26 Jan 2018

Yr4 Curriculum Update – 26/01/18

Working together to achieve success for every child

 

 

 

Dear Parents,

This has been the last week of our Sharing the Planet unit and the students have been working very hard to produce presentations of their research to show what they have learned. Many have made dioramas of the environments they have researched and then added to this a report on an animal that survives and thrives within it. The students have applied many of the reading skills they have learned in order to find relevant information and using keywords from their research, have written their own information reports. They have certainly displayed the Inquirer learner profile using a variety of resources to find out!

In language the students have continued to focus on writing an entertaining narrative. They have been applying what they have learnt about writing descriptions using powerful vocabulary by writing an adventure story set in the environment they have been researching. Many students have also had a go at completing the writing cycle during their quick write sessions by writing a sentence (drafting); then revising it by changing the verb, writing a different start and adding at least two pieces of extra detail; then editing with a partner to check for sense and correct spelling and punctuation before finally publishing their sentence. This really helps the students to see what they need to do at each stage of the process.

In reading we have continued to focus on determining importance to develop the students comprehension (the other skill we are focusing on). Students have become quite proficient at identifying keywords in a text and using them to write their own brief summary of the main points. These have been very useful skills to use whilst completing their research.

In Maths we have begun our focus on fractions. The students have been showing us what their current understanding is and the misconceptions they have. We are applying our knowledge of division to understand fractions. Over the next couple of weeks we will be developing our understanding of equivalent fractions, comparing fractions and finding fractions of a number through solving a range of rich tasks.

An exciting addition to  our timetable for the next five weeks is our Dance sessions which are led by Mrs Tucker. Each class has a 45 minute dance lesson every Tuesday. We are exploring dance through the focus of dance inspired by the natural world. This links to our next unit under the transdisciplinary theme of How We Express Ourselves that will be exploring how the natural world inspires creative expression. In order for us to maximise our time with Mrs Tucker, please could students wear socks rather than tights on Tuesdays as we have to be in bare feet and tights take a long time to remove and put on? Thank you.

 

How you can help

Talk to your child about how fractions are used in daily life e.g. with money, time and other measures. What examples of fractions can they find around the home?

 

A date for your diaries:

To inspire the students for our new unit which begins next week, we are going to return to Sai Kung and go for a walk at Pak Tam Chung to experience nature and create our own sculptures. We are going next Thursday 1st February all day. Students will need to bring a packed lunch, so if your child usually has a school lunch please cancel the order for next Thursday. If you would like to volunteer to help, please contact your child’s class teacher.

Book week is coming up – the Book Character Parade is going to be held on Friday 9th February. More details to follow but we thought you and your child would want to start planning their costume!

 

Relaxing under a tree at playtime

 

Moe Sugawara took art action and has used acrylics to create a dog portrait!

 

Remember if you have any concerns or questions about your child’s learning and wellbeing at school please contact your child’s teacher in the first instance

Kind Regards

Team Year 4.