Year 4: Blog items

Year 4 Blog Friday 14th June 2024

Date: 14th Jun 2024 @ 8:43am

Welcome to your Friday blog

Home practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  Try and look carefully at the beginning of each sentence. What words do the sentences start with? Can you spot any subordinating conjunctions?

Spellings

These are your spellings for next week:

weather       whether       who’s           whose          medal           meddle

missed         mist             there           their           they’re

aloud            allowed         groan           grown          

Counting

This week, please practise counting in 10’s  

For example, start at 54 and count to 234 and back again

54   64   74    etc                      234   224   214 etc

Now try counting in 0.1’s

For example, start at 2.5 and count to 4.2 and back again

2.5   2.6   2.7   etc                     4.2   4.1   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.

Sumdog challenges

• A spelling challenge based on the words above
• A maths challenge to plot coordinates on a grid

TTRockstars challenge

• A ‘studio’ session

In English, we continued reading our class novel, King of the Cloud Forests. We read about the interesting events at the beginning of Ashley’s journey and the one incident which was to change his life forever. We then planned and wrote a letter from Ashley to his father.

In Maths, we consolidated our learning about co-ordinates and extended it by completing 2 dimensional shapes on a grid. This week, we also learnt how to describe movements as 'translations' using the words left, right, up and down.

In RE, we discussed what ‘examine your conscience’ means. We also considered how we feel when we’ve done something wrong, what we might do next and why contrition is so important.

In Geography, we learnt about the Congo Rainforest, which is the second largest rainforest. We then continued working on our double page spread by adding more information and pictures to it.

In Music, we compared a ukulele to a banjo – although we thought they were quite similar, there were plenty of differences. We also practised playing the ukulele in time with each other.

This week we also had another super yoga session with Katie from South Ribble Sports Coaches. During this session, Katie taught us a variety of different balances and how to practise ‘rectangular breathing’.  We also took part in an ‘Olympic’ themed dance on Thursday afternoon which we thoroughly enjoyed.

Next week, we will be completing a piece of writing called "My Special Place". We have already talked about this in class.  Whilst at home, please also think about your special place in preparation for your writing in school. Remember, it could be anywhere - your bedroom, another room in your house, a place you have been on holiday, or somewhere you feel totally relaxed and can be yourself. Share some ideas with people at home if this helps. 

Enjoy your weekend

The Year 4 team

Year 4 Blog Friday 7th June 2024

Date: 6th Jun 2024 @ 3:59pm

Welcome to your Friday blog

Home practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  Can you spot any co-ordinating conjunctions in sentences?

Spellings

These are your spellings for next week:

centre         probably      separate      library         occasionally

peculiar       straight       remember    possible       question

famous         difficult       increase       interest       ordinary                

Counting

This week, please practise counting in 7’s  

For example, start at 7 and count to 84 and back again

7   14   21    etc                         84   77   70 etc

Now try counting in 0.7’s

For example, start at 0.7 and count to 8.4 and back again

0.7   1.4   2.1    etc                     8.4   7.7   7.0  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.

Sumdog challenges

• A spelling challenge based on the words above
• A maths challenge to identify quadrilaterals and triangles

TTRockstars challenge

• A ‘garage’ session

Over the next couple of weeks, we will be completing a piece of writing called "My Special Place". Please have a think about your special place in preparation for your writing in school. Your special place may be your bedroom, another room in your house, a place you have been on holiday, or somewhere you feel totally relaxed and can be yourself. It could be anywhere! Try and share some ideas with people at home. If you wish you could draw a picture to help. 

In English, we started our new class novel, King of the Cloud Forests by Michael Morpurgo. We were introduced to the main character, Ashley, and found out how he came to be living in China. This week, we consolidated our understanding of co-ordinating conjunctions and then tried to use these in our writing. We are getting more proficient at using these words to extend our sentences.

In Maths, we learnt the names of some quadrilaterals and how to recognise these shapes according to their properties. We also learnt what a diagonal is (a straight line which joins vertices of a polygon that are not next to each other) and how to draw them onto shapes. Our learning this week has also involved describing and plotting coordinates on a grid.

In RE, we started our new topic, Reconciliation – Building Bridges. We started by asking questions about our own and others’ experiences and feelings about what breaks and mends friendships. We decided that a friendship is like a bridge between people which needs to be strengthened, maintained and repaired.

In History, we discovered how Alexander the Great built his empire. We acted this out in groups and made a recording which showed what we had learnt.

In Science, we started our new topic, Sound. We completed a pre-assessment to see what we already knew. Then we listened for sounds in the classroom and outside. Following this, we discovered that vibrations cause sound and these vibrations can travel through solids, liquids and gasses.  Have a look at us experimenting outside.

In PSHE, we continued our topic about ‘plastic pollution’. We learnt about the uses of plastic and how it has changed our lives. However, we also learnt that plastic finds its way into the sea and can pose a threat to marine life. Following this, we created our own poster to encourage readers to stop or limit their use of plastic. 

This week we also had a super yoga session provided by Katie from South Ribble Sports Coaches. During this session, she taught us how to practise ‘candle breathing’. This helped us to relax and is something which we can continue practising at home.

We had a fantastic sports day on Friday! Many thanks for being such supportive spectators. Watch out for the video - coming soon to St Oswald's TV.

Have a lovely weekend

The Year 4 team

Year 4 Blog Friday 24th May 2024

Date: 24th May 2024 @ 8:52am

Welcome to your last blog of this half term

Reading

Please keep reading over the half term holiday. Reading is the key to unlocking your learning.

Please try and read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  Try and use lots of expression in your reading and different voices for the different characters.

Times tables and Number facts

Please practise your tables using TT Rockstars, Hit the Button or timestables.co.uk

Remember you have your Multiplication Tables Check coming up after half term.

In English, we read ‘The Day the Crayons Quit’ by Drew Daywalt. We wrote an argument between the yellow and the orange crayon using speech bubbles. Following this, we wrote what the crayons said to each other using inverted commas (speech marks). We also thought of lots of different word to describe how the crayons spoke to each other (eg bawled, roared, questioned etc). We then recorded ourselves performing our speeches with our partner.

