St Oswald's Catholic Primary SchoolYear 4: Blog items
Year 4 Blog Friday 28th March 2025
Date: 27th Mar 2025 @ 4:17pm
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. If you find any words you are unsure of, look them up in a dictionary or ask an adult.
Spellings
These are your spellings which will be tested next week – please practise them
crystal pyramid bicycle gym symbol
cymbals hymn syrup cylinder mystery
typical gymnast myth Egypt gymnastics
oxygen crypt lyrics
Counting
This week, please practise counting in 10’s
For example, start at 25 and count to 225 and back again
25 35 45 etc 225 215 205 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘garage’ session
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on the words above
- A multiplication and division challenge using place value and known facts
Sumdog have just launched a new fluency booster that is automatically available when your child signs into the app. This feature will direct you to skills that your child needs to improve on to boost their number fluency and will automatically update to meet their fluency needs.
We advise that your child spends at least 10 minutes a day on their booster feature as well as completing the maths focus and times tables challenges.
In English this week, we learnt about different types of determiners and how they can alter the meaning of a sentence.
We learnt that they are found before nouns and that they have different jobs to do in a sentence.
In Maths, we consolidated our learning about halving 4 digit numbers.
In addition, we divided numbers using a mental strategy of partitioning. We found this tricky, however, having a secure knowledge of our tables helped with this.
In RE, we listened to the story of Jesus’ arrest, betrayal by Peter, and trial. We then sequenced the story using pictures.
Following this, we reflected on Jesus’ crucifixion and death and wrote a beautiful acrostic poem to sum up the events of Good Friday and what they mean to us today.
In Science, we explored boiling and evaporation. We discussed the main points to compare the two and thought about how liquids change state during both of these processes.
We also considered different variables that would affect how long evaporation takes.
In our ‘Our Happy Mind’ lesson, we completed our ‘appreciate’ module.
The main focus of the session was how to appreciate ourselves and how our character strengths can help us to appreciate ourselves.
In Geography, we continued creating our double page spreads about rainforests.
We were all very proud of our achievements and enjoyed including lots of detail and pictures.
This week, we were also visited by Harriet and Paul from BAE Systems who provided a STEM workshop.
During the session, we learnt about cyber security, encryption, and teamwork. We then put these elements together to help us navigate a 'Roving Robots' challenge.
Have a look at the pictures in our gallery.
Golden Assembly
Star of the Week: Jack
Super Learner Award: Caleb
Superstar Writer: Amelia
Bookworm Award: Edward
Marvellous Mathematician: Brooke
Special Mentions: Sienna and Emma - for beautiful artwork, and Sam - for putting his heart and soul into everything that he does
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog Friday 21st March 2025
Date: 21st Mar 2025 @ 8:50am
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Can you retell some of the story in your own words?
Spellings
These are your spellings which will be tested next week – please practise them
invention injection action hesitation completion
expression discussion confession permission admission
expansion extension comprehension tension musician
electrician magician politician
Counting
This week, please practise counting in 2’s
For example, start at 86 and count to 128 and back again
86 88 90 etc 128 126 124 etc
Now have a go at counting in 0.2’s
For example, start at 0.8 and count to 3.2 and back again
0.8 1.0 1.2 etc 3.2 3.0 2.8 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
Halving challenge
- Follow the link below and play any of the halving games – this will help to consolidate our learning this week.
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘garage’ session
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on the words above
English
In English, we consolidated our learning about pronouns. We selected and effectively used pronouns in the place of nouns which enabled us to reflect on how useful they can be in our writing.
In addition, we rewrote a chapter of the novel in our own words and included pronouns effectively, and direct speech, to enhance our writing.
Maths
In Maths, we consolidated our knowledge of the written method of multiplication – the grid method. We were quite successful at this, but found the column addition a little more tricky!
Additionally, we learnt how to halve 4 digits numbers where all the digits are even (eg 2864), and where some were odd (eg 3296).
RE
In RE, we learnt about the vocation of Dr Ruth Pfau. Dr Pfau devoted more than 55 years of her life to fight leprosy in Pakistan. She is an incredible example of living out the Corporal Works of Mercy.
In addition, we watched a video based on Luke 19 verses 22-44 about Palm Sunday, and read Matthew 26 verses 36-46 which describes Jesus praying in Gethsemane.
We then compared the joy of Palm Sunday with the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Science
In Science, we carried out an investigation to find out which type of chocolate melted the fastest – white chocolate, milk chocolate or dark chocolate.
We placed a tin foil tray containing the 3 different types of chocolate on a tub of hot water and then recorded the time it took each to melt.
Have a look at the pictures in our gallery.
My Happy Mind
In our ‘Our Happy Mind’ lesson, we recapped our learning about ‘attitude of gratitude’ and thought about something we are grateful for.
We also journaled someone who helps us a lot and wrote a plan about how we can show them appreciation.
Art
In Art, we practised sketching gerberas. We also practised tints and shades of a colour and then painted gerberas in our books.
Have a look at some examples in our gallery.
Silent Disco
This week, we also took part in our very own Silent Disco provided by Starkidz. We had lots of fun dancing with our headphones on.
Yoga and Mindfulness Festival
On Friday morning, we were treated to a yoga and mindfulness session. During the session, we learnt some breathing and practised calming movements. Take a look at the pictures in our gallery.
The Year 4 Team
Year 4 Blog Friday 14th March 2025
Date: 13th Mar 2025 @ 10:24am
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Discuss what you have read with an adult and find out the meaning of any words you are unsure of.
Spellings
These are your spellings which will be tested next week – please practise them
division invasion confusion decision collision
television mission fission submission supervision
expansion vision version illusion immersion
corrosion mansion pension
Counting
This week, please practise counting in hundredths
For example, start at 0.01 and count to 0.21 and back again
0.01 0.02 0.03 etc 0.21 0.20 0.19 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘garage’ session
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on the words above
- A dividing one and two digit numbers by 10 and 100
Sumdog have just launched a new fluency booster that is automatically available when your child signs into the app. This feature will direct you to skills that your child needs to improve on to boost their number fluency and will automatically update to meet their fluency needs.
We advise that your child spends at least 10 minutes a day on their booster feature as well as completing the maths focus and times tables challenges.
