Year 4
Welcome to the Year 4 class page!
Spring 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 be begin by looking at a wonderful book called 'King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table' by Marcia Williams. This book contains several thrilling tales about Lancelot, Arthur, and Camelot to name just a few. Using this great text as stimulus we will create wonderful pieces of writing, such as an exciting retelling of the story of Lancelot and a newspaper article about Arthur pulling Excalibur from the stone. There will be a focus on children correctly using dialogue within this unit of work as a key grammar focus. Within all pieces of writing, grammar, vocabulary and spelling are paramount, 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 develop their skills on multiplication and division using concrete resources before progressing to more pictorial and abstract, formal strategies. 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 Electricity. We will be conducting a range of wonderful and stimulating investigations encouraging the children to think scientifically and develop their scientific knowledge. In addition to this, children will learn the about the dangers of electricity and how to keep safe when using it.
History – This half-term, children will focus on Britain following on from their Year 3 work on the Romans. They will begin to learn about Anglo Saxons and Celts as the Roman Empire fell, learning about key figures, events, culture and living conditions before moving on to the Vikings in Spring Two.
Geography – Our next geography topic will be in Summer One.
R.E – Our topic this half term will focus on 'Judaism' where we will investigate their key religious beliefs and events.
Spanish – Our topic this half-term is 'Habitats' where we will be looking at key animals and their environments.
PSHE – Our focus this half term is all about ‘Dreams and Goals’. We will discuss children's dreams and aspirations and how they can achieve them.
Art & Design – We will be taking inspiration from bodies and will develop our sketching skills.
P.E - This term PE is every MONDAY for 4A and every THURSDAY for 4H.
Don't forget to bring the correct kit, ready for this day. 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 before finishing in February. 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.
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 :)