In Maths, we consolidated our learning about horizontal and vertical symmetry. We then used this knowledge to help us complete symmetrical figures. This week we have also learnt the names of triangles according to their properties – these were equilateral triangles, scalene triangles and isosceles triangles.     

In RE, we finished our ‘New Life’ topic with a thoughtful collective worship led by some of Year 4.  During this worship, we thought about ways in which we can spread the Good News – either in words or in actions.

As part of our outdoor learning, we consolidated our knowledge of the layers of the rainforest and recreated a rainforest outside using natural items. Have a look at our finished pictures in our gallery.   

In Art, we used our perseverance, determination and inventiveness to create a ‘nest’ out of different materials. We worked hard to create a nest shape and then our instinct and intuition to create the sculpture. Take a look at our pictures in our gallery.

This week we were also lucky enough to have a cricket session provided by Lancashire Cricket. First, we practised throwing and catching a ball, and then bowling to a partner. Following this, we played mini games of cricket. We all had great fun and enjoyed honing our cricket skills.

#30 Days Wild

As a school we are going to take part in a celebration of everything nature has to offer. This is an initiative set up by The Wildlife Trust. In June, we will be providing opportunities for all children to experience and learn about the wildlife on their doorstep, helping to nurture happier, healthier children, and create allies for our precious natural neighbours.

Have a super half term

The Year 4 team

Year 4 Blog Friday 17th May 2024

Date: 16th May 2024 @ 8:14am

Welcome to your Friday blog

Home practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  See if you can spot any dialogue / speech when you are reading. Look carefully at the punctuation and any words used instead of ‘said’.

Spellings

These are your spellings for next week:

corrode        corrosion     intrude        intrusion      conclude       conclusion

suspend       suspension   decide         decision       erode           erosion

expand         expansion      comprehend       comprehension      

Counting

This week, please practise counting in 4’s  

For example, start at 4 and count to 48 and back again

4   8   12    etc                          48   44   40 etc

Now try counting in 8’s

For example, start at 8 and count to 96 and back again

8   16   24    etc                         96   88   80  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.

Sumdog challenges

• A spelling challenge based on the words above
• A maths challenge to identify acute and obtuse angles, and compare and order angles according to size

TTRockstars challenge

• A ‘soundcheck’ session

In English, we perfected our speaking parts for our Parent Assembly.  We also wrote an article about a job we would like to do when we are older. We told the reader what the job was and why we liked it, explained what the job involved, and mentioned any problems or disadvantages we could think of.

In Maths, we identified and learnt the difference between acute and obtuse angles. In addition, we compared and ordered angles where one of the lines was either vertical or horizontal.  This week, we have also identified vertical and horizontal lines of symmetry in a variety of shapes. We found this tricky, but showed great resilence!    

In RE, we read ‘Paul’s happiness’ based on 2 Corinthians 6:3-10. We talked about how Paul felt and what kept him going.  We then chose our favourite line from the passage and explained how we can relate this to our daily lives.  

In Science, learnt about the structure of a tooth. In addition, we learnt how plaque is formed and tooth decay is caused. We then consolidated our learning about how to keep our teeth and gums healthy.   

In PSHE, we continued our topic about ‘plastic pollution’ and considered who is more or less responsible for polluting our oceans. It was an interesting discussion and we decided that it is everybody’s responsibility to be environmentally aware and make thoughtful choices.

Have a lovely weekend

The Year 4 team

Year 4 Blog Friday 10th May 2024

Date: 10th May 2024 @ 8:54am

Welcome to your Friday blog

Home practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  If you find any new words you don’t know the meaning of, either look them up in a dictionary or ask an adult.  

Spellings

These are your spellings for next week:

quarter        purpose       enough         bicycle         experience

exercise      knowledge    special         appear         breadth

busy            calendar       favourite     opposite      particular   

Counting

This week, please practise counting in ½ ’s  

For example, start at 0 and count to 10 and back again

½    1     1 ½    etc                       10     9 ½     9 etc

Now try counting in 1/3’s

For example, start at 0 and count to 7 and back again

1/3   2/3   1    etc                     7    6 2/3   6 1/3 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.

Sumdog challenges

• A spelling challenge based on the words above
• An times tables competition – Girls v Boys

TTRockstars challenge

• A ‘garage’ session

In English, we have been busy writing parts and learning them for our Parent Assembly next week.  In addition, we have been listening to the class novel.

In Maths, we learnt how to find quantities of amounts. We used bar models/ pictorial representations, counters and base 10 to help us with this learning. To begin with, many of us found this tricky, however, with a little more practise, we showed a good understanding. In addition, we used bar models to help us add and subtract fractions with the same denominator, when the total crossed a ones boundary.  

In RE, we learnt about some of the places Paul travelled to in order to spread the Good News and how he put his life in danger by undertaking such hazardous journeys. We also went to mass on Thursday to celebrate the Feast of the Ascension. 

In Science, learnt about the different types of teeth found in humans and their functions. We also discussed ways to look after our teeth and ensure our mouths and gums are healthy.

In Art, we created some beautiful artwork for our Parent Assembly.

We look forward to seeing you at our Parent Assembly on Thursday 16^th May 2024 at 2.40pm.

Have a sunny weekend

The Year 4 team

Year 4 Blog Friday 3rd May 2024

Date: 3rd May 2024 @ 8:45am

Welcome to your Friday blog

Home practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  Reading every night will help you read more fluently and with understanding.

Spellings

These are your spellings for next week:

science        scene           abscess       ascend         descend

scissors       scented       crescent      scientist      muscle        

scenery        disciple        discipline     fascinated   adolescent

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

Now try counting from 22 to 130 in 9’s. (add 10 then subtract 1)

22     31     40    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.

Sumdog challenges

• A spelling challenge based on the words above
• An adding and subtracting fractions challenge

TT Rockstars challenge

• A ‘studio’ session

In English, we revised instructional writing and labelled up a set of instructions. We then planned and wrote our own set of instructions to make a firework. We challenged ourselves to include interesting ingredients, time conjunctions and bossy (imperative) verbs. We have been very creative are incredibly proud of our instructions.

In Maths, we learnt how to add and subtract using different methods. First, we used a number line and ensured we bridged though a multiple of 10 efficiently. Then, we used a mental compensating strategy when the number we were adding or subtracting had a 9 in the ones place. In addition, we have been practising our tables in preparation for our Multiplication Tables Check at the beginning of June.