In English, we identified pronouns in a text which helped us to understand the function of pronouns. We also continued reading our class novel (Wonka) spotting a variety of pronouns as we read.
In Maths, we learnt how to correctly place multiples of 0.01 on a numberline with multiples of 0.1 marked on, but not labelled. In addition, we described the concept of dividing a one and a two digit number by 100, and doubled a number which had ones and tenths. You can see some pictures of us using place value counters to help us calculate doubles in our gallery.
In RE, we learnt the name and described the Corporal Works of Mercy. We found out that Works of Mercy are ways that we can live out the commandment to love our neighbour. They are to:
- feed the hungry
- give drink to the thirsty
- clothe the naked
- shelter the homeless
- visit the sick
- visit the imprisoned
- bury the dead
In Science, we planned an experiment to find out which type of chocolate melts the fastest. We discussed the melting points of different substances and then made predictions, drew the method and considered things to change / keep the same for our investigation.
In our ‘Our Happy Mind’ lesson, we learnt which hormone / chemical is released when we give or receive gratitude. In addition, we learnt how to create a habit of giving gratitude and how gratitude can help us face problems.
In Geography, we discussed what we had learnt about rainforests during our trip to Chester Zoo. We then consolidated our learning with some research into the different plants, animals and conditions found in each of the different layers of the rainforest. Following this, we recorded the information in our books. Take a look at our work in the gallery.
This week, we also enjoyed a fantastic trip to Chester Zoo. We visited lots of different animals and found out lots of information about the rainforest during our workshop session. Have a look at the pictures in our gallery.
On Friday afternoon, we were also treated to a lesson given by the Japanese students. We created our own friendship flags and you can see some pictures in the gallery.
We wish the Japanese students and Yuichi a safe journey back to Japan and would like to thank them for teaching us about their culture.
On Wednesday, we had a super time keeping fit with Freddy. He also taught us how to keep both our bodies and our minds healthy.
The Year 4 Team
Year 4 Blog Friday 7th March 2025
Date: 6th Mar 2025 @ 10:02am
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Discuss what you have read with an adult. Can you summarise what you have already read and make a prediction about what you think will happen next?
Spellings
These are your spellings which will be tested next week – please practise them
yellow red purple green white
blue orange turquoise two three
four eight twelve eleven thirteen
thirty nineteen eighty
Counting
This week, please practise counting in tenths
For example, start at 1.8 and count to 3.5 and back again
1.8 1.9 2.0 etc 3.5 3.4 3.3 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘girls v boys’ tournament
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on the words above
- A maths challenge based on comparing decimal numbers
Sumdog have just launched a new fluency booster that is automatically available when your child signs into the app. This feature will direct you to skills that your child needs to improve on to boost their number fluency and will automatically update to meet their fluency needs.
We advise that your child spends at least 10 minutes a day on their booster feature as well as completing the maths focus and times tables challenges.
In English, we wrote a dialogue between Wonka and Mrs Scrubitt using the rules we’d learnt about direct speech.
In Maths, we consolidated our knowledge about numbers to two decimal places in the context of money and then compared and ordered decimal numbers.
In RE, we listened to the parable of the sheep and the goats, and then expressed a view about who the sheep represented, and who the goats represented. We also wrote a Lenten promise and attended church on Ash Wednesday.
In Science, we compared ice and other frozen liquids and observed how they melt. We also recorded our observations of an ice cube melting – starting as a solid and finishing as a liquid. Finally, we prepared an investigation into how different liquids freeze. You can see some pictures in our gallery.
In our ‘Our Happy Mind’ lesson, we learnt how to develop an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’ – learning how it feels to give and receive gratitude. We also learnt what the ‘Gratitude Domino Effect’ is.
In PE, we developed ways of travelling (for example, using our hands and feet to travel like a caterpillar, frog or monkey) and balancing (for example balancing on one leg for 10 seconds). We will attempt to incorporate some of these into a gymnastics sequence over the coming weeks. Take a look in our gallery.
In Geography, we learnt the names of the 4 different layers of the rainforest. We then found out about the different plants and animals which are found in each of the different layers due to their unique nature.
Enjoy your weekend!
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog Friday 28th February 2025
Date: 27th Feb 2025 @ 10:10am
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Discuss what you have read with an adult. Can you see any speech marks when you are reading – what do you notice about the punctuation?
Spellings
These are your spellings which will be tested next week – please practise them
accident accidentally actual actually address
answer appear arrive believe bicycle
breath breathe build busy business
calendar caught centre century certain
Counting
This week, please practise counting in negative numbers
For example, start at -10 and count to 10 and back again
-10 -9 -8 etc 10 9 8 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘garage’ session
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on the words above
- A maths challenge based on tenths and hundredths
In English, we started our new novel – Wonka by Sibeal Pounder. We began by using evidence from the first few chapters to describe Wonka and Scrubitt’s characters – they are both very different! This week, we also revised the rules for dialogue.
In Maths, we consolidated our knowledge of the equivalence of tenths, hundredths, common fractions and decimal form. We now know that ¼ = 25/100 = 0.25 and ¾ = 75/100 = 0.75). In addition, we learnt about numbers to two decimal places in the context of money. You can see us exploring money in our gallery.
In RE, we started our new topic – Desert to Garden. We read the parable of the Prodigal Son and then retold it to show our understanding. Have a look in our gallery for some examples of our work.
In Geography, we explored an atlas to find out where rainforests are usually located around the world. We discovered that rainforests are usually found close to the equator.
In Music, we listened to a song about Dragons and then used YuStudio (on Charanga) to write our own music - our own music was based on the Dragons song we had listened to.
In Computing, we continued our photo editing topic by learning how to clone and retouch images. Following this, we planned an image we wanted to create, took a photograph, and then used the photo editing skills we’d learnt to attempt to create this image. Have a look at our finished projects in our gallery.
In Art, we started a new topic – Exploring still life. We began by looking at the art work of Paul Cezanne. Then we used the ‘Four Colour Gestural Drawing Exercise’. This involved using only 4 colours to help us appreciate how seeing simple shapes can help improve drawing skills.
