Yellow 2023 - 2024
Mrs Whittaker
Welcome to Yellow Class
We are a Year 4 class and are taught by Mrs Whittaker, supported by Mrs Inskip.
Here is all of the exciting learning that we will be doing in the Spring term:
Maths:
Multiplication and Division:
Factor pairs; Multiply and divide by 10; Multiply and divide by 100; Related facts –
multiplication; Related facts –division; Multiply and add; Informal written methods; Multiply 2 digits by 1 digit; Multiply 3 digits by 1 digit; Solve multiplication problems; Basic division; Division and
remainders; Divide 2-digit numbers; Divide 3-digit numbers; Correspondence problems; Efficient
multiplication.
Length & Perimeter:
Measure in km and m; Perimeter on a grid; Perimeter of a rectangle; Perimeter of rectilinear shapes; Find missing lengths in rectilinear shapes; Perimeter of polygons.
Fractions:
Count beyond 1; Partition a mixed number; Number lines with mixed numbers; Compare and order
mixed numbers; Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions; Convert improper fractions to mixed numbers; Equivalent fractions; Equivalent fraction families; Simplify fractions; Add and subtract two or more fractions; Add fractions and mixed numbers; Subtract from mixed numbers; Subtract from whole amounts; Problem solving – add and subtract fractions; Fraction of an
amount; Problem solving – fraction of an amount.
Decimals:
Tenths as fractions; Tenths as decimals; Tenths on a place value grid; Tenths on a number line; Divide 1 digit by 10; Divide 2 digits by 10; Hundredths as fractions; Hundredths as decimals; Hundredths on a place value grid; Divide 1 or 2 digits by 100; Divide by 10 and 100.
English:
In English we will be looking at the text ’Rhythm of the Rain’ by Grahame Baker-Smith as well as the text ‘Jemmy Button’ by Jennifer Uman and Valerio Vidali.
Rhythm of the Rain is a language-rich picture book where we will become immersed through the illustrations it holds. We will be creating a settings narrative and an information leaflet whilst focussing on paragraphs, prepositions, similes and using conjunctions. We will learn the difference between a synonym and an antonym.
Through the text ‘Jemmy Button’ we will look at writing letter writing and writing a return narrative. We will be focussing on fronted adverbials, conjunctions and modifying adjectives.
Science:
Rocks
In this Science topic, the children will discover the different types of rocks and how they are formed. They will compare and group rocks based on appearance and simple properties. The class will learn how fossils are formed and learn about the contribution of Mary Anning to the field of palaeontology. We will learn about how soil is formed and then investigate the permeability of different types of soil.
Forces and Magnets
We are going to learn about forces, friction and magnetic attraction. We will learn about forces of pushing and pulling and will identify different actions as pushes or pulls. We will investigate friction, by exploring the movement of a toy car over different surfaces. Following this, the children will conduct an investigation into the strength of different types of magnet. They will have chance to explore the way magnetic poles can attract and repel in an exciting activity, making their own compass and using it to find hidden items. We will develop their scientific enquiry skills, making observations, predictions and conclusions.
History:
Railways
We will learn about the development of the Railways in Great Britain giving them the opportunity to find out about the history of the railways and significant early locomotives. We will investigate some important historical events, such as the opening of the first passenger carrying railway lines and the Rainhill Trials and some of the key people who were influential in the development of the railways. In addition to this, the children will learn about the development of locomotive technology and examine the differences between steam, diesel and electric locomotives.
Geography:
Land Use
The children be taking the chance to take a careful look at the places around them and beginning to look for patterns in land use. They will become cartographers, making maps of the local area and agricultural surveyors by considering where different types of farming activities occur within the UK.
Computing:
Word Processing
The children will begin to learn about some important computer skills and will be introduced to screenshots and the Snipping Tool, and the secure use of passwords. The children will learn the basic word-processing skills, then learn to use various features for formatting text.
Internet Research Communication
The children will learn how to effectively search using key words and how to safely communicate online. We will learn the importance of word order when searching, how to examine the results returned and how to distinguish between a reliable and unreliable website or webpage. The class will identify ways of communicating online, how they can keep safe and the importance of being responsible while communicating online with others.