In RE, we learnt about Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus. We watched a video which told his story and then wrote about Paul’s character both before and after this event.

In Geography, we learnt about the 4 different layers of the rainforest – the forest floor, understory, canopy and emergent layer - and the vegetation / animals found in each. We then drew / coloured in the different layers and wrote our findings up.

Have a lovely bank holiday weekend

The Year 4 team

Year 4 Blog Friday 26th April 2024

Date: 25th Apr 2024 @ 2:51pm

Welcome to your Friday blog

Home practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  Reading every night will help you read more fluently and with understanding.

See if you can spot any noun phrases. A noun phrase is a group of words which will include a noun along with words which describe the noun eg a determiner and adjectives. For example: The hungry children

Spellings

These are your spellings for next week:

address       decide         answer         describe      believe

perhaps       disappear     continue       suppose       though

height          different     important    February     thought

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 0.8’s. Start at 0 and count to 9.6 and back again

0   0.8   1.6    etc                      9.6   8.8   8.0 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.

Sumdog challenges

• A spelling challenge based on the words above
• A mental addition COMPETITION - Boys v Girls

TTRockstars challenge

• A ‘garage’ session

In English, we used both physical and online dictionaries to look up the meaning of new words. The majority of the words related to fire. We then wrote a powerful description about the fire-fiend (Razvani) and his grotto. We tried our best to include different sentence openers, exciting vocabulary and noun phrases.   

In Maths, we learnt how to divide numbers mentally. In addition, we revised the written method of division – chunking. We practised chunking when there was a remained and when there wasn’t. We need to keep practising our tables, as knowing our tables quickly and fluently will help with chunking.    

In RE, we read a passage from Acts 4:1-26. The passage explained how the Holy Spirit confirmed Peter and John’s faith in Jesus and gave them the courage they needed to speak out about the Good New of Jesus, even when they were threatened. After reading the passage, we ‘hot seated’ the characters.

In Science, we revised the basic parts of the digestive system and their functions. Following this, we made our own ‘digestive system’ using different foods and liquids. You can see us enjoying this experiment in our gallery.

In History, we learnt about Athens and Sparta and the difference between the 2 city states. We then decided which city we would prefer to live in and explained why in a written argument.

Have a lovely weekend

The Year 4 team

Year 4 Blog Friday 19th April 2024

Date: 19th Apr 2024 @ 9:41am

Welcome to the first blog of the Summer term

Home practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  Reading every night will help you read more fluently and with understanding.

See if you can spot any determiners when you are reading. Determiners are words which come before a noun / an adjective and a noun.

Spellings

These are your spellings for next week:

invention      action          digestion     creation       calculation

direction      completion   expression   confession    admission

progression  discussion    possession   procession   permission  

Counting

This week, please practise counting in 20’s (similar to your 2 times table but 10 times larger)

For example, start at 20 and count to 240 and back again

20   40    60   etc                      240    220    200 etc

Now try counting in 25’s. Start at 25 and count to 350 and back again

25   50    75    etc                    350   325   300 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.

Sumdog challenges

• A spelling challenge based on the words above
• A doubling / halving and related facts challenge

This week we have introduced TTRockstars. Please practise your tables on the app at home and play some different games so that you understand how to play them and what they entail. Next week, a challenge will be set.

In English, we learnt what a determiner is and how using different determiners can change the meaning of a sentence. We also learnt how to write noun phrases / expanded noun phrases. We will be trying to use this learning in a piece of descriptive writing next week.

In Maths, we revised the grid method of multiplication. We used known facts and our knowledge of multiplying by 10 and 100 to help us. In addition, we learnt how to halve whole and decimal numbers with both even and odd digits.

In RE, we started our new topic – New Life. We listened to a story and considered what made the main character feel unhappy and subsequently alive again. In addition, we decided what the character had learnt from the experience and any changes they would make.  We also discussed a religious painting depicting Pentecost, focusing on the people, actions, symbols and colours.

In Computing, we finished our photo editing topic. We thought about the feelings and emotions we wanted to express in a picture, took a photograph in the school grounds, and then altered it digitally in an attempt to elicit these feelings.

In Geography, we shared what we already know about rainforests. Then we located the world’s rainforests. We discovered that they are near or on the equator.

Have a lovely weekend

The Year 4 team

Year 4 Blog Thursday 28th March 2024

Date: 28th Mar 2024 @ 8:51am

Welcome to the last blog of the Spring term

As it is the Easter holiday, we have not set any Home Practice / Sumdog challenges. However, please keep reading every day – this really is the key to unlocking your learning.

In English, we learnt what a pronoun is and its purpose in a sentence (pronouns are words which are used instead of a noun). We then used pronouns in our own work - replacing nouns with appropriate pronouns ensuring that the sentence still made sense.

In Maths, we learnt how to double a number with ones and tenths. This was trickier when we needed to exchange ten tenths for a one!

In RE, we used words and pictures to describe Holy Week and produced a beautiful piece of work in our books which we are very proud of.

As it is Holy Week, we were also lucky enough to have a visit from Father Michael. He reminded us about some of the events of Holy Week and told us about the Mass of Chrism he was attending during the week. We also went to church on Thursday afternoon for an Easter Liturgy beautifully led by Year 6.

Well done for a brilliant term Year 4!

We look forward to seeing you all again on Monday 15^th April in your Summer uniforms.

Make sure you relax and enjoy spending time with your family and friends over the Easter holiday.

Have a fabulous Easter

The Year 4 team

Year 4 Blog Friday 22nd March 2024

Date: 21st Mar 2024 @ 4:19pm

Welcome to your Friday blog

Home practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  Reading every night will help you read more fluently and with understanding.

Can you summarise what has already happened in the book so far? Can you make a prediction about what you think will happen and explain why you think this?

Spellings

These are your spellings for next week:

physician      optician       magician       politician      mathematician

electrician   musician       extension     collision        confusion

explosion      division        exclusion      conclusion     invasion       

Counting

This week, please practise counting in 0.2’s  (similar to your 2 times table but 10 times smaller)

For example, start at 0.2 and count to 2.6 and back again

0.2   0.4   0.6   etc                    2.6    2.4    2.2   etc

Now try starting at 0.1 and count to 2.7 and back again

0.1   0.3  0.5    etc                     2.7   2.5   2.3   etc

Times tables and Number facts

Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week. 