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog Friday 14th February 2025
Date: 13th Feb 2025 @ 10:00am
Welcome to your Friday Blog
As it is the half term holiday, there is no home practice set. However, please keep reading every day as this really does help to unlock your learning. You could also practise your tables using TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
In English, we learnt how to write and punctuate sentences which included fronted adverbials. You can see some photos of our ‘human sentences’ in our gallery. We also finished our class novel The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips – a book we have thoroughly enjoyed reading – and we wrote a book review of the novel to recommend it to other readers.
In Maths, we built on our understanding of the number system extending it further into hundredths. We learnt how hundredths are represented as a fraction and as a decimal (for example 0.01 = 1/100) and the equivalence of tenths, hundredths, fractions and decimals.
In RE, we watched a film about the life of St Damien of Molokai. Following this, we gave examples of how St Damien showed the virtues of faith, hope and love throughout his lifetime. In our final lesson of this topic, we created a poster to show how Jesus loved and ways that we could show love in our everyday lives.
In Science, we recapped the meaning of ‘viscosity’. We then carried out our ‘viscosity’ experiment. We made predictions about which liquid we thought would be the most / least viscous and then raced liquids against each other, recording our results in a table. You can see some photos in our gallery.
In History, we finished our PowerPoints detailing some of the legacies left behind by the Romans. We made sure that they included lots of information and some pictures, as well as a hyperlink and some animations.
In PSHE we discussed ‘keeping safe’. We considered how we can decide if something is risky and what signs to look out for. In addition, we were presented with different situations and discussed whether they were low, medium or high risk, and how we could reduce or remove the risk.
In PE, we added a transition to our ‘action word’ dance routine. Whilst doing this, we were able to demonstrate an unusual movement and keep in time with others, as well as work together to improve and rehearse our dance. Have a look at some pictures in our gallery.
In Art, we created our ‘pocket gallery’. We used the boxes we had made as plinths and placed objects/artwork on them. Then, we placed the figures we had created in our gallery and made it look as though they were inspecting the artwork. Have a look at our gallery to see our finished creations.
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog Friday 7th February 2025
Date: 7th Feb 2025 @ 12:54pm
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Can you spot any apostrophes when you are reading? If so, are they used for contractions (a letter or letters are missing) or to show possession?
Spellings
This week we have been learning how to use an apostrophe for singular possession therefore there are no spellings to learn. You will however be tested on the apostrophe spelling rule next Wednesday as we have been practising it in class.
Counting
This week, please practise counting in 100’s
For example, start at 568 and count to 2068 and back again
568 668 768 etc 2068 1968 1868 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘Battle of the Bands’ session – boys v girls
Sumdog challenges
- A maths challenge based on negative numbers
- A maths challenge based on 10, 100 and 1000 more and less
In English, we learnt what an adverbial phase is and how to identify one in a sentence. Next week, we will be learning how to write and correctly punctuate sentences which include fronted adverbials.
In Maths, we returned to place value this week, starting by rounding 4 digit numbers to the nearest 1000. In addition, we correctly placed numbers on a number line with multiples of 1000 marked, but not labelled, and labelled positive and negative numbers on a number line.
In RE, we familiarised ourselves the religious vocabulary of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and ordered the different parts of the Sacrament. This week, we also learnt when the Sacrament of the Sick is used and explored how the Sacrament brings God’s strength to those who receive it.
In Science, we explored the properties of liquids. We considered how they:-
- change their shape
- flow and pour easily
- keep the same volume
- made a puddle, not a pile
- show a level surface
In addition, we discussed the meaning of the word viscous (how thick and sticky a liquid is) and planned a ‘liquid race’ which we will carry out next week.
In History, we continued creating our PowerPoints detailing some of the legacies left behind by the Romans. We included lots of information and some pictures. We will attempt to finish these next week.
It was Children’s Mental Health week this week, so our PSHE topic was ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself’. First, we discussed the things that make us happy, activities we love doing and things that make us laugh. Then, we talked about the things that disgust us or make us feel fear. Following this, we understood that we have a variety of emotions and now know that it is OK to ask for support.
In PE, we added a transition to our ‘action word’ dance routine. Whilst doing this, we were able to demonstrate an unusual movement and keep in time with others, as well as work together to improve and rehearse our dance. Have a look at some pictures in our gallery.
In Art, we finished making our ‘plinths’ and prepared the pictures of ourselves, so that they stood up unaided.
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog Friday 31st January 2025
Date: 30th Jan 2025 @ 10:01am
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. If you are unsure about the meaning of a word, look it up in a dictionary and write out the meaning in your reading diary.
Spellings
These are your spellings which will be tested next week – please practise them
their there they’re because does
doesn’t too to two its
it’s off of where were
when went with our are
Counting
This week, please practise counting in 7’s
For example, start at 12 and count to 144 and back again
0 7 14 etc 84 77 70 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘Garage’ session
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on the words above
- A maths challenge based on 3D shapes
In English, we learnt more about adverbs and how they can be used in different places in a sentence. We now know that adverbs can go at the beginning of a sentence, but need a comma after them. For example – Quickly, the boy finished his dinner. We put into practise what we had learnt by retelling some of the class novel.
In Maths, we continued with our 3D shape topic by identifying and naming different pyramids according to their properties. In addition, we consolidated our ability to identify and describe the properties of lots of different 3D shapes (eg a cone, a sphere, a cylinder and a prism).
In RE, we familiarised ourselves with Matthew 11 1-15 (Jesus’ speech to John the Baptist) when John’s disciples asked Jesus if he was the Messiah. In addition, we listened to the story of Jesus walking on water and considered why Jesus might have worked miracles.
In Science, we recapped the properties of solids, liquids and gases. Following this, we discussed some common household materials, sorting them into solids and liquids according to their properties. Some we found quite tricky to classify.
In History, we learnt about some of the things that the Roman’s brought to Britain, for example, cats, cement and bricks, coins, and new ways of reading and counting. Following this, we started to make a PowerPoint which gave more information about some of the legacies the Romans left behind.
In our ‘Our Happy Mind’ lesson, we learnt how we can grow our strengths and how neuroplasticity can help us.
In Art, we continued with our topic ‘the art of display’. We continued making our ‘plinths’ and took pictures of ourselves in different poses.
