Willow
Welcome to
Willow Class
Year 4
Autumn Term
Mrs Hadley and Miss Taylor
Homework, Spellings and Times Tables
Homework
Reading
Children will receive a reading book from school, matched to their reading ability, which they should read every day. When they have read it sufficiently well to understand and comprehend what they have read, they will take the Accelerated Reader quiz in school, which will enable them to see their ongoing reading progress. Please also encourage them to read their own books, comics and magazines at home as well, to develop a love of reading and to experience a range of authors and genres.
A visit to a local library can be an amazing experience and enables children to be exposed to an extensive collection of books and resources. Find out more information and details about your local library at the link below.
Spellings
These will be set weekly and practised in school, every day. As well as specific spelling patterns, the Year 3/4 words below will be learnt throughout the year.
We are now using Spelling Shed to support the children's learning; spelling lists and activities can be accessed by logging in. A parents' guide to using Spelling Shed is attached below.
Timetables
Children have been learning their multiplication and division facts since the beginning of Year 2. Children should use their own personalised programme on the online platform, Times Table Rock Stars, every day, to practise these so that they know all of their facts up to 12 x 12 by the end of Year 4.
Homework Projects:
This half-term, our history topic is all about The Anglo-Saxons. For our homework project, children can choose from the Homework Grid below. These projects enable them to be creative in ways that they enjoy. This is a long-term project, to be handed in by Friday 24th October, to be shared with the class, so please ensure the finished work reflects the time and effort expected of a Year 4 project. You can complete more than one project if you wish to.
These projects will be exhibited to parents at the Open Classroom Event just before Christmas.
If you have any questions about any of the above, please ask via Google Classroom.
Autumn Term – History and Geography Topic
This half-term, our history project looks at the Anglo-Saxons, Picts and Scots. We will transform ourselves into expert archeologists who can talk confidently about life on
the island of Britain over 1,500 years ago! Over the course of the half-term, we will learn all about the people who lived in and migrated to Britain after the Romans left and explore the different tribes, cultures and religions found there. We will also extend our historical vocabulary and deepen our chronological understanding of British history.
We will begin by learning about the excavation of the Sutton Hoo burial ship and the mystery surrounding who was buried there. In each lesson, we will explore a range of historical sources which build our understanding of life in Anglo-Saxon Britain and look at possible clues for the identity of the person buried at Sutton Hoo. Finally, we will bring together everything we have learned and draw our own conclusions about the identity of the mystery person.
English
This term, in English, we will enhance our creative and expressive skills through description writing, Kenning poetry, and diary entries. In description writing, we will focus on using vivid language and sensory details to paint clear images in the reader's mind, honing our ability to convey emotions and settings effectively. Through the exploration of Kenning poetry, we will play with language, crafting imaginative two-word phrases that describe people, places, or things, thus developing our understanding of metaphor and rhythm in poetry. Additionally, writing diary entries will encourage us to reflect on our personal experiences and emotions, fostering our narrative voice and enhancing our ability to write authentically. Together, these activities will promote creativity, improve vocabulary, and strengthen our overall writing skills, allowing each of us to find our unique voice in the written word.
We will also continue to practise the skill of evaluating and editing our writing.
Our class read is:
We are reading "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio because it offers powerful lessons about kindness, acceptance, and the importance of empathy. The story follows Auggie, a boy with a facial difference, as he navigates the challenges of attending school for the first time. Through Auggie's experiences and the perspectives of those around him, we will learn about the impact of our actions on others and the beauty of embracing our differences. This book encourages us to reflect on our own attitudes and promotes a sense of community and understanding among us all. Plus, it’s an engaging and moving story that will spark great discussions and inspire us to be our best selves!
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We will enhance our reading comprehension by exploring a variety of literature, poetry, and non-fiction texts. This journey will not only enrich our understanding of different genres but also broaden our vocabulary and improve our grasp of grammar and punctuation.
Remember...
Maths
During this we will investigate:
- Place Value
- Addition and Subtraction
- Measurement – Area
- Multiplication and Division
Have a look at the WRM Website (click on the logo below) for resources to support your child with these topics.
Autumn 1 KIRF: I know number bonds to 100
Continue to practise your maths facts – there is a great leaflet below giving you fantastic advice on how to make learning maths fun at home.
Time Tables
Multiplication tables Check
Your child will be participating in the Multiplication Tables Check in June. The purpose of the check is to determine whether your child can fluently recall their timetables up to 12, which is essential for future success in mathematics. It will also help us identify if your child needs additional support.
What is the Multiplication tables check? It is an on-screen check consisting of 25 times table questions. Your child will be able to answer 3 practice questions before taking the actual check. They will then have 6 seconds to answer each question. On average, the check should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.
What if my child cannot access the check? There are several access arrangements available for the check, which can be used to support pupils with specific needs. Your child’s teacher will ensure that the access arrangements are appropriate for your child before they take the check in June. The check has been designed to be inclusive and accessible to as many children as possible, including those with special educational needs or disability (SEND) or English as an additional language (EAL). However, there may be some circumstances in which it will not be appropriate for a pupil to take the check, even when using suitable access arrangements. If you have any concerns about your child accessing the check, you should discuss this with your child’s school.
Do I need to do anything to prepare my child for the check? No, you do not need to do anything additional to prepare your child for the check. As part of usual practice, we will ask you to practise times table with your child. We will have unlimited access to a 'try it out area' from March. We can use this to make sure pupils have the necessary support required to access the check. This includes opportunities for pupils to familiarise themselves with the check application and try out any access arrangements that may be required.
How will the results be used? We will have access to all our pupils’ results, allowing those pupils who need additional support to be identified.
Will I receive feedback on my child’s check? Yes. Your child’s teacher will share your child’s score with you in the annual school report, as they would with all national curriculum assessments. There is no pass mark for the check.
Taken from: Information for parents: 2023 multiplication tables check (see below)
Science
In science, we will work scientifically to investigate and learn about:
Living Things and their Habitats
This half-term, we will be studying "Living Things and Their Habitats." We will explore the characteristics of various living organisms, including plants and animals, and how they interact with their environments. We'll investigate different habitats, such as forests, oceans, and deserts, and discuss the importance of biodiversity and conservation. Through hands-on activities, observations, and research projects, students will develop a deeper understanding of ecosystems and the role each organism plays. We look forward to engaging our young scientists in this exciting exploration of life on Earth!
Computing
In computing, this term, we will cover:
- Online Safety
- Coding
- Spreadsheets
Most of the classwork will be done using Purple Mash. Log on below to complete any tasks set or to just explore and have some fun!
PE/LOTC
This term in PE we will be taking part in:
- Gymnastics
- Fundamentals
We will usually do PE on a Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, but please ensure your indoor and outdoor PE kit is in school at all times, just in case this has to change.
In LOTC we will be doing:
- Outdoor rules and expectations
- Fire safety and environmental awareness
- History link with Anglo-Saxons
- Tidy up routines and expectations
- Art with natural materials
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LOTC is on Mondays – please ensure you are wearing and have suitable clothing (arms and legs to be covered at all times) for the activities and weather conditions. A hat and sun cream in hot weather is needed and a warm hat, scarf and gloves for cold weather. It is always a good idea to bring a spare set of clothes to change into after your outdoor session – just in case!