You can practise your tables on 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.

Sumdog challenges

• A spelling challenge based on the words above
• A times tables competition based on all the times tables
• A missing number times table challenge

In English, we wrote a conversation between Lila and Rambashi ensuring that our words for said reflected the characters, and our punctuation was correct. We then acted this out with a partner.  

In Maths, we continued learning how to accurately place hundredths on a blank numberline. We also found the effect of dividing a one or two-digit number by 100, and started to learn how to solve number sequences when we needed to add or subtract to find the difference.

In RE, we learnt about the events of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday. We then started to produce a beautiful piece of work in our books which explained our learning. We will continue this next week.

We also made our DT projects this week. First, we stitched a button or a pattern on the ‘front’ of the product, then we sewed the two pieces of felt together. You can see some pictures of us busy at work and of our finished products in the gallery.

This week, we also took part in a retirement assembly for Mr Bedford who taught us how to swim when we were in Year 3. We wish Mr Bedford all the very best for his retirement.

In addition, we had our last dance session provided by Beth from South Ribble Sports Coaches, and attended the Parish Mass and Stations of the Cross on Friday morning. 

Have a lovely weekend

The Year 4 team

Year 4 Blog Friday 15th March 2024

Date: 15th Mar 2024 @ 12:22pm

Welcome to your Friday blog

Home practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  Reading every night will help you read more fluently and with understanding.

Keeping looking out for dialogue / speech marks. Look carefully at how the dialogue is punctuated. Can you see the inverted commas? What words are inside the inverted commas? Can you spot any capital letters and punctuation within the speech marks?

Spellings

These are your spellings for next week:

antiseptic    antidote       antibiotic     antibody      anticlockwise

antisocial     anticlimax    antihistamine         interfere     international

interrupt     internet       intervene     intercept     interject

Counting

This week, please practise counting in 4’s. 

For example, start at 0 and count up to 48 and back again

0    4    8     etc                                  48   44   40 etc

Now try counting in 8’s.

Start at 0 and count up to 96 and back again

0   8   16 etc                                       96   88   80 etc

Times tables and Number facts

Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week. 

You can practise your tables on 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.

Sumdog challenges

• A spelling challenge based on the words above
• A times tables challenge based on all the times tables
• A dividing by 10 and 100 challenge

In English, we read some more of our class novel – The Firework-Maker’s Daughter.  We then revised the rules for speech / dialogue. Following this, we thought of lots of different words for ‘said’ which Lila and Rambashi (2 characters from the novel) would use. We will be writing our own dialogue between the characters next week.

In Maths, we compared and ordered numbers with tens, ones, tenths and hundredths.  In addition, we placed hundredths on a blank numberline. 

In RE, we started our new topic – ‘Giving: Self Discipline’. We read a story and discussed how feelings and beliefs affect self-discipline. We learnt that although being self-disciplined can be difficult, it can also lead to positive results.

We started our DT project this week. We practised 3 different types of stitches, then planned and designed our product. We will be making our product next week.

We need to remember to bring in any decorations we want to include on our product next week.

This week, we also enjoyed a trip to Formby Beach and Southport Eco Centre. We learnt a lot of information about the Formby coastline, and ways to be more eco friendly. It was an excellent trip and we gained a lot of knowledge from the experience. Have a look at our photos in the gallery. 

In addition, this week we have taken part in an energetic keep fit session with Freddie Fit and a lesson led by the Japanese students, during which we learnt how to show hospitality in Japan. See the photos in our gallery.

Have a lovely weekend

The Year 4 team

Year 4 Blog Friday 8th March 2024

Date: 7th Mar 2024 @ 4:33pm

Welcome to your Friday blog

Home practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  Reading every night will help you read more fluently and with understanding.

See if you can spot any dialogue / speech marks. Look carefully at the punctuation – this will be useful for our English learning over the next couple of weeks.

Spellings

These are your spellings for next week:

position       straight       consider       favourite     knowledge

possess        possession   strength      minute         promise

through       fruit            probably      remember    separate     

Counting

This week, please practise counting in hundredths. 

For example, start at 0.05 and count up to 0.23 and back again

0.05   0.06   0.07   etc                                  0.23   0.22   0.21   etc

Times tables and Number facts

Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week. 

You can practise your tables on 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.

Sumdog challenges

• A spelling challenge based on the words above
• A times tables challenge based on the 4 and 8 times tables
• A comparing decimal numbers challenge

In English, we made predictions about our new class novel – The Firework-Maker’s Daughter.  We read an extract from Chapters 1, 2 and 3 and then thought carefully about the characters, the setting, and what we thought would happen in the book.  In addition, we used evidence from the text to describe the main character, Lila.   

In Maths, we learnt more about decimal numbers to two decimal places in the context of money. We also compared numbers represented by place value counters and coins.

In RE, we watched a video of The Concluding Rite which ends the Mass. We then described ways we can glorify God and explored Romans 12:8-11.   

In Art, we practised sketching a flower. We then experimented with tints and shades by mixing a colour of paint with white paint. Following this, we painted a picture of a flower to go on a card.

In Computing, we practised retouching a picture. We will be putting all our photo editing skills together over the next couple of weeks in order to edit a photograph of our own choice. 

This week we have also been to Reconciliation with Father Michael, taken part in a dance class and a yoga session, and enjoyed dressing up for World Book Day. Have a look at the pictures in our gallery.

Have a lovely weekend

The Year 4 team

Year 4 Blog Friday 1st March 2024

Date: 1st Mar 2024 @ 8:40am

Welcome to your Friday blog

Home practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  Reading every night will help you read more fluently and with understanding.

See if you can spot any adverbs when you’re reading. Adverbs are words which describe a verb eg. He ate his breakfast quickly. The word ‘quickly’ is an adverb.

Spellings

These are your spellings for next week:

calf    calves          half    halves          knife  knives

leaf    leaves          shelf  shelves        thief thieves

yourself       yourselves    themselves

Counting

This week, please practise counting in 5s. 