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog Friday 24th January 2025
Date: 23rd Jan 2025 @ 3:45pm
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Remember to include lots of expression when you are reading.
Spellings
These are your spellings which will be tested next week – please practise them
measure enclosure picture capture departure
future treasure creature nature leisure
puncture cure pleasure furniture adventure
literature mixture sure
Counting
This week, please practise counting in 7’s
For example, start at 12 and count to 144 and back again
0 7 14 etc 84 77 70 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘Garage’ session
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on the words above
- A maths challenge based on perpendicular and parallel lines
In English, we wrote a postcard from an evacuee, called Barry, to his mother. We had to think carefully about every word we wrote and tried to include vocabulary from the novel. In addition, we investigated and used verbs and adverbs in sentences. We needed to ensure our adverb was appropriate for the verb we were using.
In Maths, we started our shape topic by investigating 2D shapes – their names and properties. In addition, we defined parallel and perpendicular lines. We then learnt how to identify and name different prisms according to their properties.
In RE, we continued we read through and discussed the Nicene Creed. Following this, we chose our favourite phrase and explained what it means to us.
In Science, we started our new topic – States of Matter. We began by creating a mind-map about what we already know. Following this, we discussed some key vocabulary and learnt the difference between each state (solid, liquids and gases). Finally, we shared some examples of each state and sorted them into each category.
In our ‘Our Happy Mind’ lesson, we recapped the 5 main character strengths, learnt why it is important to recognise and use our character strengths, and learnt how we can use our character strengths in lots of different ways.
In Art, we started our topic ‘the art of display’. We began by questioning the role of a ‘plinth’ in sculpture. We then discussed how to make a ‘pocket gallery’ and took some pictures of ourselves in various poses.
We continued our new topic ‘photo editing’ in Computing. We practised editing pictures and then learnt how to recolour pictures.
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog Friday 17th January 2025
Date: 17th Jan 2025 @ 8:22am
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Can you summarise what has already happened and predict what you think will happen next?
Spellings
These are your spellings which will be tested next week – please practise them
quarter question recent though regular
reign remember thought sentence separate
special through straight strange strength
various suppose woman women therefore
Counting
This week, please practise counting in 12’s
For example, start at 12 and count to 144 and back again
0 12 24 etc 144 132 120 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘Battle of the Bands’ tournament – Boys v Girls
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on the words above
- A maths challenge based reading, writing and converting time
In English, we wrote a formal letter to Mr Tregenza (grandfather in the novel) to persuade him to leave his home in Slapton Sands. We tried our best to use vocabulary which was both formal and persuasive, and enjoyed using our ‘posh’ voice to rehearse our sentences as we were writing as Lord Somethingorother!
In Maths, we learnt how to read the time and write it to the nearest minute. We also learnt how to tell, write and match analogue and digital times. Please try and practise telling the time at home with an adult as this is an invaluable life skill.
In RE, we continued with our Galilee to Jerusalem topic and learnt about the Christian belief of incarnation. We discussed ‘God like’ and ‘human’ traits and then produced a piece of work to show our understanding that Jesus was fully God and fully Human.
In Science, we consolidated our electricity learning with a Kahoot quiz.
In our ‘Our Happy Mind’ lesson, we discussed character strengths and how we can recognise these in others, and in different situations.
In History, we learnt why the Roman Army was so powerful and successful, and produced a poster to try and drum up some new recruits! You can see some photos in our gallery.
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog Friday 10th January 2025
Date: 9th Jan 2025 @ 8:21am
Welcome to your Friday blog
We hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Discuss what you have read with an adult. Can you find out the meaning of any new words in a dictionary?
Spellings
These are your spellings which will be tested next week – please practise them
famous various jealous serious obvious
poisonous dangerous enormous glamorous vigorous
outrageous curious hideous humorous mountainous
courageous spontaneous tremendous
Counting
This week, please practise counting in 11’s
For example, start at 11 and count to 132 and back again
0 11 22 etc 132 121 etc
Then have a go at counting up in 11’s from a different number, for example 54 or 79
54 65 76 etc
79 90 101 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘garage’ session
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on the words above
- A maths challenge based on doubling, halving and related facts (times tables)
In English, we started our new novel – The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips. We began by thinking of the similarities between this novel and Kensuke’s Kingdom, also written by Michael Morpurgo. In addition, we were introduced to the main character (Lily) and we thought of lots of words to describe her personality.
In Maths, we consolidated our learning about chunking. Many of us found this tricky as we are not confident with our tables or number facts. Knowing these off by heart would be beneficial in lots of maths areas. We also learnt how to divide by 10, and described the effect of dividing a 2digit number by 10. Have a look at our gallery.
In RE, we started our new topic – Galilee to Jerusalem. We began the topic by listening to Matthew 16: 13-26 - Peter’s profession of faith. Following this, we retold the story using speech bubbles.
In Science, we continued learning about electricity by making our own switches. We had to make sure we used appropriate materials and made a complete circuit.
In our ‘Our Happy Mind’ lesson, we started the ‘Celebrate’ module. We discussed the 5 main character strength groups
- love and kindness
- bravery and honesty
- learning and exploring
- friendship and teamwork
- loving life and our world
In Music, we were introduced to brass instruments and were lucky enough to try out lots of different instruments. We were also visited by the ‘Music Bus’ (mobile music vehicle) in which we played the ‘drums’ on an ipad. Have a look in our gallery.
In Geography, we discussed the causes of flooding, the impact and how it can be prevented. This was quite topical given the recent weather and rainfall.
We started our new topic ‘photo editing’ in Computing. We learnt how to rotate and crop pictures using the BeFunky app.
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog Friday 20th December 2024
Date: 19th Dec 2024 @ 4:49pm
Welcome to your last blog of 2024
What a fantastic last week of term we’ve had! It’s been busy and lots of fun!
On Monday, we enjoyed watching the All Hallows Roadshow in church. We loved joining in with the singing, as well as watching the dancing, and listening to the musicians.
On Tuesday, in DT, we created our ‘iron models’. We were all very impressed with our products – each one included an electrical circuit with a light bulb which lit something up!
