Grade 4 National Reading Vocabulary

Grade 4
National Reading Vocabulary

The following list contains 900 “new” reading words that students need to master by the end of
Grade 4. Students who master these vocabulary words (along with knowing all words in our Grades
1 – 2 – and 3 vocabulary lists) will be reading at approximately a 5.0 grade level and typically score
in the top 10% on 4th Grade national reading tests (such as the Woodcock-Johnson or Stanford
Achievement Test). These 900 words are the “next” most-common reading words used in reading
and textbooks after the 2036 words introduced in the Grades 1 – 2 – and 3 Lists. Words in this list
(and all lists) were selected after detailed computer analysis for word frequency in grade level
textbooks including Houghton Mifflin, Scholastic, and Accelerated Reader. To insure
comprehension of test questions in a school’s end-of-year testing, we also include critical test
question vocabulary (i.e. author, locate, paragraph, details, sequence, fact, opinion, pattern etc.).

Words in our Grade 4 List are organized as follows - TOTAL = 900 words

1st nine weeks - 144 new words (plus an additional 108 review words from Grade 3)
2nd nine weeks - 252 new words
3rd nine weeks - 252 new words
4th nine weeks - 252 new words

Vocabulary Organization Readiness TEST

Although 1008 total words are used in the An excellent test to determine if a student is
Grade 4 list, 900 are ”new” reading vocabulary ready for the Grade 4 Program is to have the
words and 108 words are important review student read the 108 “R” review words listed in
words from the Grade 3 list (Review words are Weeks 1 through 9. If your student can read
designated by an “R” appearing to the left of 50% correctly (54 of 108) then he/she is
the word). Words are introduced at a steady reading at approximately a 3.5 Grade level (3rd
rate of 7 words per day for a total of 28 words Grade 5th month) and should begin with our
per week. Friday is to be used by classroom Grade 3 Student Reading Program. If 75% are
teachers as a review and/or test day to answered correctly (81 of 108), then he/she is
determine mastery of the week’s vocabulary. reading at approximately a 3.8 Grade level and
The list words are organized from “most- should be tested on the individual words in the
common” to “least-common” along common Grade 3 program. If your student can read the
vowel sound or reading rule categories. 108 review words with 5 or less errors they
Teaching words together that share the same should be ready for the Grade 4 Vocabulary
vowel sound has been shown to dramatically Building Program. Along with reading the
improve the learning rate for students. words correctly, it is very important for your
student to read the words fluently. Fluency is
Word of the Day the process of being able to read words easily -
smoothly and without hesitation. National
Some of our daily lists show a “WD” next to research has shown that vocabulary and
the last word. This is called the “Word of the fluency are the two essential components for
Day” and has been placed here because it is achieving maximum reading comprehension.
typically more difficult to learn than the other
phonics based words. This difficulty occurs The Most Progress - The Least Effort
because it is either visually similar to other
words (i.e. went – want) or its letters are not With over 20 years researching reading
consistent with typical phonics rules (i.e. methods and student progress, the evidence
does/duz – what/wut). The Word of the Day clearly shows that teaching reading vocabulary
typically requires more practice to insure its words in small groups that share the same
complete memorization. vowel sound will generate far more progress
than any other method of teaching reading.