For example, start at 0 and count up to 60 and back again

0     5     10   etc                                 60     55     50   etc

Now have a go at counting in 50’s

Start at 0 and count up to 600 and back again

0     50     100       etc                                   600     550     500    etc

Times tables and Number facts

Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week. 

You can practise your tables on 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.

Sumdog challenges

• A spelling challenge based on the words above
• A times tables challenge based on the 6 and 12 times tables

Please also click on the link below and have a go at the tenths and hundredths quiz which will help consolidate our maths learning from this week.

https://www.iknowit.com/lessons/c-decimals-tenths-and-hundredths.html

In English, we experimented using adverbs / adverbial phrases in sentences and then moving them around to different places. This helped us understand how to use an adverb / adverbial phrase in our writing to make it more interesting, and we also became experts at recognising whether the sentence ‘sounded’ grammatically correct or not.

In Maths, we learnt that a tenth can be divided by 10 to create a hundredth.  Using pictorial representations to help with our learning, we learnt the equivalence of tenths, hundredths, common fractions and the decimal forms of these.

In RE, we learnt about the different parts of the Communion Rite.  We then wrote our own prayer for peace and unity. We also discussed ‘Living in Communion’ and what this means in daily life.

In PSHE, we recognised how people manage their feelings. In addition, we discussed how people show their feelings through their body language.

In PE, we practised our netball skills and then played a game. We also learnt some new ways to balance in our gymnastics lesson.

This week, we also took part in a brilliant dance session, a triathlon event and enjoyed the 'wear something bright' school disco. Have a look at our galleries.

Have a lovely weekend

The Year 4 team

Year 4 Blog Friday 23rd February 2024

Date: 22nd Feb 2024 @ 1:18pm

Welcome to your Friday blog

Home practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  Reading every night will help you read more fluently and with understanding.

See if you can spot any apostrophes when you are reading. Why are they used? Is it because the word is a contraction / has missing letters (eg didn’t / I’m / couldn’t), or because the apostrophe shows possession?

Spellings

The spellings you will be tested on next week all involve the possessive apostrophe with plural nouns. Therefore, there will be no spellings to learn. Instead, we will practise this spelling rule each day in class. You will be tested on this rule next Wednesday. 

Counting

This week, please practise counting in 1000’s. 

For example, start at 0 and count up to 10 000 and back again

0     1 000   2 000   etc                                 10 000    9 000   etc

Start at 694 and count up to 10 694 and back again

694    1 694       etc                                     10 694     9 694    etc

Times tables and Number facts

Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week. 

You can practise your tables on 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.

Sumdog challenges

• A counting in hundredths challenge
• A times tables challenge based on the 3, 4 and 8 times tables
• A negative numbers challenge

In English, we learnt how to use an apostrophe when a noun is plural. In addition, we learnt what an adverbial phrase is and how to identify one in a sentence. We then learnt how to write and correctly punctuate sentences which included fronted adverbials.

In Maths, we correctly placed numbers on a number line with multiples of 1000 marked but not labelled. We also labelled positive and negative numbers on a number line and counted backwards through zero. Our learning this week also included building on our understanding of the number system, extending it further into hundredths.

In RE, we wrote our Lenten Promise which we are going to try and do our best to keep. In addition, we learnt what happens at the gathering of the Eucharist and during the Introductory Rite. We wrote our own verse to a hymn and explained how we could apply the words of Matthew 5: 45-48 in our daily lives.

In History, we started our new topic – Ancient Greeks. We learnt where and when the Ancient Greeks lived.

In Computing, we continued our photo editing topic by learning how to clone and retouch images.

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.

Have a lovely weekend

The Year 4 team

Year 4 Blog Thursday 8th February 2024

Date: 8th Feb 2024 @ 2:39pm

Welcome to your Friday blog

Home practice

As it’s half term, there is no home practice. However, please keep reading every day as it really is the key to unlocking your learning.

Please also try and practise your times tables - either your target or something you find tricky. This will help you in many areas of maths.

In English, we retold an extract of the novel and attempted to use different openers for our sentences. We found this tricky, but made a brilliant attempt.

In Maths, we started our new topic – place value. We started by revising rounding numbers to the nearest 10 and 100. We then extended this learning to rounding numbers to the nearest 1000. 

We started a new topic in RE – Giving and receiving. We listened to ‘The Sharing Song' by Jack Johnson and then discussed both the joys and demands of giving and receiving.

We hope you all have a brilliant half term holiday and look forward to seeing you all on Monday 19^th February.

The Year 4 Team

Year 4 Blog Friday 2nd February 2024

Date: 2nd Feb 2024 @ 1:14pm

Welcome to your Friday blog

Home practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  Reading every night will help you read more fluently and with understanding.

See if you can spot any adverbs when you are reading. An adverb is a word which modifies the verb – it tells us how, where or when it was done.

Spellings

The spellings this week are all homophones

scene           seen            mail             male             bawl

ball              waist           waste          guest           guessed

new              knew            to                too              two

Counting

This week, please practise counting in 10’s. 

For example, start at 0 and count up to 120 and back again

0     10     20   etc                               120     110      100   etc

Start at 57 and count up to 237 and back again

57    67    77    etc                             237   227    217    etc

Times tables and Number facts

Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week. 

You can practise your tables on 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.

Sumdog challenges

• A spelling challenge
• A times tables challenge based on the 2, 5 and 10 times tables
• A 3D shape challenge

In English, we have been learning about verbs and adverbs this week. We tried to include adverbs in our writing and made sure that they were appropriate to the verb they were describing.

We learnt that adverbs:

• describe or modify verbs
• can come before or after a verb
• can be used at the beginning of a sentence
• can tell us how, when or where the verb was done

HOW – Barry tiptoed silently. (silently is the adverb)

WHERE – Jane ran downstairs. (downstairs is the adverb)

WHEN – Tom played football yesterday. (yesterday is the adverb)

In Maths, we finished our 3D shape topic. We identified and described 3D shapes, researching carefully their properties.

In RE, we continued our topic, Community. We read St Paul’s letter to the Romans 12:8-11 and discussed the words. We then chose our favourite sentence and explained how we would live this out in action in our daily lives. 

In Art we finished making our boxes for our ‘pocket gallery’ and mounting our pictures on to card. Then we created our ‘pocket gallery’ ensuring that our mounted figures were looking at our artwork. Have a look at our creations in the gallery.  

