Year 4                 Spring Newsletter

Welcome back!

We hope you all had a fantastic Christmas break. I would just like to thank you all once again for the very generous and thoughtful gifts.

Here is an overview of the plan for the coming term.

English – Handwriting and spelling will continue to be a focus. Spellings will be given to the children on Monday, they will complete spelling activities during the week and then have a test on Friday. A copy of the spellings will be given to each child for you to support at home.  Children will continue to participate in guided reading sessions and will have their own reading book. Please listen to your child read as often as possible – thank you.

We will start the term looking at fairytales (with a twist) and playscripts, followed by Myths and legends. This will be followed by some persuasive writing and recounts.

Maths – we will continue to focus on quick recall of times tables. Please encourage your child to practise their tables as often as possible at home. They will know which table they are learning. They will be tested weekly on a Thursday. We will start by looking at number, place value and money, followed by written and mental addition and subtraction. The children will also be learning about time, position and direction, length and weight.

Science –We will start the term learning and investigating properties of solids, liquids and gases.

History/Geography –This terms topic will focus on European countries.

Music – We will be starting with composing (using notation and symbols) and performing, using percussion instruments, with a ‘Winter’ theme. Wider opportunities will begin shortly.

Computing – we will be using computers to support other subjects and continue to focus on the importance of E-safety. We will be editing text, further developing word processing skills and extracting information from websites, as part of our topic on Europe.

PSHE – We will be looking at keeping safe, assessing risks and dangers.

RE – Class 4 will be finding out about both the Old and the New testament, including stories about the twelve disciples and Palm Sunday. We will also be finding out about Pesach and the story of Easter.

PE – There will be two PE lesson each week; this term will be Invasion Games and Dance. Sometimes there may be opportunities for extra PE lessons, so please ensure that children have their full kits in school every day. PE will be on Wednesday with Miss Crosby and Thursday with Mr Snelling.

Art/DT – The children will be using tonal shading to add texture and create sketches from the natural environment. They will be cooking this term, making dishes from around Europe.

French –We will be revising animal names and learning how to describe people. We will continue to focus on building confidence.

Homework will be given each week on Thursday/Friday. Please return to school for marking on Monday (Tuesday at the latest). Spelling and reading will continue to be on-going .Children will bring a spelling list home with them on Mondays and will be tested on Fridays. Children will continue to learn their times tables (they will know which one) and be tested on a Thursday. Those who are already familiar with all the tables will be focusing on even faster recall!

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact either myself or Mrs Abusham. Thank you for your continued support. We are looking forward to another fantastic term with your children.

Miss Crosby and Mrs Abusham.

Class 4 Newsletter Autumn 2016

Welcome back!

We hope you all had a fantastic summer break. We are very much looking forward to teaching Class 4 and are sure that it will be a great year for all of us.

Here is an overview of the plan for the coming term.

English – we will begin by looking at fables; retelling stories, role play (listening and performing), character analysis. Handwriting and spelling will continue to be a focus. Spellings will be given to the children on Monday, they will complete spelling activities during the week and then have a test on Friday. A copy of the spellings will be given to each child for you to support at home.  Children will continue to participate in guided reading sessions and will have their own reading book. Please listen to your child read as often as possible – thank you.

Maths – we will begin by focusing on place value and mental maths activities to further develop quick recall of number facts, including times tables. Please encourage your child to practise their tables as often as possible at home.

Science – We will be learning about the digestive system and electricity (circuits and switches).

History/Geography – Class 4 will be learning about the Roman Empire and its impact on Britain. This will include a trip to Colchester Castle (3^rd November) and lots of exciting art activities (mosaics, shields, weapons).

Computing – we will be using computers to support other subjects and continue to focus on the importance of E-safety. We will be editing text, further developing word processing skills and extracting information from websites.

PSHE – We will be looking at relationships, feelings and making positive contributions.

Music – the children will begin by learning to play a selection of woodwind instruments.

RE – Class 4 will be finding out about journeys and the Old Testament stories about Abraham.

PE – There will be two PE lesson each week; this term will be Invasion Games and Gym. Sometimes there may be opportunities for extra PE lessons, so please ensure that children have their full kits in school every day. PE will be on Wednesday with Miss Crosby and Thursday with Mr Snelling.

Art/DT – The children will be drawing from still life observations, painting in the style of a Mediterranean artist and using line, shape and colour to represent figures and clothes. They will also be designing and making Roman shields and busts of their own faces.

French – We will begin by learning how to ask for different icecream flavours. After that, we will learn how to order food, revise animal names and describe people.

Homework will be given each week on Thursday/Friday. Please return to school for marking on Monday (Tuesday at the latest). Spelling and reading will continue to be on-going .Children will bring a spelling list home with them on Mondays and will be tested on Fridays.

We hope that our newsletter has given you a general overview for the coming term. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your support.

Miss Crosby and Mrs Abusham.