Welcome to Year Four! I hope you have all had a lovely summer holiday!
I am looking forward to working with your children on many exciting learning opportunities this Autumn term. We have a very busy term ahead of us and I am certian that year four will be a fun-filled, rewarding year for the children! I have no doubt that they will embrace this term's topic, due to their inquisitive natures and willingness to dive into any challenge they are set - all of which they have immediately demonstrated since returning to school this term!
Please click here to view this year's curriculum map!
The Saga of Erik the Viking
During this term, we will explore Terry Jones' book: The Saga of Erik the Viking. This text provides the children with the opportunity to research myths and legends relating to the Vikings, offering an insight into their lives. Furthermore, children will be emersed in a whole array of Viking culture, considering elements such as their religious beliefs, music and dance.
Please read on to find further information about the fantastic work we will be doing on our Viking topic as well as the general routines in Year Four. For the first half term, Miss Hawksworth will be teaching the children every Thursday and has planned many exciting Viking-based opporunities for them!
If you require any further information then please feel free to pop in and see me or write a note in the message book.
Miss Adams
Our topic this term is...
The Vikings - What was distinctive about Viking culture?
What Wonderful Things Will We Be Doing?
Whilst keeping this term's topic as cross-curricular as possible, the main focus for our learning will be very much history based.
English - Throughout the term, the children will be exploring a range of different genres. We will delve into non-fiction texts, where we will be writing scripts for the BBC! Later on in the term, we will be exploring myths and legends from this period. Our main focus for this term in writing will be to develop our vocabulary and explore the effects of a range of different sentence openers in our writing.
Maths - Place Value, Addition and Subtaction, where possible linking this to the Vikings!
Science - We will be investigating sound, exploring the sounds found in our everyday environments and how sound is made and heard!
RE - We will be exploring Judaism and the relationship Jews have with God.
Geography - This topic will allow the children to name and locate counties and cities that were conquered by the Vikings!
Music - We shall be listening to an array of Viking themed songs which will allow the children to explore pitch and speed when learning them whilst also providing a further insight into the lives of the Norse Gods!
Art/Design Technology - We shall be focusing upon Odin, the shape-shifting Viking God predominantly, designing masks to represent the many creatures he posed as! We shall also be creating dragon-themed artwork based upon the text, The Dragon's Hoard.
Finally, in Design Technology, the children shall be creating dreamcatchers to represent the Vikings' wish to journey to Valhalla in the afterlife!
Physical Education - Through Viking dance, we will develop the childrens' balance and coordination, whilst deepening their understanding of Viking culture.
Our focus text for the first half term is...
The Saga of Erik the Viking - Terry Jones
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Who is Our Class Author?
Terry Jones
Author of The Saga of Erik the Viking
Times Table Practice
Generate your own times table tests:
http://www.timestables.me.uk/printable-pdf-quiz-generator.htm
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Copy the link below to help with your multiplication practice. There are lots of games to choose from...
www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/7-11-years/times-tables
Try this fun times tables game!
Homework
Children in Year 4 receive the following homework:
English (on a weekly rotation)
Mathematics (on a weekly rotation)
Spellings (on a weekly basis)
Learning Log (on a half term basis)
Times Tables - please work with your child on learning their times tables. We focus on a different one from the 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12 every two weeks.
All homework should be handed in on time unless otherwise agreed with the class teacher.
P.E
The children have two P.E sessions each week; one on a Monday afternoon and one on a Wednesday monring. We recommend kits are brought in a Monday and taken home on a Friday.
Children should have both an indoor and outdoor kit in case of inclement weather during the colder months.
Girls with long hair should tie it back and all jewellery, including earings, must be removed for P.E.
Any child who does not have a suitable P.E kit may be asked to complete alternate work.
Reading
Children receive one guided reading session with the teacher every week. Aside of this, they have follow up sessions which are linked to their text. They will also have the opportunity to participate in SPaG (spelling, punctuation and grammar) activities during guided reading sessions. I will endeavour to read with your child during any quiet reading time throughout the day but I cannot stress the importance of your child reading at home with you as much as possible.
Outside of school, we ask that children are read with 3 times a week. If you would like any extra support in how to get the most out of reading with your child, please do not hesitate to come and speak to me.
