Category: Year 4 Blog

???? Funky Parent & Carer Webpage ????

There is now a Times Tables Rockstars page that is just for parents and carers, including the following;

What’s included?

• Importance of times tables
• TTRS intro video
• Parent guide PDF
• FAQs answered
• Free downloadables

https://ttrockstars.com/parents/

Year 4 Learning about plaque

During our Science lesson today, the children learnt about the importance of keeping their teeth clean. The learnt about plaque and what this is. They each used a disclosure tablet to identify old and new plaque on thier teeth, before brushing them. The children found it very exciting and fascinating! Fingers crossed they won’t ever moan about brushing their teeth again!

Year 4 Crime and Punishment ‘WOW’ Day

Today Year 4 arrived in school to find out that a terrible crime had been committed, somebody had stolen books from the library!

The children worked on lots of different activities to learn about solving crimes.  This included looking at CCTV footage and doing a walk-through, looking closely at witness statements, taking fingerprints, drawing mugshots and learning about the role of different people that are involved in investigating crimes

Year 4 Key information

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. We have been very impressed at how positive and enthusiastic are and look forward to an exciting year ahead. Please find below some key information;

PE

Your child will participate in two PE sessions each week. These will take place as follows;

4KP – Swimming on Monday and PE on Wednesday

4PP – Double PE session on a Wednesday

4GW – Double PE session on a Wednesday

Please ensure that your child comes to school in their PE kit (black joggers/leggings, red school logoed hoodie, red school logoed t-shirt and trainers/pumps).  Can we ask that hair is tied back and that earrings are removed or small studs are worn.

For swimming your child will need to bring their swimming kit and towel with them. Children must not wear earrings and we advise that they are taken out at home on the day of swimming.  If you child has recently had their ears pierced please speak to the class teacher.

Homework

Each week, homework will be handed out on a Thursday or Friday, in an A4 red book. This will include a piece of maths and a piece of English each week. However, at times this may change and include another subject or a small project.  For Maths, there will be a focus on number facts and times tables each week.  This will include a sheet and Times Tables Rockstars. 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.

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. Please ensure reading books and diaries are in school everyday. We will check reading diaries each week.

Spellings

Your child will be given new spellings on Fridays to practise ready for a test the following Friday. Their spellings will be a combination of words following a spelling rule, the expected word list and topic words.  Please ensure they have their spelling books in school on test day.

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.           

Pencil Cases

Your child may wish to bring a basic pencil case into school which contains a pencil, ruler, rubber, glue stick and colouring pencils. If your child has a pen license, they can also include a blue Biro pen in their pencil case. In providing these, it will help to support your child’s independence and their preparation for their new school year. Where families are unable to purchase equipment, class teachers will ensure that children have the required items.

Thank you,

The Year 4 Team