Yr4 Weekly Update – 03/10/17

 

Children this week have had a chance to record their processes as a ‘creative cycle’ which will form part of the evidence that they collect of their learning. Because they have had a chance to cycle through the creative process a number of times, they are getting the chance to act on their reflections and learn from their mistakes.

Projects include clay flowers, paper sculptures in different sizess, installations made out of natural materials and some cardboard ‘woodcut’ reliefs.

 

Literacy

We have been writing to describe this week, focussing on using powerful vocabulary and editing our sentences to make them more descriptive. Using our work on similes and onomatopoeia, we have experimented with literary devices in our writing.

Reading strategies help us to make sense of the text. This week we have been looking again at tracking out thinking. When we read we have an ‘inner voice’ which constantly makes connections, creates theories and asks questions. We can track our ‘footprints’ to show our understanding.

As children have been finishing their pieces of artwork, they have had the chance to present their work to others, and to view other children’s work. This has been good preparation for the upcoming student-led conferences.

 

Maths

We have started a new unit on pattern and function. Children have been showing what patterns they can create and describe in shape, colour and number. The vocabulary they use to talk about pattern is very important. We have also been looking at coding – the process through which computers are given instruction.

 

Home learning

Make a focus in the family of noticing, ‘collecting’ and using new words – increasing a child’s vocabulary is one of the most effective ways to improve both reading and writing.

Children will be getting log in details for code.org – a website dedicated to teaching children how to code. Check it out…

All of the art techniques we have been using in school have been chosen specifically because they are easily repeatable at home. A trip to the local stationers, or Chong Nam Art Supplies on Nathan Road could inspire some creative action. Alternatively, our unit has been inspired by the natural world, so get out there explore your local ‘wild’ space!

Inspiration from the Brisbane Museum of Art

 

 

Our paper skeletons

 

 

Stick Sculpture

 

 

Paper scuplture