Hello everyone,
We’ve had another busy, exciting and wet week in Year 4, with lots of creativity, problem-solving and thoughtful discussion across the curriculum.
In English this week, the children have been writing their own sequels to Winter’s Child, imaginatively titled Spring’s Child. Across the lessons, we focused on writing different parts of the story, carefully building atmosphere and developing characters. The children worked hard to include key literary devices we have been learning about, such as using prepositions to add detail and accuracy, and incorporating direct speech to bring their characters to life. They showed great enthusiasm throughout the week and produced some fantastic pieces of writing, which I’m sure you’ll enjoy seeing at our next open afternoon.
In maths, we have been developing our multiplication and division skills. The children have been learning how to use the column (ladder) method to multiply 2-digit and 3-digit numbers by a 1-digit number. We focused on setting numbers out correctly, multiplying each digit carefully and remembering to carry when needed. For division, the children explored different methods to divide 2-digit and numbers by a 1-digit number. This included using sharing methods, grouping and applying their understanding of known multiplication facts to support accurate division. We also spent time checking answers and discussing which methods worked best for different types of questions. The children showed growing confidence and resilience when tackling more challenging calculations.
In RE this week, we discussed the Ten Commandments and explored how they can act as guidance to help keep people safe and treat one another fairly. Year 4 then wrote their own versions of commandments, reflecting on their personal values and ideas about how to make the world a better place. This led to some thoughtful and mature discussions.
In art, the children worked hard to develop their shading techniques using soft pencils. They practised showing light and shade to make flat shapes appear more three-dimensional. The children applied these skills by carefully drawing and shading different types of fruit in their sketchbooks, paying close attention to tone and texture.
In geography, we have been taking a closer look at tropical rainforests. The children learned about the key features of rainforests and then explored the different layers in detail. We described the characteristics of the emergent layer, canopy, understory, and forest floor, including the types of plants and animals found in each layer and how they are adapted to their environment. The children were particularly interested in how little sunlight reaches the forest floor and how this affects plant growth.
Geography - Half-Term Project
This half term’s project is based around the question: How is our local woodland area used?
The children can choose any local woodland area of their choice and explain why they like it, why it is important to the environment and/or how it benefits the local community. They can present their work as a poster or a PowerPoint etc, explaining how their chosen woodland area is used. I will be discussing this all in more detail with the class next week but if you have any questions, please let me know.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Have a lovely weekend!
Mr Chanter
