project where kids can build their own mini vehicles using simple materials. This craft encourages imaginative play and fine motor skills.
Materials: Cardboard tubes, colored construction paper, scissors, glue, and markers or crayons for crafting.
How to Do:
- Cut cardboard tubes into smaller sections for vehicle bodies.
- Wrap sections with colored paper and glue them down.
- Cut wheels and details from paper and glue them onto tubes.
- Use markers for extra designs.
- Let the glue dry before playing.
Fraction Practice Board
The Fraction Practice Board activity is an educational way for kids to learn and practice fractions. This hands-on project helps children visualize and understand fractions through interactive play.
Materials: White paper, colored markers, a ruler, and scissors.
How to Do:
- Divide white cardboard into a grid using a ruler and marker.
- Draw circles in each grid section and divide them evenly (e.g., halves, thirds, quarters).
- Color the correct number of sections to show each fraction visually.
- Write the fraction below each circle.
Life Cycle of Butterfly
The Life Cycle of a Butterfly activity is a creative way for kids to learn about the stages of a butterfly’s life. This craft project helps children understand metamorphosis through hands-on learning.
Materials: White sheet, colored construction paper, scissors, glue, and markers.
How to Do:
- Make four sections, egg, caterpillar, pupa, and butterfly, onto the white sheet.
- Cut shapes from colored paper for each stage (egg on a leaf, caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly).
- Glue shapes onto plate sections.
- Label stages with markers and add arrows for progression.
Multiplication Wheel Craft
The Multiplication Wheel Craft is an interactive activity that helps kids practice multiplication in a fun way. This hands-on project makes learning math more engaging and visual.
Materials: Colored construction paper, scissors, glue, and markers.
How to Do:
- Cut two circles from colored paper for the wheel.
- Divide and label one circle with multiplication factors, the other with products.
- Attach circles at the center with glue for rotation.
- Make several sets with different tables for practice.
- Decorate with markers for a fun look.
DIY Paper Plate Maze
The DIY Paper Plate Maze is a fun activity that helps kids develop problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. This simple craft project is perfect for keeping kids entertained while encouraging creative thinking.
Materials: A paper plate, drinking straws, scissors, glue, and a small ball or bead.
How to Do:
- Design a maze layout on a paper plate with a pencil. Plan paths and dead-ends.
- Cut drinking straws to fit the maze design.
- Glue straws onto a plate along the maze layout, leaving space for a ball or bead.
- Let the glue dry completely.
Visual Discrimination Activity
The Visual Discrimination Activity is a fantastic way for kids to enhance their observation and fine motor skills. This activity involves matching and distinguishing between different visual patterns, making it both fun and educational.
Materials: A white sheet, black marker, matchsticks, and bottle caps.
How to Do:
- Draw a grid on paper with multiple squares.
- Use a black marker to draw various figure patterns inside each square.
- Collect small objects like matchsticks and bottle caps.
- Have your child replicate the stick figure patterns using these objects, placing them in the matching squares.
Rock Painting
Rock Painting is a creative activity where kids can transform ordinary stones into colorful works of art. This craft encourages artistic expression and is perfect for decorating gardens or as unique gifts.
Materials: Smooth, clean rocks, acrylic paints, markers, and brushes.
How to Do:
- Collect smooth rocks from your garden or a park.
- Give your child acrylic paints or paint markers to draw designs on the rocks.
- Let the paint dry completely.
Thanks Giving Crown
The Thanksgiving Crown is a creative activity that lets kids celebrate the holiday with a fun and colorful craft. This project is perfect for enhancing fine motor skills and getting into the Thanksgiving spirit.
Materials: Colored construction paper, scissors, glue, markers, and tape.
How to Do:
- Cut a long strip of construction paper to fit around your child’s head for the crown base.
- Draw and cut feather shapes from various colors of construction paper.
- Create a turkey shape for the front of the crown and glue feathers to the back, fanning them out.
