Welcome to Year 4

Teacher: Miss Bates

Teaching assistants: Mrs Bain (AM), Mr Nash (PM- Monday and Wednesday), Mrs Parish (PM- Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)

Term 2

We hope you all had a lovely half-term break and are ready for another exciting term of learning. We have lots of engaging activities planned across the curriculum and look forward to continuing to support the children as they develop their confidence, independence and curiosity.

English

In English, we will begin by exploring The Stroodle, a non-fiction text, before moving on to Aladdin and The Enchanted Lamp. Children will develop their writing skills by creating interesting and imaginative sentences and applying a range of grammatical techniques.

In SPaG, we will continue to develop our understanding of punctuation and word classes, as well as exploring alliteration, metaphors, adverbial openers, expanded noun phrases and superlatives. Children will be encouraged to apply these techniques independently in their own writing.

Our whole class reading text will be A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond. Through shared reading, discussion and comprehension activities, children will develop their vocabulary, inference and retrieval skills while enjoying the adventures of Paddington.

We will also continue to encourage children to develop a love of reading through regular reading at home and our weekly library sessions.

Maths

As mathematicians, we will begin the term by developing our understanding of addition and subtraction, focusing on using the column method with exchanging to solve calculations accurately. We will then explore area, learning how to calculate and compare the area of different shapes by counting squares.

We will continue to develop our understanding of multiplication, with a particular focus on the 6, 7, 9, 11 and 12 times tables. Children will also explore division using part-whole models, making connections between multiplication and division.

Later in the term, we will develop our understanding of measurement, including measuring length and calculating and comparing perimeters.

Throughout the term, children will develop their fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills through practical activities, mathematical discussions and challenges.

Science

In Science, our topic is Sound.

Children will learn that sound is made by vibrations and explore how sound travels through different materials. We will investigate how changing the pitch and volume of a sound can affect the vibrations we see and hear.

Children will also have the opportunity to design and make their own musical instruments, testing how different materials affect the sounds produced. They will develop their scientific enquiry skills by making predictions, carrying out investigations and explaining their findings.

Geography

In Geography, our topic is Why do people live near volcanoes?

Children will begin by learning about the four layers of the Earth and exploring different types and features of volcanoes.

We will investigate where volcanoes are found around the world and consider why people choose to live near volcanic areas. Children will explore both the positive and negative effects of living near a volcano and use their geographical knowledge to form and explain their own opinions.

Design and Technology

In Design and Technology, children will be exploring healthy eating and food preparation.

They will investigate what makes a healthy and balanced meal before designing and making their own healthy pizza. Children will have opportunities to consider ingredients, make design choices and develop their practical food preparation skills.

Computing

In Computing, our topic is Repetition in Shapes.

Children will learn how to read and write simple code and use repetition to create shapes and patterns. They will explore how to create and debug algorithms, as well as modify existing code.

Children will use these skills to create their own programs containing a count-controlled loop, developing their understanding of how repetition can make code more efficient.

Religion and World Views

In Religion and World Views, our topic is Festivals: How do ancient stories influence modern celebrations?

Children will explore how stories from the past have influenced festivals and celebrations today. They will investigate the origins and meanings of different celebrations and consider how traditions, stories and beliefs are passed down through generations.

Children will compare different festivals and celebrations, identifying similarities and differences and considering how ancient stories continue to influence the way people celebrate today.

PSHE

In PSHE, our topic is Valuing Difference.

Children will develop their understanding of relationships, similarities and differences and explore ways of responding positively when disagreements occur.

We will learn about conflict resolution, recognising and dealing with disagreements and respecting the differences between people. Children will also explore different types of relationships and what makes relationships positive, respectful and supportive.

French

In French, we will continue to develop our phonics and pronunciation skills.

Children will learn vocabulary linked to the days of the week and months of the year, developing their confidence in speaking and listening. We will also explore vocabulary linked to Christmas, using songs, games and simple activities to support their learning.

Music

In Music, our topic is The Pink Panther Theme.

Children will explore how music can help to tell a story and create a particular mood and atmosphere. They will listen to and perform music inspired by the famous Pink Panther theme by Henry Mancini.

Children will have opportunities to listen, perform and compose, developing their understanding of rhythm, melody, tempo and dynamics while working collaboratively.

Forest School 

Forest School will take place on Wednesdays. Children should come to school in school uniform and bring appropriate outdoor clothing suitable for all weather conditions. This is a fantastic opportunity for children to develop teamwork, resilience and confidence through outdoor learning experiences.

P.E.

P.E lessons will take place on Mondays and Thursdays. On Mondays, children will be developing their hockey skills with a sports coach. On Thursdays, children will take part in Drumba, developing their coordination, rhythm and fitness through movement and music. 

Please make sure children come to school in the correct P.E uniform as detailed below. 

You will need to wear:

• Plain black / navy shorts, plain white t-shirt or white t-shirt with school logo
• Daps for indoor PE
• Trainers for outdoor PE
• Plain black / navy joggers and a plain black / navy sweatshirt or ‘hoodie’ may be worn for cold weather outdoor PE in the winter.
• A blue school fleece with logo is also available.
• Please remember to pack socks for those who wear tights with their normal school clothes.

 Please do not wear different colours or clothes with other logos. 

Home Learning

This term, home learning will continue to be set every Friday. Home learning will include daily reading for approximately 15 minutes. Children are expected to record at least five reads each week in their reading records to show regular practice and progress. As part of our reading rewards initiative, children are working towards earning bookmarks for every 25 reads, along with other exciting reading milestones to celebrate their commitment and achievement. Children will also be expected to practice their weekly spellings, which will be tested on Fridays. Children will also be expected to complete regular times tables practice using TT Rockstars, and complete a sound check, which helps to prepare them for the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) which is an assessment all Year 4 children will complete in June 2027.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to me after school or contact the school office.

Miss Bates
Class Teacher