In History, we learnt how and why Britain became part of the Roman Empire. In addition, we learnt about the legacies left behind by the Romans. We then made either a PowerPoint or Keynote presentation to explain our learning.

This week, we also enjoyed yoga. Have a look at the pictures in our gallery.   

The Year 4 Team

Year 4 Blog Friday 26th January 2024

Date: 25th Jan 2024 @ 4:35pm

Welcome to your Friday blog

Home practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  Reading every night will help you read more fluently and with understanding.

See if you can spot any verbs when you are reading (a verb is an action or a doing word). It can also show what something has or is.

eg The boy is tall. (is is the verb) 

The tree has green leaves. (has is the verb).

Spellings

The spellings this week all have the ending -ture.

mixture       capture        feature        moisture      adventure

nature         picture        vulture         future         torture

sculpture     creature      fracture      furniture     temperature

Counting

This week, please practise counting in 7’s. 

For example, start at 0 and count up to 84 and back again

0   7     14     21     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 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.

Sumdog challenges

• A spelling challenge
• A times tables challenge based on the 7 times tables
• A 3D shapes and their properties challenge

Reminders

Online Safety

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 started a new topic – shape. First, we identified, named and described 2D shapes according to their properties.

Following this, we identified and named prisms according to their properties. 

Prisms are 3D shapes, made up of two identical (congruent) polygons at opposite ends and joined up by parallel lines called edges.

This week, we also identified and named pyramids according to their properties.

Pyramids are 3D shapes with a polygon as a base and straight lines called edges that go from the vertex on the base and meet at one point called an apex.

In RE, we continued our topic, 'Community'. We discussed where our local parish is as well as members of the clergy. In addition, we thought about the links between the parish and the school, and the lay people who help in church. A lay person is someone who is not a member of the clergy, but helps as church eg a flower arranger or catechist.

In Art we continued making our boxes for our ‘pocket gallery’. We also cut out the pictures of ourselves and mounted them on to card. Next week, we will set up our gallery, including some pieces of art.  

In Science, we classified materials as solids, liquids and gases. We used a Venn diagram to help us sort these as some of them were quite tricky (eg jam, honey and hair spray).

We continued our new topic ‘photo editing’ in Computing. We learnt how to recolour pictures as well as clone and retouch them.

Enjoy your weekend

The Year 4 Team

Year 4 Blog Friday 19th January 2024

Date: 19th Jan 2024 @ 8:45am

Welcome to your Friday blog

Home practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  Reading every night will help you read more fluently and with understanding. See if you can spot any nouns when you are reading (a noun is a word which represents a person, place or thing / object)

Spellings

The spellings this week all have the spelling gu.

guide           guitar          guard           guest           guardian

guess           guilt            guinea          guile            guarantee

guilty           guilty           guitarist      guaranteed  guillotine

Counting

This week, please practise counting in 12’s. 

For example, start at 0 and count up to 144 and back again

0   12   24    36     etc                         144   132   120   etc

For example, start at 1.2 and count up to 14.4 and back again

1.2   2.1   3.6   etc                               14.4   13.2   12.0   etc

Times tables and Number facts

Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week. 

You can practise your tables on 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.

Sumdog challenges

• A spelling challenge
• A times tables challenge based on the 6 and 12 times tables
• A telling the time to the nearest minute challenge

In English, we continued reading the novel and discovered that the whole of Lily’s village needs to move ‘lock, stock and barrel’ to alternative accommodation. We also ‘boxed up’ a formal letter and planned our own in preparation for writing our own formal letter next week.

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.

In RE, we started our new topic - Community. We discussed all the different communities we belong to and created a lovely piece of work in our books to show this.

In Geography, we learnt about the causes of flooding, its effect on people and how flooding can be prevented.  

In Science, we started our new topic – States of Matter. We considered different objects and decided whether they were solids, liquids or gases.

Enjoy your weekend

The Year 4 Team

Online Safety January 2024

Date: 12th Jan 2024 @ 4:14pm

With your children returning to 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 continuing with 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

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

Year 4 Blog Friday 12th January 2024

Date: 12th Jan 2024 @ 8:15am

Happy New Year to you all and welcome to your Friday blog

Home practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  Reading every night will help you read more fluently and with understanding.

Spellings

The spellings this week all end with -ing, -ed, -er or en.

forgetting             excelling      excelled       regretting   regretted

upsetting              beginning     beginner      recapping     recapped

travelling               travelled      traveller      forbidden    forbidding

Counting

This week, please practise counting in 11’s. 

For example, start at 0 and count up to 132 and back again

0   11   22   33     etc                          132   121   110   etc

For example, start at 59 and count up to

59   70   81   etc                                 158   147  136 etc

Times tables and Number facts

Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week. 

You can practise your tables on 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.

Sumdog challenges

• A spelling challenge
• A times tables challenge based on the 11 times tables
• A telling the time challenge

In English, we started our new novel – The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips. We used words to describe Lily’s character, and planned and wrote a diary extract.

In Maths, we learnt how to divide by 10, and described the effect of dividing a 2 digit number by 10. In addition, we revised reading and writing time on analogue clocks.

In RE, we read the story of the Wise Men from Matthew’s Gospel and talked about the symbolism of their gifts.

In Geography, we learnt about the different stages of rivers and their features.

We started our new topic ‘photo editing’ in Computing. We learnt how to rotate and crop pictures using the BeFunky app.

Have a lovely weekend

The Year 4 Team

Year 4 Blog Thursday 21st December 2023

Date: 20th Dec 2023 @ 8:34am

Welcome to the final blog of this term

We've had a very busy last week of term!

On Monday, we were visited by the All Hallows Roadshow.  They entertained us with singing, dancing and playing musical instruments.

On Tuesday, we attended the Christingle service in church. This was beautifully led by Year 6.

We had a special assembly for Mr Mears on Wednesday. We wish Mr Mears and his family the very best for their new life in Australia.

On Thursday, we had our final Golden Assembly of the term.

Thank you for all your kind gifts and lovely messages.

We would like to wish you all a happy, peaceful and relaxing Christmas.

Please remember to keep reading.

