在四年级的英语学习中，阅读理解是一项重要的技能。通过课外阅读，学生不仅能够提升词汇量，还能增强对语言结构的理解和运用能力。下面是一些适合四年级学生的课外英语阅读理解题目及其答案。

阅读材料一：

The Birthday Party

It was Sarah's birthday yesterday. She invited her friends to her house for a party. They played games, sang songs, and ate delicious cakes. Sarah received many presents from her family and friends. Her favorite gift was a beautiful doll. At the end of the party, everyone said goodbye and went home. Sarah felt very happy because she had a great time with her friends.

问题：

1. Whose birthday was it?

2. What did they do at the party?

3. What was Sarah's favorite gift?

答案：

1. It was Sarah's birthday.

2. They played games, sang songs, and ate cakes.

3. Her favorite gift was a beautiful doll.

阅读材料二：

The Little Turtle

There once was a little turtle named Timmy. He lived in a small pond near his home. One day, Timmy decided to explore the world outside the pond. He crawled slowly towards the big forest. Along the way, he met many animals like rabbits and birds. They all told him how dangerous the world could be. But Timmy didn't listen. He kept going until he reached a big river. There, he realized that the pond was the safest place for him. So, Timmy returned home safely.

问题：

1. What is the name of the turtle?

2. Where did Timmy live before he decided to explore?

3. Why did Timmy return home?

答案：

1. The name of the turtle is Timmy.

2. Timmy lived in a small pond near his home.

3. Timmy returned home because he realized the pond was the safest place for him.

以上是两篇简单的阅读材料及其问题和答案。通过这样的练习，四年级的学生可以逐步提高他们的阅读理解和语言表达能力。家长和老师可以根据孩子的兴趣选择更多类似的阅读材料，帮助他们享受英语学习的乐趣。