- Use markers to write “Happy Thanksgiving” on the strip.
- Tape the ends of the strip to form a crown that fits your child’s head.
Superhero Shields Craft
The Superhero Shields Craft activity allows kids to create superhero shields inspired by their favorite characters. This fun and imaginative project encourages creativity and role-playing.
Materials: Paper plates, paint, paintbrushes, and markers.
How to Do:
- Choose a superhero design (e.g., Captain America’s shield).
- Paint the paper plate accordingly.
- Add details with markers or crayons.
- Let it dry.
Make Paper Origami
Making Paper Origami is a fun activity that helps kids develop fine motor skills and creativity. This craft involves folding paper into various shapes and designs, creating beautiful and unique figures.
Materials: Colored origami paper, markers, and googly eyes.
How to Do:
- Begin with a square colored paper. Choose a design like a dog, bird, or fish.
- Follow folding instructions step-by-step for your chosen origami design using online guides or a book.
- Attach googly eyes for extra character to your origami figures.
DIY Paper Airplane launcher
The DIY Paper Airplane Launcher activity is an exciting project that lets kids create their own launchers to send paper airplanes flying. This craft combines creativity with basic engineering principles, providing a fun way to explore physics and aerodynamics.
Materials: Paper, rubber bands, cardboard, scissors, glue, and paper clips.
How to Do:
- Fold the paper into airplanes using different designs or a classic one.
- Cut cardboard for the launcher base.
- Attach a rubber band to the base.
- Unfold a paper clip to create a hook and attach it to the front of the airplane.
- Hook the paper clip onto the rubber band.
- Pull back the airplane, stretch the rubber band, and release it to launch it.
Play with Car Maze
The Play with Car Maze activity is an engaging way for kids to have fun while improving their problem-solving skills. This activity involves drawing a maze for toy cars, providing endless entertainment.
Materials: A large sheet of paper and colored markers, along with toy cars.
How to Do:
- Draw a maze with markers. Include paths and obstacles.
- Mark start and finish at opposite ends.
- Give your child a toy car.
- Encourage trying different routes to solve the maze.
Describe the Picture
The Describe the Picture activity is an educational way for kids to enhance their vocabulary and descriptive writing skills. This activity involves looking at a picture and writing descriptive words and sentences about it.
Materials: Pictures or flashcards depicting various objects, paper, and markers.
How to Do:
- Choose a picture or flashcard.
- Put the picture at the top of the paper.
- Ask your child for adjectives describing the picture. Write these down.
- Help them write a sentence using these adjectives, like “The cake is soft and sweet.”
Dot Matching Game
The Dot Matching Game is a simple activity that helps kids develop their color recognition and matching skills. This game is perfect for young children and can be easily created at home with basic materials.
Materials: Colored paper, scissors, glue, and cardboard.
How to Do:
- Cut small rectangles from colored paper.
- Glue dots of different colors onto the colored paper rectangles.
- Make a matching board by gluing pairs of colored dots onto cardboard.
- Lay out the matching board and the dotted rectangles.
- Have your child match the dots on the rectangles with those on the board.
Write a Letter to a Friend
Writing a letter to a friend is a wonderful way for kids to practice their writing skills and learn about the joy of personal communication. This activity is both educational and heartwarming, helping children to express their thoughts and feelings.
Materials: An envelope, along with a pen or pencil, and stamps.
How to Do:
- Write the address and date on top of the paper.
- Start with a friendly greeting, like “Dear [Friend’s Name],”.
- Share what you’ve been up to or any news.
- Ask your friend questions to prompt a reply.
- Close warmly, e.g., “Sincerely,” “Best wishes,” or “Your friend,” followed by your name.
- Place it in an envelope, write the address, and add a stamp if mailing.
Table learning Board
The Table Learning Board is an educational tool designed to help kids practice and memorize multiplication tables. This interactive craft makes learning math fun and engaging.