On Wednesday, we looked fabulous in our Christmas jumpers, swapped Christmas Cards and enjoyed a Christmas Dinner. We also made Christmas Cards and calendars.
On Thursday, we created a final piece of artwork and put the finishing touches to our cards and calendars. In addition, we attended the Christingle service in church led by Year 6.
On Friday, we had our final Golden Assembly and we celebrated the stars of the term.
Thank you for all your gifts and cards.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and relaxing Christmas and New Year. Thank you for your support during the term – it is very much appreciated.
We look forward to seeing everyone again on Monday 6th January 2025.
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog Friday 13th December 2024
Date: 13th Dec 2024 @ 2:52pm
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Discuss what you have read with an adult. Try and add expression to your reading and think about how the characters might be speaking to each other.
Spellings
There will be no spelling test next week, however, we have included a Sumdog Challenge based on some of the Year 3 / 4 Statutory Words.
Counting
This week, please practise counting in 3’s, 6’s and 9’s and back again using your times tables
For example, start at 0 and count to 36 and back again
0 3 6 etc 36 33 30 etc
Then have a go at counting in 0.3’s, 0.6’s and 0.9’s and back again using your times tables as a guide
0 0.3 0.6 etc 3.6 3.3 3.0 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘garage’ session
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on some of the Year 3 / 4 Statutory Words
- A maths challenge based on using known and related facts to multiply and divide mentally
In English, we wrote a menu for a special guest – the Iron Man. We included alliteration in the titles of our dishes and a mouth watering description of the food. We then published our menus. They are to be included in a book of menus which will be on the Year 4 bookshelf. We are all very proud of our writing this week! Brilliant work Year 4.
In Maths, we learnt how to divide using related facts. In addition, we learnt how to divide two-digit numbers by a single digit using the chunking method. Many of us found this tricky as we are not yet fluent with our tables. Knowing our tables off by heart will help us to succeed when we meet trickier learning and boost our confidence.
In RE, we made links between the ancestry of Jesus and the Jesse Tree.
In Geography, we discovered that there are different courses to a river (the upper course, middle course and lower course) and we discussed the different land uses at each course. In addition, we learnt about different features of a river and learnt the words meander, tributary, confluence and ox-bow lake.
In Science, we identified whether a circuit was complete or incomplete and therefore whether it would work or not.
In the last session of My Happy Mind – the Meet Your Brain Unit – we identified what was good for our brains or body, or both!
In addition, on Monday afternoon, we were treated to a super panto – Beauty and the Beast. We thoroughly enjoyed watching the performance.
Please remember to bring in a cardboard box and any decorations you need for your DT on Tuesday.
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog - Friday 6th December 2024
Date: 5th Dec 2024 @ 3:42pm
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Discuss what you have read with an adult. Can you summarise what you have already read or make a prediction about what you think will happen?
Spellings
These are your spellings which will be tested next week – please practise them
disappoint disagree disobey disobedient
disgrace disguise misbehave misspell
mislead misunderstood misunderstand misconduct
misdeed misfire misguided misuse
misspent misplace
Counting
This week, please practise counting in 2’s, 4’s and 8’s and back again using your times tables
For example, start at 0 and count to 48 and back again
0 4 8 etc 48 44 40 etc
Then have a go at counting in 0.2’s, 0.4’s and 0.8’s and back again using your times tables as a guide
0 0.4 0.8 etc 4.8 4.4 4.0 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘battle of the bands’ competition – boys v girls
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on the words above
- A maths challenge based on doubling, halving and related multiplication facts
In English, we learnt what alliteration meant (the repetition of a sound at the beginning of two or more neighbouring words). We then enjoyed writing a poem which included alliteration. We also started gathering ideas for a menu specially created for the Iron Man which we will be writing next week.
In Maths, we learnt how to double any number up to 4 digits, practised using partitioning to mentally multiply TU x U, and built on our knowledge of the grid method of multiplication. Knowing our times tables really helped us with this learning.
In RE, we discussed the meaning of Advent (Advent means arrival) and what Christians do during Advent to prepare for Jesus’ birth.
In Art, we made Christmas Cards for a competition. Have a look at our finished cards in our gallery.
On Monday, we took part in our Reconciliation Day. Many thanks to Father Michael and the catechists for helping us prepare for this. There are some pictures in our gallery.
In addition, we also took part in the Santa Dash on Tuesday afternoon, and enjoyed a ‘handball’ session with a South Ribble Sports Coach. You can see some pictures of these activities in our gallery.
Have a peaceful weekend
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog Friday 29th November 2024
Date: 28th Nov 2024 @ 2:52pm
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Discuss what you have read with an adult. Can you find out the meaning of any new words in a dictionary?
Spellings
These are your spellings which will be tested next week – please practise them
irregular irrelevant irresponsible irrational
irrefutable irrevocable submit subdivide
subheading submarine submerge subconscious
subatomic subcontract subordinate subtitle
subcontinent subnormal
Counting
This week, please practise counting in 3’s
For example, start at 0 and count to 36 and back again
0 3 6 etc 36 33 30 etc
Then have a go at counting in 6’s from 0 to 72 and back again
0 6 12 72 66 60 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘garage’ session
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on the words above
- A maths challenge based on multiplying by 10 and 100, as well as using known facts to work out other multiplications (eg 30 x 6, use 3 x 6 = 18, then multiply by 10)
In English, we studied different front covers of the novel The Iron Man. We then made predictions about the story and justified these with reasons why we had come to these conclusions. In addition, we rewrote the first chapter in first person using powerful vocabulary and ideas from the novel. In our Literacy Kicks sessions, we wrote a newspaper article about the friendship between Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield; edited a newspaper article looking carefully for spelling and punctuation errors, and wrote an article about Gareth Southgate's resignation from the position of England Manager.
In Maths, we understood the effect of multiplying a one or two digit number by 10 and 100. We extended this learning to recognise the relationship between a known fact and a related calculation. For example, if 4 x 3 = 12, then 4 x 30 = 120 – the answer is 10 times larger.
In RSHE, we made links and connections to show that we are all different and that God loves us in our differences. We celebrated these differences in different ways and by :
- giving examples of how our words and actions an make the world a better place for everyone
- writing our own set of Golden Rules which show how we should treat everybody
- composing a litany of thanks for the unique gifts of friends and family
In Science, we completed challenges to make different simple circuits and drew labelled diagrams to show our learning. Have a look at the pictures in our gallery.