Art:
Insects
In our Art lessons, the children will learn about how to use pencil, colour, mosaic design, puppet making and sculpture to create quality artwork that shows progression in their skills. The children will also have the opportunity to explore the work of a range of ‘Insect’ artists, in particular, Louise Bourgeois and Jennifer Angus.
Design and Technology:
The Great Bread Bake Off
In D.T, the children will have the opportunity to gain an insight into the history of bread
production, then investigate and evaluate existing bread products. They will create design criteria which will be referred to when designing, making and evaluating their own bread product. The children will then use a range of skills and techniques using simple kitchen tools and measuring equipment, they will learn how to knead dough correctly and the technique of proving bread.
RE:
Judaism – Passover
The class will be learning to understand how and why Jewish people celebrate Passover and how they keep Kashrut (food laws). We will learn how Jews show God that they value their special relationship with Him.
Easter - Salvation
In RE this term, we will be focusing on the concept of Salvation. We will be answering questions on: Is forgiveness always possible for Christians?
Music:
China
In our Music lessons this term, our class will be understanding the pentatonic scale pitch
through composing, notating and reading graphic notation. They will practise performing a pentatonic song with tuned and untuned accompaniment.
Time
For the second part of the term, we will be exploring, identifying and performing an ostinato. They will also be recognising and layering rhythm.
M.F.L. - French:
Our School
In French this term, the children will learn the vocabulary for school places and classroom objects; they will take part in a PE-themed lesson conducted mostly in French and will combine learning to express preferences about activities and school subjects.
PSHE:
Safety First
Children will consider what it means to take responsibility for their own safety. This will include the decisions they make and how they can stand up to peer pressure in a range of situations. They will learn about everyday risks, hazards and dangers and what to do in risky or dangerous situations. They will also learn about road, water and rail safety and dangerous substances: drugs (including medicines), cigarettes and alcohol. Children will look at first aid, exploring how to deal with common injuries and what to do to respond to emergency situations.
VIPs
This unit, titled VIPs (Very Important Persons), will focus on relationships we have with our VIPs. It will look at friendships, how friendships are formed and maintained, and the qualities of a good friend. The lessons will then move on to disputes and bullying and will address strategies for coping with each of these.
Physical Education:
The children will have two P.E. sessions. Indoor PE will be taught on a Wednesday and Outdoor PE will be taught on a Thursday.
On these days, the children will need to come to school dressed in their P.E. uniform: navy shorts and light blue t-shirt; navy tracksuit and light blue t-shirt. No logos or football kits. Trainers should be plain black or plain white. All long hair should be tied back and earrings should be removed.
Indoor – Circuit Training
The children will be focussed on different types of exercise, participating in a range of activities that focus on the upper body, lower body and core muscles. Children will learn about aerobic and anaerobic exercise and will be asked to continually consider the benefits gained through participating in these.
Indoor - Badminton
Your child will learn a variety of different net and wall techniques, using badminton as the specific focus. The children will progress their racket skills, footwork steps and attack and defence skills to use in a full match.
Outdoor – Hockey
The class will learn the basic skills players need to play hockey. The children will learn how to pass, receive and travel with the ball as well as tackle and shoot. They will develop their understanding of the principles of attacking and defending in invasion games.
Outdoor – Outdoor Adventurous Activity
The children will learn the skills needed for outdoor adventurous activities, including teamwork, problem-solving, communication and orienteering. They will be given the opportunity to complete a range of different activities, including scavenger hunts, blindfolded challenges, map reading and map drawing exercises.
Homework:
Maths: Maths homework will be set via Class DoJo on a Friday to be completed by the following Friday. We ask for all children to continue to access Times Table Rockstars online to practice and improve instant recall of key multiplication and related division facts.
English: English homework will be set via Class DoJo on a Friday to be completed by the following Friday. We ask that the children also engage frequently with Spelling Shed to practise their spellings.
Reading: At Weston, we encourage children to develop a lifelong love for reading. We ask for children to read regularly at home to adults and to themselves. Reading is fundamental to the wider academic and personal development of children and the need for children to read widely from a broad and challenging range of texts is crucial. Children will be able to select from or be provided with quality texts appropriate for their age and ability.