Drug Use Vocabulary Words Testing Procedure

You will come across several “drug related” To test a student, simply sit down at a table and
vocabulary words in weeks 20 through 24 in the ask him/her to read the words from the
Grade 4 list including – alcohol – cigarettes - beginning of this list. If your student is able to
marijuana and cocaine. Some teachers are read the words easily and without hesitation,
startled when they encounter these words out of you may wish to save some time and ask them
context, however, the ReadingKEY program is a to read only the more difficult “WD” words
compilation of words used in typical grade level (Words of the Day). If a child can read these
textbooks including those from science and words correctly, then he/she most likely can
health. Since national research shows many read the other words correctly (since the WD
students typically begin experimenting with drug words are typically more difficult).When your
use in Grade 4, we strongly recommend you use student reads a word incorrectly, it is highly
this opportunity to discuss with your students or beneficial to write the word the child actually
child the harmful consequences of these drugs said next to the list word. For example, if the
and how to “say no” when they are exposed to word on the list is “certain” - and your student
them in a typical social situation. The vocabulary said “curtain,” – you should write down “curtain”
word “attrition” is also repeated in this list and is directly next to the list word “certain.” This way
an excellent word to help students understand they can be practiced together later. You
how and why drug use can be harmful to one’s should also record if your student hesitates on a
health. word. For example, if your student hesitates 5
seconds on the word “sure,” you should write a
A Powerful Tool for Teachers 5 next to the word “sure.” If they hesitate even
2 seconds – you should write a “2” next to the
If you are a classroom teacher and want to give word.
your students a tremendous jump in reading
ability at the start of school, we strongly Follow Up Practice
encourage you to use our Grade Level Lists (like
this one) to test all your students in a one-on-one After completing the testing, write 20-30 list
situation during the first week of school. Grade
4 teachers should enlist the help of assistants, words that you previously marked onto a 4x6
other students or parents and test each student
on the Grade 3 words. Grade 3 teachers should card and tape to the top right of your student’s
test all students using the Grade 2 Vocabulary
list. Grade 2 teachers should test their students desk. (Students love the fact that they have
using the Grade 1 list, etc. By doing this, you
are identifying critical vocabulary that your their very own special set of words). From time
student should have mastered before beginning
their current Grade Level Vocabulary Program to time, ask a student to read the words on their
(remember, words from a previous grade list
occur with greater frequency in books, and 4x6 card. You can also make a classroom
therefore, are more important to have mastered).
It is suggested that you print one copy (12 activity of having students put their words into
pages) of each vocabulary list for each student.
While this takes considerable time (and about a sentences as well as timing them during the day
half ream of paper), it keeps things much more
organized and allows for less confusing on how fast they can say their words. When
identification of words during the testing process.
(It is also quite impressive to the parents in your mastery of the card words is reached, you can
beginning of the year teacher conference to give
them a list of words specifically for their child). then tape another card onto their desk with the

next 20-30 words. Note: When putting words

onto the card it is recommended that you skip a

space between each word. Mastery is

attained when the student can read the list

words correctly without hesitation. As added

encouragement, you may wish to set up a

reward for mastery of the words from the list.

For classroom teachers who take time to
conduct pre-testing and subsequent
practice, you’ll observe an immediate
advancement in student reading level.

To download the first nine weeks of any grade in our ReadingKEY program absolutely free -
Go to our free trial page at www.readingkey.com - click “TRIAL” – To become a member click “JOIN”

Name __________________________ Class __________________ Date __________

Week 1 GRADE 4 National Reading Vocabulary 1st Quarter

Grade 3 Words Reviewed for #1-3 First 9 weeks

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

short a short e short i short o

R tax R length R build R lock

R act R crept R split R fond

R wrap R mend R wrist R cross

plan pest bill jog

task deaf thrill loss

grams depth twitch shot

shallow edge guilt solve

Week 2 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY 2 Cons. Rule 2 Cons. Rule 1 Cons. Rule

short u R chapter R million R used
R discuss R gallon R belong
R hut R difference R rotten R super
R dull
R struck lesson magnetism equal
magnet rather silent
skull culture experiment musician
husband alphabetical WD response WD finish
muscle
WD touch

Week 3 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY 1 Cons. Rule 1 Cons. Rule 1 Cons. Rule

1 Consonant Rule R report R elect R frozen
R refund R climate R protect
R writer R famous R pronoun R remove
R develop
R human return glacier label
demand beyond remind
define flames protest research
medium request grocery WD Britain
major
minor

Comments:

Materials available at TampaREADS.com & ReadingKEY.com

Name __________________________ Class __________________ Date __________

Week 4 GRADE 4 National Reading Vocabulary 1st Quarter

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

ai – long a ee – long e ea – long e ea – short e

R mail R speed R leave R measure

R gain R agree R reason R treasure

R contains R squeeze R peace R breath

fair peek really sweat

daily peer clearly weapon

airline sleet decrease deadly

maintain greedy meanwhile meadow

Week 5 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY er er - ir ur

ar R neither R birth R curtain
R several R thirty R burst
R harm R discover R squirrel R surface
R market
R apart service personal fur
deliver thirst surf
artist uglier liter curved
article WD erase litter hurricane
shark
starve

Week 6 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY 2 Cons. Rule 2 Cons. Rule 2 Cons. Rule

2 Cons. Rule R common R suffer R ribbon
R expect R offer R sandwich
R public R subject R signal R gather
R language
R master added admit gallop
selfish jagged pressure
atlas agriculture seldom interest
skinny handsome messenger plastic
effort
canyon

Comments:

Name __________________________ Class __________________ Date __________

Week 7 GRADE 4 National Reading Vocabulary 1st Quarter

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

ai Final-e Rule 1 Cons. Rule ie – long e

R main R ache R usual R field

R hail R value R hero R niece

R straight R continue R museum R brief

trailer gaze total shield

remain rate even priest

railroad latitude rules fierce

maintenance longitude frequent briefcase

Week 8 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY C-Rule G-Rule Short Vowels

Silent Letters R certain R gentle R attic
R office R imagine R swift
R known R necessary R biology R flock
R thought
R palm citizen Germany rust
cancel challenge shin
though balance knowledge width
knight accelerate legislature sniff
doubt
knob

Week 9 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY Silent Letters ol – long o long o - oa

ly ty ending R whistle R pole R coast
R listening R solar R roam
R finally R foreign R folder R boast
R plenty
R duty doubtful bold coal
neighborhood scold goal
hourly lamb mold load
monthly debt scroll cocoa
yearly
annually

Comments:

Name __________________________ Class __________________ Date __________

Week 10 GRADE 4 National Reading Vocabulary 2nd Quarter

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

ay ai ee ea (2) oa ee ie ea all - al

bay brain loan mall

payroll plain groan eyeball

delay kneecap proceed hallway

display teasing volunteer swallow

relay repeal frontier stall

halfway wealthy keen altogether

Mayflower threaten retreat although

Week 11 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY Final-e Rule 1 Cons. Rule 2 Cons. Rule

le al ol (endings) gale defend kidneys
rescue fatal mattress
fumble type bakery understood
pebble describe previous contact
horrible excite odor import
trial device labor export
normal WD judge equator WD critical
individual
capitol

Week 12 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY tion - sion or ar – or ending

C-Rule location organ regular
fiction organized bachelor
scientist information ignore senator
divorce population boredom horror
cancer conversation forecast elevator
pesticide condition orchestra interior
rice decision WD worse exterior
spice
circular

Comments:

Name __________________________ Class __________________ Date __________

Week 13 GRADE 4 National Reading Vocabulary 2nd Quarter

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

ar er ir ury or – or ending Short vowels

chart mercy tornado comet
gravity
partner wonder historic guilty
mass
tardy wander support discovery
conflict
depart jury visitor friendship

barbecue firm governor

hardware internal divisor

WD parallel external janitor

Week 14 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY ou oi oy oo ew

short o – au aw ounce moist proof
outline moisture shampoo
proper discount foil toothbrush
cause outgoing disappointed toothpaste
automatic housing avoid crew
automobile proud royal chewy
awkward WD tour employ WD cruel
withdraw
WD lawyer

Week 15 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY dis Ex – short e short i co – short u

un prefix dishonest excitement connect
disrespect explanation confuse
unfair disagree expensive confusing
unsure discontinue exceptional contribute
uneven disbelief except convince
unknown discourage WD exist confess
unbelievable WD disaster WD exact contract (2)
unless
unnecessary