In our ‘My Happy Mind’ session, we learnt what neurons and neural pathways are – these are learning how to form habits.
In PE, we took part in an interhouse handball tournament. We passed the ball around our team trying to score a goal. We ensured we made no contact with our opponents and tried to intercept the ball to gain possession. There are some photos in our gallery.
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog Friday 22nd November 2024
Date: 22nd Nov 2024 @ 9:00am
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Discuss what you have read with an adult. Can you find out the meaning of any new words in a dictionary?
Spellings
These are your spellings which will be tested next week – please practise them
inactive incorrect introvert insecure intake
immortal imperfect immature impossible impractical
implant impatient impose improper impartial
impunity impassive illegal illegible illogical
Counting
This week, please practise counting in 9’s
For example, start at 0 and count to 108 and back again
0 9 18 etc 108 99 90 etc
Then have a go at counting up in 9’s from a different number, for example 32 or 79
32 41 50 etc
79 88 97 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘battle of the bands’ boys v girls for Years 4, 5 and 6
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on the words above
- A maths challenge based on multiplication arrays and the 3, 4 and 8 times tables
In English, we wrote our own questions about a chapter trying our best to remember to include capital letters and question marks. In addition, we wrote a summary of the novel in 100 words – or as close to this as we could! We needed to think very carefully about our sentences, include only the main hightlights of the story, and ensure that we edited our work carefully too.
In Maths, we started our new topic – multiplication. Initially, we used the ten times table to help us work out the 9 times and 11 times tables. We then learnt how to use arrays to identify factors. See the photos in our gallery.
In RE, we read Matthew 3:1-12 and Mark 1:1-8 both of which introduce John the Baptist. We discussed John the Baptist’s message and what he was wearing, and considered how this was similar in style to the prophet Elijah.
In Science, we started our electricity topic with a mind map of what we already know. We then discussed different electrical appliances and how they work, plus the difference between mains and battery power.
In My Happy Mind, we learnt more about why the amygdala behaves the way it does and how to manage it. We also practised ‘happy breathing’ and discussed when we can use it to help us.
In PE, we started our new dance topic based on the Iron Man. We discussed the description from the start of the book and focused on ‘looking’ and ‘searching’ movements as shown by the character.
This week, we also had a fantastic trip to Lancaster City Museum. We learnt a lot about the Roman Empire and life as a Roman Soldier. Many thanks to the museum staff who made this an informative learning experience. Have a look in our gallery for pictures of our visit.
Have a brilliant weekend
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog Friday 15th November 2024
Date: 15th Nov 2024 @ 8:24am
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Discuss what you have read with an adult. Can you summarise what you have read previously or make a prediction about what you think will happen next?
Spellings
These are your spellings which will be tested next week – please practise them
perhaps popular position possess possession
possible pressure probably promise purpose
quarter recent regular reign remember
sentence potatoes question separate special straight
Counting
This week, please practise counting in 9’s
For example, start at 0 and count to 108 and back again
0 9 18 etc 108 99 90 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘garage’ session
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on the words above
- A maths challenge based on the formal written method of column subtraction
In English, we extended our learning about about subordinating contractions and practised using them at the beginning of a sentence. We needed to remember to include a comma after the subordinate clause. Have a look at some ‘human sentences’ in our gallery. GARETH
In Maths, we revised and learnt more about the formal written method of subtraction. We subtracted 4 digit numbers from 4 digit numbers, including exchanging.
In RE, we read 1 Kings 19 Verses 4-15 about Elijah’s encounter and meeting with God. Following this, we retold and recreated the story using symbols.
In Science, we recognised that environments can change and that this can pose dangers to living things. We also discussed environmental changes which are caused by humans, for example, pollution, climate change and littering.
In P.S.H.E, we consolidated our learning about the 3 parts of the brain – the hippocampus, amygdala and the prefrontal cortex (team H-A-P). We then learnt what real and perceived danger is and what triggers our amygdala. You will have received a letter today with the newsletter showing you how to access the parent resources.
In Art, we started our new topic ‘Exploring Pattern’. We started by making a sensory drawing using a needle.
This week we were also visited by Freddy Fit. We enjoyed being put through our paces with fun workouts, and learning how to keep our minds and bodies fit and healthy. Have a look at some pictures in our gallery.
On Thursday, we were also extremely lucky to work with Gareth Walker, a sports journalist. We were introduced to Keely Hodgkinson and watched a video of her winning Gold in the 800m final at the Olympics this year. Following this, and with the help of Gareth, we wrote our own newspaper report about the event. Gareth will be working with us over the next few weeks, so that we can refine our journalistic skills. You can see some pictures in our gallery.
Thank you for supporting Children in Need - we all looked fabulous in our pyjamas / spotty outfits.
Have a super weekend
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog - Friday 8th November 2024
Date: 8th Nov 2024 @ 12:41pm
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Discuss what you have read with an adult. Can you spot any conjunctions when you are reading? Are they coordinating or subordinating conjunctions?
Spellings
These are your spellings which will be tested next week – please practise them
would could should because said
hear here where were people
night knight father friend mother
children water too two beautiful
Counting
This week, please practise counting in 6’s
For example, start at 0 and count to 72 and back again
0 6 12 etc 72 66 60 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘garage’ session
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on the words above
- A maths challenge based on the formal written method of column addition
In English, we learnt about subordinating contractions – how to identify them in a sentence, where they are used and what their purpose is. We also learnt an acronym to help us remember some subordinating conjunctions (AWhITEBUS). We then tried to use a variety of conjunctions in our writing. In addition, we were visited by the Liverpudlian poet Levi Tafari on Wednesday and wrote our own poetry. Have a look at the photos in our gallery.
In Maths, we revised and learnt more about the formal written method of addition. We added 4 digit numbers together, including exchanging. We then extended our learning to identify missing digits in column addition calculations, and adding three numbers together with four digits.
In RE, we started our new topic – Prophecy and Promise. We began by researching what a prophet is and learning the names of some of those found in the Bible. Following this, we created a poster on Seesaw to show what we had learnt – have a look in our gallery!
