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Year 4

Welcome to Year 4!

I hope you have had a wonderful break and that you are ready for an exciting and busy Spring term in Class 4. This term we will be learning about ‘The Romans’. Below is a little bit of information about all the fantastic things we will be learning throughout the Spring Term.

Empowering English

In English this term, we will be continuing to use The Write Stuff approach developed by Jane Considine to improve our writing. This term we will explore a range of quality texts - both fiction and non-fiction! Our first fiction unit is based on the narrative 'The Iron Man’ by Ted Hughes. After we have completed our work on this book, we will look at a non-fiction text in the form of a holiday brochure.

Throughout the term, we will continue with our weekly ‘Big Write’ to practise the skills we have learnt. We will also be focusing on reading comprehension through our ‘Book Talk’ sessions.

Our English targets this term will be:

I can carefully choose nouns and pronouns to avoid repetition
I can use adverbs e.g. gently, mysteriously, yesterday, above
I can use prepositions e.g. behind, on, over, between
I can use inverted commas for direct speech
I can use expanded noun phrases

Marvellous Maths

In Maths, we will be focussing on place value and developing our understanding of addition and subtraction. We will be learning about 4-digit numbers which will include recognising the value of each digit in a 4-digit number, finding 1000 more or less than a given number and ordering numbers beyond 1000. We will also learn to round numbers to the nearest 10, 100 and 1000, count backwards through zero including negative numbers and read Roman numerals to 100.

We will then develop our understanding of addition and subtraction. First, we will learn to add and subtract numbers with 4 digits using formal written methods. Then we will learn to estimate and use inverse operations to check our calculations.

Our Maths targets this term will be:

I can find 1000 more or less than a given number
I can count backwards through to zero to include negative numbers
I can recognise the place value of each digit in a 4-digit number
I can order and compare numbers beyond 1000
I can estimate numbers using different representations
I can round any number to the nearest 10, 100 or 1000
I can read Roman numerals to 100
I can add and subtract numbers with up 10 4 digits using formal written methods
I can estimate and use inverse operations to check calculations
I can solve addition and subtraction two step problems

We will also be completing daily times tables practice in class.

Sensational Science

In Science, we will be learning about ‘Living things and their habitats’. First, we will learn to recognise that living things can be grouped in different ways. We will explore and use classification keys to help group, identify and name a variety of living things in their local and wider environment. We will also learn that environments can change and consider how this can pose danger to living things.

After half term, we will be learning about ‘Animals, including humans’. We will learn about the basic parts of the human digestive system and their functions. We will then learn about the different types of teeth humans have and their functions. We will also learn to construct and interpret a variety of food chains, identifying producers, predators and prey.

Hair-Raising History

This term we will study the Romans and place them on a timeline. We will learn how Britain changed from the Iron age and how the Romans helped to advance British society. We will learn about what life was like for children during the Roman period and the ‘Romanisation’ of Britain. We will also look at historic items and artefacts to help us understand what life was like in the Roman period. We will study the Roman army and develop our understanding of its power. We will also learn about famous Romans, including Boudica and Julius Caesar. We will use this knowledge to help us understand how this period has impacted the world and shaped our lives today.

Globe-Trotting Geography

In Geography, we will continue to develop our map skills and locational knowledge. We will learn the names and location of major capital cities across the world. We will use maps, atlases and google earth to help us explore these capital cities. We will then learn about the main features of well-known cities and the differences between cities and villages. We will use world maps and globes to develop our understanding of the location of the Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn and the Greenwich Meridian. We will plan our own journey from our town to another place in the UK using a road map.

Pacey PE

Year 4 will have PE on a Tuesday and we ask that children wear their PE kit to school for the day. They will also go swimming every other Thursday.

Showbie

Showbie is a program which allows children to upload, save and share their work in class and at home whilst also receiving interactive feedback from their teacher. Everyone will be given a Showbie username and password and it is available on iPads, tablets and computers. We will be using this regularly within lessons and for homework each week.

Showbie has proven to be a valuable communication tool during the enforced school closure in order for children, parents/carers and teachers to keep in touch. The Showbie App includes a range of features which have been utilisied by all:

Messaging communication
Sharing / Uploading work
Instant feedback
Voice Notes
Video Uploads
Class Discussions (Key Stage 2)

From September, Walford will continue to use Showbie as a clear channel of communication between home and school.

I will continue to set and mark homework via the Showbie App on a weekly basis. Extra (optional) learning activities will be provided where appropriate in order to consolidate learning in school. Showbie will be used as the new home-school link for reading. Every child will have a reading folder in their assignments where all reading and comments can be recorded on a nightly basis.

There will also be a general communication folder where any important messages can be shared with class teachers. Class teachers will endeavour to respond to these messages as soon as possible. It is important to remember that children will also be able to see this, so anything of a sensitive nature should be dealt with via telephone or email.

As a result of these changes, your child will no longer bring home a Home-School Diary (KS2).

Helpful Homework

Homework is set on a Thursday and should be returned every Monday. Homework will be linked to the work that we are covering in class. Remember homework will be set and uploaded to Showbie. Paper copies can be provided if required.

Showbie will be used for you to record any learning that you complete at home, including:

Reading
Times table practise
Spelling practise
Education City
Times Tables Rock Stars
MyOn

As you move through KS2, you should be encouraged to become more and more independent at recording the work completed on Showbie each evening. I will check Showbie every day to see what you have been doing.

Talk Homework will help you to prepare for your Big Write each week. This can be found on Showbie too. Please spend 5-10 minutes chatting with a family member at home in order to feel more confident about your written task the following day.

Other information

Remember to keep checking Twitter @WalfordPrimary for regular updates about what Class 4 have been up to.

IMPORTANT DATES

Monday, 6^th September 2021: Back to school

3:15pm Tuesday, 7^th and Friday, 10^th September 2021: Meet the Teacher (School Field)

Monday, 25^th – Friday, 29^th October 2021: Half Term

Monday, 1^st November 2021: Back to school

Friday, 17^th December 2021: Last day of the Autumn Term

My door is always open so please feel free to arrange an appointment to come and see me if you wish to discuss anything about your child and their learning.

Miss Higgins!