First of all, we would like to welcome you and your child to Year 4. We hope that all of the children have enjoyed their first few days back at school, despite it being a little different for them. We have been very impressed at how positive and eager they have been and we look forward to an exciting year ahead. Please find below some key information;
PE
PE will take place on a Tuesday and Thursday in Year 4. Please ensure that your child comes to school in their PE kit (black joggers/leggings, black jumper, white t-shirt and trainers/pumps). Can we ask that hair is tied back and that earrings are removed or small studs are worn.
Homework
Each week, homework will be handed out on a Thursday or Friday, in an A4 red book. We will also put this onto the Year 4 blog each week. They will usually have a piece of maths and a piece of English each week. However, at times this may change and include another subject or set a small project. All homework is to be completed and handed in on or before the following Wednesday, unless otherwise stated. Each piece of homework should not take your child more than about 15/20 minutes. It is important that children complete their homework each week, but it is not a problem if they are occasionally unable to complete it. Please just sign their homework book to let us know. In addition, we will also be regularly sending home times tables practise homework.
Reading
In Year 4, your child will be on a coloured reading stage or be a free reader. We would like your child to read their reading book but please encourage them to read a range of texts e.g. newspapers magazines, poetry, non-fiction. The aim should be for your child to read every night, even if it is only a few pages. Whilst reading we recommend you ask your child key questions about the text to develop comprehension. Please sign their reading diary to show when they have read and how far they have got. As long as it is signed to say they have finished it, they will be able to change their book when they are ready. Please note that your child will be responsible for changing their reading book and we will not be changing it for them. Therefore we would appreciate your support in reminding them to do this.
Spellings
Your child will be given new spellings on Thursdays to practise ready for a test the following Thursday. Their spellings will be a combination of words following a spelling rule, the expected word list and topic words.
Times Tables
Rapid recall of times tables will be a key focus for Year 4 this year, as all the children will be sitting the National Multiplication Test Check in July. This involves 25 questions from any of the times tables up to 12 x 12 and your child will have 6 seconds to answer each one. It is essential that your child continues to practise their times tables up to 12 x12, as well as the associated division facts.
Please encourage your child to use Times Tables Rockstars and the Soundcheck game. They are both a similar style to the test they will take in July. Furthermore, the following website is another great way to practise and to give you an idea of the test expectations. https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/477/Multiplication-Tables-Check
Water bottles
Your child is allowed a water bottle in school which will be kept in a designated area in the classroom. Please ensure that the bottle only contains water, has a sports cap or similar anti-spillage lid and is clearly labelled with your child’s name.
Thank yoy
The Year 4 Team – Mrs Walton, Mrs McManus, Mr Perkins and Mrs Thompson