In History, we learnt about the Roman army, and the weaponry and uniform worn by Roman Legionaries. We researched some of the main items of uniform and labelled a Roman soldier using the Latin names for the items.
In Science, we explored our nature area to identify any living things and their habitats. We then draw and labelled them to explain what living things we found and where.
In P.S.H.E, we started our ‘My Happy Mind’ programme. We learnt that there are 3 parts to the brain – the hippocampus, amygdala and the prefrontal cortex (team H-A-P) and that all 3 work together. We will be building on this learning over the coming weeks.
This week, we also enjoyed outdoor learning with leaves. Have a look at the pictures in our gallery.
Have a relaxing weekend
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog - Thursday 24th October 2024
Date: 24th Oct 2024 @ 8:52am
Welcome to your weekly blog
We have had a brilliant half term in Year 4 and worked really hard!
Our learning this week:
In English, we retold part of a chapter and attempted to use lots of thoughts and feelings as well as a variety of sentence openers. In addition, we wrote a character description of Kensuke. We write words to describe his character and then used evidence from the text to back up our ideas.
In Maths, we drew bar charts to present data. We needed to look carefully at the scale given and draw the bars accurately. Additionally, we interpreted data and solved one-step problems from information presented in bar charts.
In RE, we listened to a story about the life of Oscar Romero. We then considered how his life and work was an example of faith made active in love.
In Geography, we defined what a river is and discussed its features. We also listed some examples and non-examples of a river.
As it is half term, there is no Home Practice. However, please try and read every single day as this really helps unlock your learning.
Thank you to everyone who came to Parent’s Evening over the past two weeks. It was lovely to see you and we hope you enjoyed looking at your child’s work.
We hope you have a peaceful and relaxing holiday and look forward to seeing you all again on Monday 4th November 2024.
The Year 4 Team
Year 4 Blog Friday 18th October 2024
Date: 18th Oct 2024 @ 12:45pm
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Discuss what you have read with an adult. Can you predict what will happen next?
Spellings
These are your spellings which will be tested next week – please practise them
information preparation adoration sensation floatation
admiration exaggeration hibernation propagation imagination
concentration moderation education differentiation taxation
hesitation litigation isolation invitation
Counting
This week, please practise counting in 8’s
For example, start at 0 and count to 96 and back again
0 8 16 etc 96 88 80 etc
Now try counting in 100’s from 253 to 1753 and back again
253 353 453 etc 1753 1653 1553 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘studio’ session
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on the words above
- A times tables competition
In English, we wrote a letter to our parents in preparation for parents evening. This week, we also researched the meaning of words using both a physical and online dictionary, and then attempted to use them in a sentence of our own. In addition, we enjoyed using description from the novel to draw our own sketch of the island Kensuke and Michael are living on. Have a look at some of our drawings in the gallery.
In Maths, we consolidated our learning about perimeter. We used what we had learnt to calculate the perimeter of rectilinear shapes when some lengths were missing. Additionally, we derived and used addition and subtraction facts for 1 and 10 with decimal numbers (for example 0.1 + 0.9 = 1 and 4.8 + 5.2 = 10).
In RE, we listened again to the story of Joseph and then ‘hot seated’ his character. Following this, we wrote a prayer which helped us to reflect on how the virtues of faith, hope and love help us to be a good neighbour.
In P.S.H.E, we discussed who or where pressure may come from and performed this in role play.
In Science, we created a classification key using post-it notes. Have a look at some examples in our gallery.
In History, we were archaeologists! We looked at some Roman artefacts and then considered what they were, what material they were made from, who might have used them and what it told us about Romans / Roman life.
In Art, we used oil pastels to add some colour to our Very Hungry Caterpillar sketches. Have a look in our gallery to see how this has enhanced the story.
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog - Friday 11th October 2024
Date: 11th Oct 2024 @ 9:49am
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Discuss what you have read with an adult. Write down the meaning of any words you don’t know.
Spellings
These are your spellings which will be tested next week – please practise them
young touch double trouble country
courage colour couple southern encourage
cousins enough nourish countries rough
cousin doubling touched youngster troubling
Counting
This week, please practise counting in 4’s
For example, start at 0 and count to 48 and back again
0 4 8 etc 48 44 40 etc
Now try counting in 10’s from 146 to 326 and back again
146 156 166 etc 326 316 306 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘Garage’ session concentrating on the 2, 5, 10, 3 and 4 times tables only
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on the words above
- A maths challenge based on perimeter
In English, we read about Michael’s first encounter with Kensuke on the island. We then planned and wrote a diary account from Kensuke’s point of view. We tried to ensure we included lots of thoughts and feelings and made it entertaining for the reader.
In Maths, we measured lengths in centimetres and millimetres, writing lengths to one decimal place eg 4cm 7mm = 4.7cm. In addition, we learnt that perimeter is the measure of length or distance around the boundary of a shape. We then applied our understanding to help us calculate the perimeter of rectilinear shapes.
In RE, we listened to the story of Joseph who was given a wonderful coat by his father. His older brothers were jealous and sold him to passing merchants on their way to Egypt. We then discussed how Joseph’s decisions were informed by his faith, hope and love in God.
In P.S.H.E, we discussed how in different situations we may have different feelings, and described the physical states our bodies may experience. Have a look in our gallery at our pictures.
In Art, we continued with our retelling of the story of ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’ through sketching. Have a look at some examples in our gallery.
In History, we learnt where the Romans came from, when Rome was founded (753BCE) and when the Roman Empire began and ended (27BCE – 476CE).
Have a wonderful weekend
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog - Friday 4th October 2024
Date: 3rd Oct 2024 @ 1:19pm
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Discuss what you have read with an adult. Can you spot any co-ordinating conjunctions in sentences?
Spellings
These are your spellings which will be tested next week – please practise them
crystal gym hymn mystery myth
pyramid symbol syrup typical Egypt
bicycle cymbals cylinder gymnast gymnastics
oxygen crypt lyrics
Counting
This week, please practise counting in 3’s
For example, start at 0 and count to 36 and back again
0 3 6 etc 36 33 30 etc
Now try counting in 10’s from 268 to 428 and back again
268 278 288 etc 428 418 408 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition against Year 5 – please log on and have a go!
