YEAR 4

In English, our text type for this term is Persuasive or Exposition writing. Writing that attempts to persuade the reader to follow the writers’ opinion. Following the format of: Introducing the topic, having 3 main arguments and supporting those arguments, and finishing with a conclusion. Our grammar focus has been on verbs, action words, how to use them and where to use them in a sentence. We will continue to develop reading comprehension skills, pulling meaning from what we read and writing it in our own words. That is, not copying directly from other people’s work.

In Maths, the focus at school was on multiplication strategies, multiplying 2 and 3 digit numbers by 1 digit. The students learnt multiple methods that all get the same answer. Other topics we are covering this term are symmetry, decimals, collecting data and making graphs, volume and word problems. We will continue to revise numeracy topics, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division through the term. We start off most morning Zoom lessons with a mental maths activity where grade 4s attempt to get done as many questions as possible in under 3 minutes.

In Science, our first topic was Earth Science and we focused on how soil is formed and what makes up soil. Then we moved onto weathering and erosion, and how the weather and elements affect the world around us and its landmarks. During this unit we had the chance to follow the scientific method and complete 2 experiments at school and 1 more at home, with most students trying the experiment and documenting it. The second unit we are starting is on Life Cycles. All students were sent home with a zip lock bag, with 2 bean seeds and some cotton wool. By now, they have added water and stuck the bag to their window and watched the seed begin to germinate and grow.

Now that we are back working online again, it is important that students are on time for Zoom sessions and that they complete their work to the best of their ability and before task deadlines. Look at Zoom, make sure students are completing properly. Students can message teachers for help anytime during the day.