Comments:

Name __________________________ Class __________________ Date __________

Week 16 GRADE 4 National Reading Vocabulary 2nd Quarter

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

tion sion ful able

nation discussion fearful available

national confusion skillful dependable

station erosion successful understandable

instruction conclusion peaceful pleasurable

combination explosion meaningful profitable

selection compassion merciful desirable

description WD tension plentiful reasonable

Week 17 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY al ending est less - ness

le ending natural freshest restless
capital tiniest endless
tumble rental busiest worthless
vehicle vertical prettiest usefulness
capable horizontal roughest wilderness
motorcycle accidental straightest boldness
tricycle material wealthiest witness
flexible
cattle

Week 18 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY Consonant - y Consonant - y fy – long i

Consonant - y usually delivery satisfy
activity deputy magnify
foggy grumpy barely amplify
curly instantly previously simplify
injury memory practically ratify
priority diary temporary modify
shaggy poverty WD reply WD stuffy
snowy
simply

Comments:

Name __________________________ Class __________________ Date __________

IMPORTANT: Please note that the words “marijuana” – “cocaine” – “alcohol” – and “cigarettes” are listed in
weeks 19-23. These words are included because of national research showing 4th Grade is the year many

students are first exposed to drugs from peers and in social settings. In order to successfully discourage

involvement, it is of utmost importance to discuss the health consequences of drug use prior to this first

exposure. This will give students the confidence needed to say “no” when the first situation arises. Failure to

address this topic has been shown to result in higher rates of student drug use. Teachers may wish to contact

parents prior to their introduction in order to explain the rationale for their placement in the lists. Once parents

see the important educational and health benefit s for their child, there should not be any negative concern.

Week 19 GRADE 4 National Reading Vocabulary 3rd Quarter

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

a – short u a – short u a – short u Final-a Rule

assign appear account comma

attend alarm astronomy Asia

afford annoy abuse California

ability assist assume marijuana

approve accomplish associated peninsula

adjust aboard attempt encyclopedia

achieve appearance arrive China

Week 20 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY Final-e Rule Final-e Rule Tricky Long Vowels

1 Cons. Rule tone share poem
volume severe height
utensils admire calculate frightened
cocaine stroke silverware freight
religion demonstrate telescope grind
minority create microwave quotient
italics WD Europe WD expense piano
recover
provided

Week 21 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY 2 Cons. Rule 1 Cons. Exceptions 1 Cons. Exceptions

2 Cons. Rule fabric rapid topic
fractions project limits
instead mathematics gravel cavern
champion gutter panic benefit
restaurant issue senate minimum
customer alcohol talent maximum
opportunity attitude vanish recognize
embarrass
WD acre

Name __________________________ Class __________________ Date __________

Week 22 GRADE 4 National Reading Vocabulary 3rd Quarter

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

co – short o co – short u co – short u Unusual short u

comment compete comfort canal

compound command comfortable patrol

compact combine communicate fatigue

compromise complain compass dramatic

competition compare completed tongue

composition community commission committee

commerce convention commissioner WD butcher

Week 23 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY C-Rule G-Rule al ending

C-Rule cement geography carnival
advice geology visual
ceramic Pacific manager diagonal
recent replace frigid gradual
adjacent introduce region manual
concentrate cigarettes budget identical
recently citizenship rage occasional
succeed
society

Week 24 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY 1 Cons. Rule y – short i “s” has “z” sound

ar - except belief system tease
gigantic typical observe
married deposit mystery observant
marriage reserve symbol clumsy
carriage desire sympathy despise
parachute resist sympathetic advertise
rarely WD present (2) symphony advertisement
vary
Caribbean

Comments:

Name __________________________ Class __________________ Date __________

Week 25 GRADE 4 National Reading Vocabulary 3rd Quarter

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

ou - ow ance – 2 sounds ion ending ment

outstanding glance million department

boundary stance billion argument

stout finance trillion agreement

mountainous fragrance onion settlement

counselor ignorance union amendment

coward ambulance companion government

WD journey acquaintance rebellion equipment

Week 26 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY 2 Cons. Rule 2 Cons. Rule tion

2 Cons. Rule intense practical stationary
drastic abnormal taxation
blizzard entrance structure transaction
differ velvet advance attrition
reptile actually illustrate additional
millimeter dispose publisher protection
ingredient mistaken WD essential WD detention
Missouri
slender

Week 27 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY or ty my hy ry ar er ur or

er ir ur forms penalty cargo
oral security carpenter
fertile gorgeous variety perfect
Virginia original anatomy permanent
shiver former squishy tolerate
stapler minorities luxury survive
helicopter WD coarse WD purify torture
duration
purchase

Comments:

Name __________________________ Class __________________ Date __________

Week 28 GRADE 4 National Reading Vocabulary 4th Quarter

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

ate – short i ine – long e/ short i ies ending tive

accurate marine colonies active

adequate submarine factories positive

immediate sardines armies attractive

appropriate examine activities creative

moderate famine ceremonies relative

estimate (2) doctrine responsibilities effective

candidate (2) determine WD supplies representative

Week 29 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
tion
MONDAY ous ending ment ending
decoration
tion curious payment solution
serious movement emotion
malfunction delicious apartment emotional
infection generous compliment separation
foundation nervous treatment attrition
revolution tremendous environment WD vision
prescription humorous entertainment
plantation
application

Week 30 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY 1 Cons. Rule ch – k sound ph – f sound

2 Cons. Rule unity stomach graph
depend chemistry atmosphere
victory revolt chemicals geographer
customs supervisor schedule photograph
intend bureau character photographer
summarize rebel technology Philadelphia
industrial WD process scholar emphysema
empty
WD microscope

Comments:

Name __________________________ Class __________________ Date __________

Week 31 GRADE 4 National Reading Vocabulary 4th Quarter

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

tion Unusual short u 2 Cons. Rule short vowels

section amazing contrast grasp
draft
tradition opinion platform grant
check
expedition assemble impact drench
frost
irrigation contagious income funds

creation govern festival

consideration collaborative influence

discrimination collection lessen

Week 32 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY Final-e Rule ar er or C-Rule G-Rule

1 Cons. Rule polite hardship central
dispute particle council
global bribe marshal ceremony
prevent globe merchant gentlemen
vital zone borders logical
event hemisphere horizon legend
review educate organize voyage
primary
WD secondary TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

Week 33 Short Vowels Long Vowels Unusual Spelling

MONDAY satisfied details resources
delegates evil mechanical
Short o sound linen pretend tomb
situation trader pyramid
octopus column laborer anxious
logic combat vacant isthmus
squatter solid migrant salmon
aqueduct
audience
auditorium
WD lawyer

Comments:

Name __________________________ Class __________________ Date __________

Week 34 GRADE 4 National Reading Vocabulary 4th Quarter

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

1 Cons. Except. 2 Cons. Rule tion - sion C-Rule G-Rule

Spanish interview construction justice
concept
Japanese industry aviation hygiene
vigilante
catalog immigrant presentation engineer
refrigerate
economics progress precipitation prejudice

refugee ethnic international

minerals transmitter mission

clever method depression

Week 35 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY 1 Cons. Rule Short Vowels Unusual short u

1 Cons. Except united mischief attract
rotate prosper machinery
tenant revolve custodian apology
military sequence tolerant collapse
manufacture universe option production
punish resistance asteroid arrival
colony WD kilometer evident consumer
volcano
property

Week 36 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous

Short vowels ought capacity shy
cluster spiral transfer
dishwasher obvious terrified tourism
transcontinental pajamas sheriff priority
occupy denied orbit clippers
riddle involve fortune quality
risky boulder dawn quantity
lizard
absolutely

Comments:

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