Materials: Thick paper, colored construction paper, scissors, glue, and a marker.
How to Do:
- Cut a square or rectangle from thick paper.
- Draw a multiplication table grid on it.
- Cut two colored paper strips for sliders.
- Write problems and answers on paper pieces.
Crumpled Paper Art
Crumpled Paper Art is a creative activity that allows kids to create colorful and textured artwork using crumpled pieces of paper. This craft helps develop fine motor skills and artistic expression.
Materials: Construction paper, white paper, glue, scissors, and markers.
How to Do:
- Draw a shape (like a butterfly) on white paper.
- Cut construction paper into small squares.
- Crumple each square into a small ball.
- Apply glue to a section of the outline.
- Use markers or crayons for extra details or background.
Fireworks Craft
The Fireworks Craft activity is a fun project that allows kids to create colorful and decorative fireworks using simple materials. This craft is perfect for celebrations and adds a touch of creativity to any event.
Materials: Colored construction paper, scissors, glue, and decorative items such as stickers, glitter, washi tape, and wooden sticks.
How to Do:
- Cut a small rectangle of colorful paper and roll it into a tube, gluing the edges.
- Cut a circle from the paper, then cut a small triangle out to form a cone, and glue it on top of the tube.
- Decorate the rocket tube with stickers, markers, or tape.
- Attach a wooden stick or straw at the bottom for a handle.
- Roll smaller paper pieces into cylinders and decorate as fireworks.
Mirror Writing Activity
The “Mirror Writing” activity is a fun way for kids to understand symmetry and improve their handwriting. By writing words in reverse, children can see how they appear correctly in a mirror. This simple and educational exercise can be done with everyday materials.
Materials: Index cards or small pieces of paper and a marker, along with a mirror.
How to Do:
- Write simple words in reverse on index cards (e.g., write “SUN” as “NUS”).
- Place cards in front of your child and give them a mirror.
- Have your child hold the mirror up to each card to read the words correctly.
Phonic Spinner Activity
The Phonic Spinner Activity is a creative way for kids to learn and practice phonics. This activity helps children understand letter sounds and word formation through an interactive and fun approach.
Materials: Thick paper, colored construction paper, scissors, glue, markers, and push pins.
How to Do:
- Cut two circular spinners from sturdy paper, dividing them into sections with different phonetic letters.
- Cut a rectangular base and label it.
- Attach the spinners to the base with push pins so they can rotate.
- Cut a strip of paper for word alignment, marking where letters will appear.
- Create and attach a sliding window over the strip to reveal words.
- Rotate the spinners and slide the mechanism to form new words.
DIY Sand Clock
Creating a DIY Sand Clock is a fascinating activity that combines creativity with basic science principles. This project is perfect for teaching kids about the concept of time while engaging in a hands-on craft.
Materials: Two plastic bottles, sand, cardboard or thick paper, scissors, and glue.
How to Do:
- Cut off necks from two plastic bottles cleanly.
- Glue or tape bottle necks together, aligning openings.
- Make a sturdy base from cardboard or thick paper.
- Fill one bottle with sand for desired timer duration.
- Secure second bottle on top, creating the sand clock.
- Flip to start timer; watch sand flow.
- Decorate clock; label base “DIY Sand Clock.”
Jenga Play
“Jenga Play” is a challenging game that helps kids develop fine motor skills and strategic thinking. The goal is to remove and stack blocks without toppling the tower.
Materials: Jenga game set.
How to Do:
- Stack blocks in alternating layers to build the Jenga tower.
- Players take turns removing one block at a time, except from the top.
- Place the removed block on top, maintaining the alternating pattern.
- The game ends when the tower falls. The player who causes it to fall loses.
Roller Skating Activity
The “Roller Skating Activity” is a fantastic way for kids to stay active and have fun. Roller skating helps improve balance, coordination, and physical fitness while providing an exciting outdoor experience.
