Spring Term in Year 4 - Termly letter
English
In English this term, we will begin by reading Krindlekrax by Philip Ridley. This is a wonderfully quirky children’s book which all classes will really enjoy. We will be doing lots of writing based on the text, particularly focusing on diary writing, letters, description and narrative. Within this, we will focus on grammatical aspects including inverted commas, fronted adverbials, word classes, as well as reinforcing the importance of punctuation such as capital letters and full-stops.
We will then move onto reading a lovely and creative book called The Iron Man by Ted Hughes. This will help us to improve our writing skills, including a focus on persuasive writing as well as journalistic writing. There will be opportunities for us to explore other genres of writing too as we move through the unit, including poetry. We will also continue to enhance our reading comprehension skills through focused tasks and comprehension papers
Maths
To begin this term, Year 4 will be studying fractions. We will learn to recognise and represent different fractions using diagrams. We will learn to count up and down in tenths and hundredths and learn to add and subtract fractions with the same denominators. Pupils will review telling time and converting between different measurements of time such as minutes to hours and from a 12 to 24-hour clock.
The children will then be moving on to focus on decimals in relation to money. We will focus on the value of the British currency to estimate, compare and solve problems involving money. We will also learn to convert between decimals and fractions and to round decimals to the nearest whole number. Children will be applying their knowledge of tenths and hundredths to be able to read and write any decimal number with tenths and hundredths. They will also recognise and write the decimal equivalents of ¼, ½ and ¾. Children will learn the effects of dividing a number by 10 and 100 in order to make a decimal number. Finally, we will learn to compare and round decimal numbers to the nearest whole number.
Science
In science, we will begin by completing our electricity topic; we will be learning how to create and represent circuits, the use of switches and the identification of complete and incomplete circuits before moving onto states of matter. Here we will be focusing on solids, liquids and gases and the relationships between them. We will then be looking at animals including humans. This will include a particular focus on teeth in both animals and humans. We will look at the different types of teeth and their function as well as carrying out investigations on what affects the health and condition of teeth.
Computing
In computing, we will be learning how to create an online survey. Pupils will learn how to create surveys using Google Forms, complete each other’s surveys and learn to analyse the data produced. Over the half term, we would like you to try and replicate the new learning by creating your own Google surveys on a subject which interests them. Please print a copy of any work created to include in our new ‘Wonderful Computing Work’ folder.
The children will then be developing coding skills through a variety of games and activities on the Purple Mash programme.
Topic
This term, we shall be studying India. Our half term question will be ‘How significant is Indian culture in Britain?’ We will learn about the geographical features of the country, including climate. The children will learn about the industrial and cultural aspects of different regions of India. We will also compare rural and urban Indian culture to notice the differences in life styles. Later, we will be focusing on famous Indian people and how they affected the world (Gandhi). We shall also look at the significance of religion in India and the link to Indian culture in Britain today.
Art/DT
In art, we will create Rangoli patterns using oil pastels and learning to draw Indian buildings to scale. Next term, we will be completing a DT project based on Indian food. Will also be focusing on Indian architecture and learn to use perspective to create accurate drawings
PSHE
This half term, we will be learning to identify and appropriately address our feelings and how we should react or not react in certain situations. We will still be promoting positive relationships with our peers through the sharing of compliments, for example. As always, any other issues which may arise will be addressed as and when is necessary.
Spanish
During this term the children will work on sounds and spellings. They will also continue with manipulating numbers and using some common adjectives. They will then move on to learn names for some sports and food and drinks associated with healthy and unhealthy lifestyles. We will revise the days of the week and learn to say what activities they do on particular days.
Music
After a very successful term participating in the vocal project and performing excellently in the Winter Sounds concert, we will now be extending these skills using the music software, Charanga. We will continue to teach children about beat, rhythm and genres of music, whilst singing and playing tuned instruments to particular songs.
PE
This term, Year 4 will be practising their ball skills with lessons in hockey and basketball or netball. We will also develop our ability in both indoor athletics and gymnastics.
RE
In RE this term, we will be focusing on Sikhism. We will be studying key aspects of Sikhism with one particular question in mind: ‘Who were the Gurus?’ Here, we will learn about Guru Nanak and the story of the beginning of Sikhism. We will also study the use of the kirpan and its place in Sikh symbolism and rituals.
Trips and Special Events
Thursday 16th January – Tate Britain (Steve McQueen and other exhibitions)
Thursday 27th February – Royal Festival Hall (Orchestra Unwrapped)
Thursday 26th and Friday 27th March - Joint Y3/4 production at 9.30
Wednesday 1st April – Paradise Co-Op Wild Learning (Habitats)
Reminders
Please ensure your child completes their Mathletics each week. They will be set each Monday.
We will carry out our speed tables tests and spelling tests each Friday so please encourage your children to learn those too.
Finally, please do your best to support your child with their reading at home. We look forward to handing out lots of certificates for the House Reading Challenge this term!