Year 4 is taught by Mrs Walters on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Mrs Dinham, our school SENDCo, teaches the class on a Monday. Miss Law, our class TA, supports teaching and learning throughout the week.
We are looking forward to another exciting half term of learning together!
Reading
Our class text, which provides the basis for our daily reading sessions, is Skysong by Abi Elphinstone. Each week, we begin by exploring the definitions of new vocabulary from the text and revisit these words throughout the week. We then read the text together and complete a range of activities focusing on author choice, vocabulary, compare, contrast and comment, retrieval, inference, summary and prediction.
We also read a non-fiction text each week and use our reading skills to retrieve and discuss information. This half term, our non-fiction text is Who Are Refugees and Migrants? by Michael Rosen and Anne Marie Young.
At Lanner, we love reading! Reading to and with your child is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Developing a love of reading from an early age can help children become lifelong readers. Reading stories, information books and poems together, and talking about what you have read, are wonderful ways to support your child at home.
English
In English, the children will be introduced to the charity Teams4U. We will write a persuasive letter asking for a small donation to help us buy items for a Christmas shoebox. The children will then independently record a message for you, using the persuasive writing skills they have developed to encourage you to donate, if you are able to.
This project is intended to be a compassionate act for another child whom our children may never meet, but who may be much less fortunate than themselves. You can find out more about the Christmas Shoebox Appeal here:
Teams4U Christmas Shoebox Appeal
Later in the term, we will write an adventure narrative based on Skysong, with a particular focus on using dialogue effectively.
Alongside our writing lessons, we will continue to develop spelling through our Sounds and Syllables sessions and practise handwriting regularly.
Maths
This half term, we will be learning about perimeter and consolidating our multiplication and division skills, including formal written methods.
We regularly practise times tables and revisit previous learning at the beginning of our maths lessons. It is important that children continue to develop quick recall of their multiplication facts by using Times Tables Rock Stars or any other times table fluency games.
In June, Year 4 children take the compulsory Multiplication Tables Check, which consists of 25 questions and assesses multiplication facts up to 12 × 12. You can practise using a simulated version of the check here:
Multiplication Tables Check – MathsFrame
Science
As scientists, we will be learning about electricity. We will explore electrical safety and investigate how simple circuits work.
We will learn to:
- Identify common appliances that use electricity.
- Construct a simple series circuit.
- Identify and name the basic parts of a circuit, including cell, wire, bulb, switch and buzzer.
- Identify whether a lamp will light depending on whether the circuit forms a complete loop.
- Understand how a switch opens and closes a circuit.
- Recognise common conductors and insulators.
- Understand that metals are generally good electrical conductors.
Geography
Our non-fiction text will introduce us to the ideas of refugees and migrants, including where people may travel from and to.
We will also learn to name and identify the geographical regions of the United Kingdom and explore both the physical and human geography of the UK.
We will investigate some of the UK’s most populated cities and have some festive fun by plotting a route for Father Christmas between them!
Computing
In Computing, we will learn how to record audio and will regularly revisit how to use the internet safely and responsibly.
DT
We will be getting creative in Design and Technology by designing and making Christmas stockings. We will develop our design, making and evaluation skills as we work through the project.
PE
Each week, we will enjoy two PE sessions:
- Thursday – Handball
- Friday – Dance
Please send your child to school in their school PE kit, along with a warm jumper or tracksuit bottoms, on these days.
Music
This half term, we will be learning how to play the glockenspiel. We will develop our musical skills through listening, performing and playing together.
RE
In RE, we will be asking:
What do Hindus believe that God is like?
We will explore Hindu beliefs and consider different ideas about God.
MFL
In French, we will be learning the names of vegetables and developing our pronunciation and confidence when speaking French.
PSHE
We will be reading a range of books and discussing respect, relationships and staying safe.
We will explore questions such as:
- In what ways are we different from each other and what do we have in common?
- Why is it important to respect similarities and differences between people?
- Why is it important to respect other people’s traditions, beliefs or way of life, even when they are different from our own?
- What is peer pressure, and what can I do about it? This will include discussions around dares.
- Why might people behave differently online?
- How can I recognise online risks and what can I do about them?
These discussions will help children develop their understanding of respectful relationships and how to make safe and positive choices.
How you can help at home
Reading
Please read at home with your child every day for at least 15 minutes. This could include your child reading independently, reading aloud to you, or sharing a book together.
Please ensure that your child brings their reading book and reading diary into school every day and sign the diary to confirm that they have read.
If you are looking for inspiration for your child’s next book, there are many excellent recommended reads for Year 4 children. Many are also available at your local library.
Times tables
All children should practise their times tables regularly using Times Tables Rock Stars. Little and often is the best way to embed these important number facts.
This is particularly important because, in Year 4, children undertake an assessment of their multiplication tables up to 12 × 12.
Please also practise the format of the online Multiplication Tables Check using the MathsFrame link above.
Maths
Maths Whizz can also be used to practise maths skills at home. Your child’s login details are stuck into their reading diary.
We now complete our spelling practice in school, which means there is more time at home for reading and times tables practice.
Thank you!
It is our aim that every child in Year 4 has a happy, successful and enjoyable year. Thank you for your continued support — it really does make a difference!
Please come and see us if you have any questions or concerns.