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on the words above
- A maths challenge based on the 3 times table which we have been revisiting this week
In English, we learnt the acronym FANBOYS to help us remember the 7 co-ordinating conjunctions. The conjunctions are For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. We then practised using these conjunctions in sentences. We hope to try and use more compound sentences in our independent writing.
In Maths, we used partitioning and number lines to help us add and subtract numbers when we needed to bridge 10 and 100. This was quite tricky, but with a bit more practise we hope it will become a little easier. In addition, we learnt how to measure and draw lengths as properties of 2D shapes, as well as how to measure in centimetres and millimetres.
In RE, we consolidated our learning of the words - virtue, faith, hope and love. We then read St John Henry Newman’s ‘Mission of my Life’, underlined our favourite line, and explained why we chose it. We also explained how we could relate it to our everyday lives.
In P.S.H.E, we discussed good and not so good feelings and how they can affect our physical state. We ordered sets of feelings based on their intensity.
In Art, we began to retell the story of ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’ through sketching.
This week, we also attended the Harvest Celebration in church on Friday afternoon. Thank you for your harvest gifts – these will be donated to a local food bank.
Have a relaxing weekend
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog Friday 27th September 2024
Date: 27th Sep 2024 @ 3:36pm
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Discuss what you have read with an adult. Look up any words you are unsure of in a dictionary.
Spellings
These are your spellings which will be tested next week – please practise them
kindly slowly loudly comically crossly
quietly angrily happily sleepily hesitantly
gently simply humbly nobly sarcastically
basically quickly dramatically frantically worryingly
Counting
This week, please practise counting in 5’s
For example, start at 0 and count to 60 and back again
0 5 10 etc 60 55 50 etc
Now try counting in 50’s from 50 to 600 and back again
50 100 150 etc 600 550 500
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘studio’ session – please log on and have a go!
Why not challenge someone else in Year 4 to a ‘Rock Slam’. This is a competition and you can set a score for them to beat. You don’t need to be online at the same time.
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on the words above
- A maths challenge based on adding and subtraction 1, 10, 100 and 1000
In English, we analysed the features of an informal letter. We then planned and wrote our own letter from Michael to his best friend Eddie which outlined the countries he had visited and the adventures he had had during his sailing trip around the world.
In Maths, we consolidated our learning about rounding numbers to the nearest 10 and 100. In addition, we practised adding and subtracting 1, 10, 100 and 1000 to different numbers. We then used what we had learnt to add multiples of 10 to 3 digit numbers eg 342 + 250. See the pictures in our gallery which demonstrate how we answered these using place value counters.
In RE, we talked about how Abraham is a model of prayer and how we can use prayer in our everyday lives. We also discussed and wrote definitions of the words - virtue, faith, hope and love.
In P.S.H.E, we described appropriate ways to say no to a friend and discussed how we can be assertive. We then acted a scenario out with our partner.
In Science, we worked in our groups to create a poster about an animal's features and any extra information about their habitat, nutritional group, or animal type. Have a look at our gallery.
In Geography, we learnt about the ‘water cycle’. We learnt some new words which describe what happens to water during this cycle eg. evaporation, condensation, precipitation and ground water.
This week, we also planted some bulbs in the nature area. We are looking forward to seeing them blossom in spring. You can see some pictures of us planting them in our gallery.
Have a super weekend
The Year 4 team
Year 4 Blog Friday 20th September 2024
Date: 19th Sep 2024 @ 5:02pm
Welcome to your Friday blog
Home practice
Reading
Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Discuss what you have read with an adult. See if you can spot any nouns – do they have capital letters or not?
Spellings
These are your spellings which will be tested next week – please practise them
minute natural naughty notice occasion(ally)
opposite ordinary particular peculiar perhaps
material possible medicine potatoes popular
often pressure position probably possess(ion)
Counting
This week, please practise counting in 2’s
For example, start at 0 and count to 24 and back again
0 2 4 etc 24 22 20 etc
Now try counting from 25 to 41 and back again
25 27 29 etc
Times tables and Number facts
Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.
You can practise your tables on TTRockstars, Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk
Please also practise your number facts.
You can practise your number facts on Hit the Button
It is crucial that you learn all of your table facts and your number facts as this will help you with many aspects of maths.
TTRockstars challenge
- A ‘garage’ session – please log on and have a go!
Sumdog challenges
- A spelling challenge based on the words above
- A maths challenge based on ordering and comparing whole numbers
In English, we wrote reasons for and against sailing around the world. In addition, we collected words to describe Michael’s character. Information about Michael's character could have been written down in the novel, or inferred – that is, we could work it out from the evidence.
In Maths, we learnt more about place value. We learnt how to compare and order both whole and decimal numbers, and how to round numbers to the nearest 10 or 100.
In RE, we acted out the story of Abraham and Sarah. Following this, we retold the story in our own words ensuring we included some important vocabulary, eg covenant and trust.
In PE, we practised our chest pass, bounce pass, overhead pass and shooting skills and then applied these skills to a game of netball.
In Science, we grouped animals in a variety of different ways, for example as vertebrates or invertebrates / as fish, amphibians, retiles, birds or mammals.
In Art, we created our own scenes and then sketched them. We also gave them a title. Please have a look in our gallery.
Have a relaxing weekend
The Year 4 Team
Date: 19th Sep 2024 @ 9:26am
With your children now back in school, it is a great time to review online safety in your homes and make sure we are all up to date with developments in the online world. At St Oswald's, all classes will be beginning their Online Saftety learning where they will learn all about safe practices online in the following areas.
Self image and identitiy
Online relationships
Online bulllying
Health, Well-being and lifestyle
Online reputation
Managing online information
Copyright and ownership
We will blog regularly to keep you updated with developments in the online space, sharing platform guides and links to expert training for you to keep your children safe when exploring the internet. Below you will find guides on new devices and WhatsApp.
To access a huge range of information on the National Online Safety website click the link below and join our school online safety hub.You will get access to videos, training and guides to keep you informed of the best practices in keeping your children safe online.
http://nationalonlinesafety.com/enrol/st-oswald-s-catholic-primary-school-pr45eb