We look forward to seeing you all again on Monday 8th January 2024

The Year 4 team

Year 4 Blog Friday 15th December 2023

Date: 14th Dec 2023 @ 4:44pm

Welcome to your Friday blog

Home practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  Reading every night will help you read more fluently and with understanding.

Spellings

The spellings are from the Year 3 / 4 list.

address       decide         answer         describe      believe

perhaps       disappear     continue       suppose       though

thought       important    different     February     height

Counting

This week, please practise counting in 11’s. 

For example, start at 0 and count up to 132 and back again

0   11   22   33     etc                          132   121   110   etc

Times tables and Number facts

Please practise your individual tables target to help you learn them and become more fluent. 

You can practise your tables on 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.

Sumdog challenges

• A spelling challenge – based on the Year 3 / 4 spellings listed above
• A times tables challenge based on the 11 times tables
• A multiplication and division challenge - based on the 3, 4 and 8 times tables

In English, we learnt what alliteration meant (the repetition of a sound at the beginning of two or more neighbouring words).  We then wrote a poem which included alliteration.

In Maths, we learnt the formal written method of division – chunking.  We practised the chunking method when there was no remainder left, and when there was.

In RE, we discussed the meaning of Advent (Advent means arrival) and how Christians prepare for Jesus’ birth during Advent. In addition, we learnt about Gaudete Sunday which is the third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete means rejoice) and listened to Philippians 4: 4-9 which reminds us to be joyful at this time.

In Science, we looked at diagrams of circuits and decided whether a circuit was complete or incomplete. We then made the circuits and explained why they would or would not work.

In our PSHE lesson, we identified situations as inclusion or discrimination and then produced our own Clips video on the ipads to explain / show the difference.

This week we were also:

• involved in the Santa Dash - many thanks for all your sponsor money
• visited by the Dogs Trust - Sam and Duke taught us how to keep ourselves safe around dogs
• visited by Rock Steady - a rock band who will be providing 'Rock band' tuition after February half term (a letter has been sent home today)

Have a look at the DT gallery of our finished ‘Iron’ models.

Have a relaxing weekend

The Year 4 Team

Year 4 Blog Friday 8th December 2023

Date: 6th Dec 2023 @ 5:21pm

Welcome to your Friday blog

Home practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  Reading every night will help you read more fluently and with understanding.

Spellings

Here are your spellings for next week

caught         experiment            increase       particular    separate

certain        extreme                interest       peculiar       special

complete      famous                  island           potatoes      thought

Counting

This week, please practise counting in 9’s. 

For example, start at 0 and count up to 108 and back again

0   9    18    27     etc                          108   99   90   etc

Times tables

Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week.  You can practise your tables on Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk

Number facts

Please 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.

Sumdog challenges

• A spelling challenge
• A times tables challenge
• A multiplication challenge

English

We retold a chapter of the novel in the first person – as if we were the Iron Man.

Maths

We consolidated our learning of the grid method and revised mental strategies of multiplication.

RE

We discussed how Christians prepare for the coming of Jesus in December.

History

We wrote about life in the Roman Army using historical vocabulary which we learnt whilst on our trip.

On Friday, South Ribble Sports Coaches visited and taught each class a dance. Have a look at our dance moves on St Oswald's TV.

Please look in our gallery at the pictures of our Reconciliation on Monday and Wednesday's trip to Lancaster City Museum.

It's the Santa Dash on Monday - remember to bring your Santa hat!

Please remember your cardboard box and any decorations your need for DT next Friday. Please don't bring these items in before Friday 15th December.

Have a lovely weekend

The Year 4 Team

Year 4 Blog - Friday 1st December 2023

Date: 1st Dec 2023 @ 1:14pm

Welcome to this week’s blog.

Year 4 Notices

Year 4 Reconciliation Day – Monday 4^th December. Parents are invited to attend the service in church at 2.15pm.

Class Hamper – each class has a colour theme to make up Rainbow Hampers for the PTFA Grand Christmas Raffle. Please donate what you can over the next 2 weeks. Year 4’s colour is blue – please donate anything blue that you can eat, drink, blue luxury items etc. 

Trip to Lancaster City Museum – Wednesday 6^th December. Please bring a packed lunch in a named carrier bag, but please do not send lunch boxes or flasks as all waste will be disposed of after lunch. Full school uniform must be worn together with a coat or jacket. 

Please also read the weekly newsletter which has lots of information about upcoming events before Christmas.  Many thanks

Year 4 Learning

In English, we started our new novel - The Iron Man by Ted Hughes.  We made predictions about the book by looking carefully at different front covers and reading the blurb on the back.  We also discussed which cover was the most effective in helping us with our predictions.

In Maths, we partitioned numbers to mentally multiply

Eg 45 x 3          40 x 3 = 120     

                          5 x 3 = 15

120 + 15 = 135

We then learnt how to double any number up to 4 digits using partitioning.

Finally, this week, we revised the written method of multiplication – the grid method.  Many of us understood the method very quickly, however we need to make sure we can recall our times tables quickly and accurately.

In RE, we started our new topic ‘Gift’ during which we will explore God’s gift of love and friendship in Jesus.  We started the topic by listening to a story and writing our own ‘recipe’ which showed what we look for in our ideal friend.

In French, we started our new topic of ‘At my house’ = ‘Chez moi’ and focused on describing where we live. We learned ‘Où habites-tu?’ = Where do you live? / ‘J’habite’ = I live / ‘dans une maison’ = in a house / ‘dans un appartement’ = in an apartment / ‘en ville’ = in a city / ‘à la compagne’ = in the countryside / ‘à la mer’ = by the seaside / ‘à la montagne’ = in the mountains. We then matched the correct pictures to each phrase.

In Music, we continued to learn Au Clair de la Lune on our recorders. We then practised the Carols for Christmas – Starry Night and O little town of Bethlehem. Following this, we sang our class song Mama Mia and completed the Silver Challenge which involved listening and playing back what we heard on our recorders. Finally, we attempted to play We wish you a Merry Christmas on the Boomwhackers.

In History, we learnt more about the Roman Army and the reasons why it was so successful:

• They only accepted the strongest soldiers
• They had advanced and effective equipment
• They used fighting formations
• They had top training
• They never accepted defeat

In PSHE, we learnt about discrimination and inclusion.We defined the words, gave examples of each, and discussed how we feel when these things happen.

