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 - some of these, they may be able to take a quiz on too!
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. 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 geography topic is all about Where Our Food Comes From. 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 5th December, 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 on Wednesday 10th December.
If you have any questions about any of the above, please ask via Google Classroom.
Autumn Term 2 – Geography Topic
Where Does Our Food Come From?
This half-term, our geography topic takes us on an exciting journey around the world, where we will explore farms in temperate, tropical, and Mediterranean climates. This engaging new subject will help us understand the locational language used to describe different places worldwide. We will learn about the climate conditions in various biomes, as well as how food is produced, traded, and transported. Additionally, we will examine the role of fair trade organisations in supporting farmers. Closer to home, we will also visit a local farm to see firsthand how food is produced and traded.
English
This term, in English, we will enhance our creative and expressive skills through description and narrative writing, poetry and information texts linked to our Geography topic about Where our food comes from. By integrating the theme of where our food comes from, we will develop core English skills in a practical and creative way. We will enhance descriptive writing by using sensory details to vividly portray food's journey, strengthen narrative writing by crafting stories about its origins, and deepen expressive abilities through poetry. Simultaneously, we will learn to compose clear and factual information texts, using our food geography topic to practise research, structure, and communication of information. This cross-curricular approach builds foundational writing expertise across various genres and styles.
We will also continue to practise the skill of evaluating and editing our writing.
Our class reads are:
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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
Autumn 2 KIRF: I know the 6 and 9 times table
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 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!
Animals including humans - How does a food chain explain producers
and consumers?
We will also be exploring the fascinating concept of food chains and their role in ecosystems. A food chain illustrates the flow of energy and nutrients through an ecosystem, highlighting the interplay between producers and consumers. We'll begin by examining producers, such as plants and algae, which use sunlight to create their own food through photosynthesis. Then, we'll delve into the different types of consumers – herbivores that eat plants, carnivores that eat other animals, and omnivores that consume both. Through engaging activities and discussions, we will learn how these relationships form a delicate balance in nature, demonstrating the importance of each organism in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. This term we will uncover the interconnectedness of life and the vital roles that all creatures play in our world!
Computing
In computing, this term, we will cover:
- Online Safety
- Unpacking hardware and software
- Animation
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:
- Hockey
- OAA
We will usually do PE on a 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
- Christmas crafts and activities
- Farm visit
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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!