Materials: Roller skates, a helmet, and knee and elbow pads.
How to Do:
- Ensure your child wears a helmet and protective pads.
- Find a smooth, flat surface like a park or skating rink.
- Help your child put on and secure their roller skates.
- Encourage slow practice of balancing and skating, increasing speed with confidence.
Cards Play
“Cards Play” is an entertaining activity that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Playing card games helps improve cognitive skills, strategy, and social interaction. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a fun afternoon with friends.
Materials: Deck of playing cards.
How to Do:
- Gather players around a table. Give each player an equal number of cards.
- Choose a card game (e.g., Go Fish, Crazy Eights, War).
- Explain the rules to all players.
- Play the game, taking turns until there is a winner.
Skipping Activity
The “Skipping Activity” is an enjoyable way for kids to stay active. Skipping helps improve cardiovascular health, coordination, and balance. It’s a fun activity that can be done indoors or outdoors with friends or solo.
Materials: Jump ropes.
How to Do:
- Give each child a jump rope.
- Find a safe, open area.
- Show them how to hold and swing the rope.
- Encourage them to start skipping, timing their jumps with the rope.
Planting a Tree
“Planting a Tree” is a wonderful activity that teaches kids about nature and the environment. It helps them understand the importance of trees and how they contribute to a healthier planet. This hands-on activity is educational, fun, and rewarding.
Materials: A young tree or sapling, a shovel, and a watering can.
How to Do:
- Choose a suitable location with enough space for the tree to grow.
- Dig a hole deep and wide enough for the roots.
- Place the sapling in the hole, ensuring it stands upright and roots are covered with soil.
- Fill the hole with soil and pat it down to remove air pockets.
- Water the newly planted tree thoroughly.
Basketball Play Activity
Basketball Play” is an exciting activity that helps kids develop teamwork, coordination, and physical fitness. Playing basketball encourages healthy competition and is a great way for children to stay active and have fun.
Materials: A basketball and a basketball hoop. Find an open space or a basketball court.
How to Do:
- Gather players, give each a basketball.
- Choose teams, explain basic rules.
- Divide into two teams.
- Start with one team taking the ball from the center to score.
- Ensure everyone participates and enjoys.
Tug of War
“Tug of War” is a classic activity that encourages teamwork, strength, and coordination. It’s a fun way for kids to engage in a friendly competition while building their physical endurance.
Materials: Sturdy rope and ample open space.
How to Do:
- Divide players into two teams.
- Place a marker in the middle of the rope.
- Each team grabs an end of the rope and lines up.
- On “three,” teams pull in opposite directions.
- The team that pulls the other across the marker wins.
Magazine Reading Activity
“Magazine Reading Activity” is an educational way for kids to enhance their reading skills and explore various topics. It fosters a love for reading and helps improve comprehension, vocabulary, and knowledge.
Materials: Children’s magazines and a comfortable reading space.
How to Do:
- Choose children’s magazines on topics like science, nature, sports, and stories.
- Set up a cozy reading space for the kids.
- Let them pick a magazine and start reading.
- Discuss the articles with them, ask questions, and encourage them to share what they learned or found interesting.
Cook Dinner with Mom
“Cook Dinner with Mom” is a wonderful activity that allows kids to spend quality time with their mom while learning valuable cooking skills. It encourages teamwork, creativity, and healthy eating habits.
Materials: Gather ingredients and cooking utensils, and wear aprons for the chosen recipe.
How to Do:
- Choose a simple recipe with your child.
- Gather ingredients and utensils.
- Put on aprons to stay clean.
- Follow the recipe together, let kids measure and mix under supervision.
- Cook together safely in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Fourth-grade activities help kids grow and learn. They can explore science, create art, and play games, which are fun and educational.
By doing experiments and working together, kids learn new things and improve their problem-solving and teamwork skills.
These activities make kids feel confident and excited to learn every day.
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