In Science, we focussed on creating a simple circuit with the challenge of using different components (for example a buzzer, motor or bulb). We then drew a diagram for each one in our books. We also discussed reasons why a circuit might not work and the steps to follow to check all of the components.

In our dance session in PE, we worked with a partner to create a superhero sequence. In handball, we combined all invasion games skills to play games in teams. We especially focussed on passing and defending.

We also enjoyed some outdoor learning on Thursday afternoon. We used leaves and other natural items to make various different creations – from leaf letters to leaf Christmas trees. Have a look at our leaf gallery.

Year 4 Home Practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home.  Make sure you discuss the story and the characters.  Find the meaning of any new words too.  Reading every night will help you read more fluently and with understanding.

Counting

This week, please practise counting in 4’s and 25’s. 

For example, start at 0 and count up to 48 and back again

0   4   12   16     etc                            48   44    40   etc

Now have a go at counting in 25’s

Start at 0 and count to 250 and back again

0   25   50   75   etc                            250   220   200  etc                      

Times tables

Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week. Ask someone at home to test you on your tables – can you recall them quickly and accurately?

You can practise your tables on Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk

Please also practise your number facts. It has become evident that many of you are finding this tricky when you have been completing your written addition and subtraction.

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.

Spellings

Here are your spellings for next week

they            weigh           eight           grey            sleigh

young           touch           blood           trouble        country

does            chef            brochure      parachute    machine

Sumdog challenges

You have been set 3 challenges on Sumdog:

• A spelling challenge based on the spellings above
• A times tables challenge based on the 4 and 8 times tables
• A challenge based on multiplying 2 and 3 digits by 1 digit

(eg 32 x 8          30 x 8 = 240     2 x 8 = 16       240 + 16 = 256

Use the grid method which we have practised in class this week for 3 digit multiplications)

Please make sure you log on and have a go!  Little and often is the key to success!

The Year 4 Team

Year 4 Blog Friday 24th November 2023

Date: 24th Nov 2023 @ 8:55am

Welcome to this week’s blog.

Year 4 Notices

Reconciliation - If your child is following the Reconciliation program at church, they will have come home with a leaflet, ‘Celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation at home’. Please discuss and share this information with your child.

Year 4 Reconciliation Day – Monday 4^th December. Parents are invited to attend the service in church at 2.15pm.

Class Hamper – each class has a colour theme to make up Rainbow Hampers for the PTFA Grand Christmas Raffle. Please donate what you can over the next 3 weeks. Year 4’s colour is blue – please donate anything blue that you an eat, drink, blue luxury items etc.

Please also read the weekly newsletter which has lots of information about upcoming events before Christmas. 

Year 4 Learning

In English, we discussed the 4 different types of sentences - statements, questions, commands and exclamations. We then wrote questions about a chapter of the novel. We tried our best to ensure that the questions were punctuated properly (using capital letters where appropriate and question marks) and required more than a ‘yes or no’ answer. In addition, we planned  a book review of the novel Kensuke’s Kingdom.  We will be writing this next week.

In Maths, we revised multiplying by 10 and 100. We then used this knowledge to multiply using related facts.

Eg 3 x 40        3 x 4 = 12       So 3 x 40 = 120 as it is 10 times larger

6 x 900           6 x 9 = 54      So 6 x 900 = 5400 as it is 100 times larger

When a number is multiplied by 10, all the digits move one place to the left

When a number is multiplied by 100, all the digits move two places to the left.

In addition, we learnt how to multiply using compensating (eg using 20 x 6 to help calculate 19 x 6).

In RE, we explored how we are all unique and different.  We understood that we should treat each other as we would like to be treated and designed a poster to explain this. We also wrote our own set of Golden Rules to live by, and chose a reading from the Bible which we felt celebrated the uniqueness of each of us.

In Science, we started the lesson by identifying some electrical appliances and what they use electricity for: heating/cooling, light, movement or sound. We then constructed a simple circuit and named the parts. We discovered that to make a simple circuit work, the components needed to be in a loop. We also drew a diagram of this in our books.

In P.S.H.E., we continued with our Relationships unit of 'Play the Right Way and Inclusion'. This session was about the right to privacy. We started the lesson by discussing what we thought this meant and checking our ideas against the given definition. We then discussed some situations where a confidence or secret should be kept and where it should not be kept. Finally, we discussed when it is the right thing to tell a trusted adult.  

The right to privacy means - the right not to have one’s personal matters disclosed or publicised / to be left alone / for certain things not to be disclosed

In P.E., we started our rotation of Rugby and Dance. We used our previously taught Invasion Games skills and tactics to play some games of tag rugby. We also explored movement and communicating a character to portray a superhero. We focused on facial expressions and gestures to communicate emotions.

Year 4 Home Practice

Reading

Please read for 20 minutes each evening to an adult at home. Many of you are still not doing this and reading really is the key to unlocking learning.

Make sure you discuss the story and the characters.  Find the meaning of any new words too.  Reading every night will help you read more fluently and with understanding. 

English

Next week, you will be writing your own book review of Kensuke's Kingdom. We have already planned this in class. However, over the weekend please jot down some interesting describing words you would like to use in your writing.  This will make your review more interesting to read and showcase some vocabulary of your own.

Counting

This week, please practise counting in 6’s.

For example, start at 0 and count up to 72 and back again 

0   6   12   18     etc                             72   66   60   etc

Please also count in 3’s

For example, start at 30 and count upto 60 and back again

30   33   39 etc                                  60   57   54   etc

Times tables

Please practise your individual tables target for your test next week. Ask someone at home to test you on your tables – can you recall them quickly and accurately?

You can practise your tables on Hit the Button and timestables.co.uk

Please also practise your number facts. It has become evident that many of you are finding this tricky when you have been completing your written addition and subtraction.

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.

Spellings

Your spellings next week are from the Year 3 / 4 Statutory list

busy            business      exercise      imagine        opposite

regular        calendar       experience   important    ordinary

remember    caught         circle           forward       library

Sumdog challenges

You have been set 3 challenges on Sumdog:

• A spelling challenge based on the spellings above
• A times tables challenge based on the 3 and 6 times tables
• A 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)

Please make sure you log on and have a go!  Little and often is the key to success!

The Year 4 Team