Autumn 1
We have had a fantastic first eight weeks in Year 4! The children have worked incredibly hard to settle into new routines, get used to their new classrooms and build positive relationships with their new adults. It has been a wonderful start to the year, and we are excited to share some of the highlights from our learning this half term!
In English, we began by exploring our model text The Canal and using it as inspiration to learn about the features of a warning story. We investigated how authors build suspense and engage the reader before using our new knowledge to write our own warning stories. We then moved on to the non-fiction text The Tree Giant, which introduced us to information texts and their key features. The children designed their own fictional creatures and used the toolkit to write their own imaginative and informative texts.
We have also introduced dictation into our English learning to help strengthen spelling, punctuation and sentence accuracy. Alongside this, we have been placing a big emphasis on handwriting. The children are taking real pride in the presentation of their work, and it has been wonderful to see. We look forward to seeing this pride and confidence continue to grow.
In Maths, we have been developing our understanding of place value, learning how to partition numbers and exploring the value of each digit within a number. We have practised mentally adding 1, 10, 100 and 1,000 to numbers, helping us to become more confident and efficient mathematicians. We have also begun developing our skills in formal written methods for addition and subtraction, as well as learning how rounding can help us estimate answers and check whether our calculations are reasonable. Alongside our number work, we have been getting to grips with Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS). The children have been exploring the Soundcheck function to familiarise themselves with the format and style of the questions which mimics the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) which they will sit in June. We saw some great costumes as part of TTRS day!
Our Science learning this half term has focused on the Year 4 topic Animals, Including Humans. We have explored the different types of teeth and investigated their functions, learning how animals have teeth which is suited to their diet. We have also discovered how the digestive system works, following the journey of food through the body and learning about the important role each part plays in digestion. To build on our understanding of animals and their needs, we explored food chains, identifying producers, predators and prey and learning how living things depend on one another for survival. The children have enjoyed developing their scientific knowledge and using key vocabulary to explain what they have learned.
In PE, we have been developing our hockey skills with Mr McGuire. The children have been practising their control, coordination and stick skills while learning how to apply these in different activities and games. We have also enjoyed Pilates sessions with Mrs Payne and Mrs Boot. The children have been learning new poses, developing their balance and control, and exploring how to link movements together to create routines. It has been lovely to see their concentration, perseverance and confidence grow as they try new challenges.
Our Music lessons have been full of rhythm and melody as we have been learning to play the ukulele with Rotherham Music Service. The children have begun developing their instrumental skills and have learned to play the notes C and G. We have also been developing our singing skills and taking part in musical listening games to help us identify different instruments within a piece of music. Rhythm games have provided opportunities to practise keeping a steady beat, recognising patterns and responding to music. We are looking forward to building on these skills as our musical journey continues!
Our Geography topic has focused on transport and international trade. We have been exploring the different ways goods are transported around the world, including by road, rail, sea and air, and considering why different methods are used. We have also been learning about international trade and how countries depend on one another to buy and sell goods. This links to our Year 4 Geography curriculum by helping us understand how transport networks connect places around the world, how goods move between countries and why some products need to travel long distances before reaching our homes. The children have been developing their understanding of how people, places and economies are connected.
We have introduced a new reading timetable this half term, which includes two whole-class reading sessions each week. These sessions allow us to focus on three important areas: reading fluency, developing vocabulary and strengthening reading comprehension. We are working on reading accurately and expressively, exploring the meanings of unfamiliar words and using evidence from texts to answer questions and deepen our understanding.
We are also continuing to enjoy our group reading sessions three times a week. These provide valuable opportunities for the children to practise their reading, discuss texts and develop their confidence as readers. We are proud of the progress being made and encourage everyone to keep reading regularly at home to help these skills flourish.
In Computing, we have been exploring the exciting world of coding! The children have been learning how to create and control programs, developing their understanding of how instructions work together to achieve a particular outcome.
We have explored loops, which allow instructions to be repeated, and if statements, which help programs make decisions based on whether a condition is met. These concepts help the children develop their logical thinking, problem-solving and debugging skills. We have enjoyed seeing the children experiment with their code, spot mistakes and find ways to improve their programs.
What a fantastic first half term it has been! We are incredibly proud of how well the children have settled into Year 4 and of the enthusiasm, effort and determination they have shown across the curriculum. We would like to thank you for your continued support at home, particularly with reading and times tables practice. These small, regular opportunities make a real difference to the children’s confidence and progress.
We are excited to see what Autumn 2 brings and look forward to another half term full of learning, new challenges and wonderful achievements. Have a lovely half-term break!
