Welcome to the Year 4 class page!

Summer Term One - What will we be learning?

English – In English this half term we will be focussing on a range of fantastic books. We will begin by creating a wonderful information text on a historical woman from the book ‘Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World’ by Kate Pankhurst. The children will learn about several amazing women before choosing their own historical woman to research and write about using all the features of a great information text. After our Prestatyn trip, the children will continue their learning about Vikings by creating a superb letter in the role of a Viking child before moving on to a persuasive advertisement. We will also explore several other books where children will have the opportunity to showcase their superb writing skills. As always, there will be a focus on children correctly using grammar, vocabulary and spelling, but most importantly of all we want the children to enjoy writing and create superb pieces of work.

Reading – Reading takes place every day in school, in a variety of ways: whole-class guided sessions, individual reading, and during the class text. Vocabulary, retrieval and improving inference are all of high priority, but ensuring your child enjoys reading is the main thing that matters! Please encourage your child to read as often as possible outside of school. Remember, comprehension and an appreciation of what you have read is of equal importance to speed and fluency. It is so important that each and every child has an enjoyment of reading. There is a book for everyone! If you're not sure what your child should be reading next, please come and ask. If you need any recommendations, please ask. Lovereading4kids.co.uk is a wonderful website for recommendations but we have a vast selection in school.

Maths – This half-term, children will continue their work on fractions: learning about improper fractions and mixed numbers before progressing on to fractions of amounts, equivalent fractions and the relationship with decimals. As the Year 4 Times table check will be taking place later on in the school year, there will be an increased focus on times tables, children should be able to recite all the times tables within 5 seconds. To achieve this we will be practising them daily but any extra practise at home would be hugely beneficial. Times Tables Rock Stars will help with this, so ask for your child's login details if you are you do not already have them. In addition to this, children will complete a daily 5 a day recap of various areas of maths that will recap and embed previous learning.
Science – Our science topic for this half-term is ‘Sound’. We will be conducting a range of wonderful and stimulating investigations encouraging the children to think scientifically and develop their scientific knowledge.

History – Our next topic focus will be a geographical based one. However, the children will continue their Viking learning through guided reading and writing based lessons.

Geography – This half-term, the children will be focusing on comparing the geographical locations of Prestatyn and Salford. They will be developing their mapping skills, analysing urban and rural areas as well as linking to our previously taught science topics of ‘Habitats’ and ‘Water’. This will be a fantastic opportunity for children to apply their first-hand accounts of our trip to Prestatyn.

R.E – Our topic this half term will focus on 'Judaism' where we will investigate how Jewish beliefs, teachings and stories impact on their daily lives.

Spanish – Our topic this half-term is 'In the Classroom' where we will be looking at key vocabulary and constructing sentences orally and in written form.

PSHE – Our focus this half term is all about ‘Relationships’. We will discuss what makes relationships healthy and unhealthy, applying this to school friendships as well as other key areas.

Art & Design – We will be taking inspiration from bodies and will develop our sketching skills.

P.E - This term PE is every Tuesday and Thursday.
Don't forget to bring the correct kit, ready for the lessons. This is a white T-Shirt, black shorts and a pair of black pumps, as well as plain black jogging bottoms and a jumper for the colder months. It would be ideal if this kit was clearly labelled and kept securely in a labelled P.E. bag, so that any misplaced items can be returned quickly.

Swimming– 4H will continue their swimming this half-term. They will need a towel, swimming costume (for girls), swimming trunks (for boys) and a swimming cap. If you have any questions regarding this, please speak to a member of the Year 4 team.

Homework – Reading will be the children's main activity that is expected outside of the classroom. If the right book is found, this should not seem like hard work! Weekly spellings and maths practise will also be provided. Of course, any additional research or work is richly encouraged and will only benefit your child's progress throughout the year.

Prestatyn Trip- A reminder that our trip is this half-term, from Wednesday 29th April to Friday 1st May. If you have any questions regarding the trip, please speak to a member of the year 4 team.

If you have any questions or queries, please arrange a phone appointment via the school office. We thank you for your continued support as we head into this next half term.
Mr Holden, Mr. Allaway and the Year 4 Team :)