Yr4 Curriculum Update – 20/04/18
Working together to achieve success for every child
Dear Parents,
We hope you all had a good break with your children. We have enjoyed listening to the children’s accounts of their holiday and the many fun things they did! We have jumped straight back into our unit for How The World Works. 4T were particularly pleased to finally have their session with Bricks4Kidz exploring simple machines through making models with Lego and carrying out experiments with them. The other four classes had their sessions during the last week of last term. The session certainly helped the students gain a better understanding of how simple machines help us with work. This week the students have added to their knowledge by finding out about screws, wedges and pulleys. They have looked closely at everyday tools such as an ice cream scoop to identify the various parts that go together to make them work and are confident in recognising the simple machines within them. They have also been further developing their research skills to find out more about the simple machine that interests them.
In language students have continued to learn about writing explanation texts. They have consolidated their knowledge of the features of this text type in order to plan and practice writing an explanation for some of Wallace and Grommet’s cracking contraptions. The students are revising their understanding of writing in simple present tense and the third person. They are learning to maintain a formal tone by ensuring to use a range of technical vocabulary in their explanations.
In reading we have been reading information texts, focusing on reading for learning. The children have been identifying key words in the texts and using these words to summarise the information.
In Maths the children have been finishing up their learning in the area of pattern and function. Students have looked at balancing equations, predicting future terms and writing equations for patterns they have made. Some of us have moved onto the next unit, which is measurement. In this unit we are beginning with length; measuring items within the classroom, converting between measurements (mm, cm, m, km) and engaging children in rich tasks that involve the implementation of these skills. Within this unit we will also be reviewing multiplication and division strategies to keep these fresh in children’s minds.
Library update
You may have noticed in the weekly school newsletter that our new librarian, Macy Lau, has been very busy updating the library SPLAT page. There are a number of new features including links to story websites, author websites and a number of research sites. Why not take a look with your child to help them become familiar with them?
How you can help
Next week the students will begin planning and making their models using simple machines to solve a problem. In order for them to be able to make their models we still need lots of junk materials. Please send in any plastic bottles, containers, card boxes, straws etc. Thank you!
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.
