LITERACY

📚 Grade 4 Reading Update – Weeks 1–3

Over the past few weeks, students have been diving into the world of poetry! ✨ They’ve been reading a variety of poems and learning to identify important elements such as author’s voice, imagery, mood, and message. We've also been making text-to-self and text-to-text connections to deepen our understanding. Along the way, students have explored poetic devices like personification, alliteration, and hyperbole 🎨. The unit finished with students presenting their own written poems — a chance to celebrate creativity and everything we've learned!

✍️ Grade 4 Writing Update – Weeks 1–3

Over the first three weeks, our Grade 4 students have been busy exploring different types of poetry! They created a variety of poems including list poems, free verse poems, “I am” poems, 5 senses poems (to create vivid imagery), as well as poems using personification, alliteration, and hyperboles.

For their final writing piece, students chose a topic they cared about and wrote their own free verse poem. They worked through drafting, editing, and publishing their poems, developing their writing skills and creativity along the way. 

Parent Tip: “Poetry Playtime” 🎨

Encourage your child to be a poet at home by picking a fun topic together—like their favourite animal or a special memory—and writing a short poem using their senses or silly exaggerations. It’s a great way to spark creativity and build confidence in writing!

NUMERACY

🧮 Grade 4 Maths Update – Weeks 1–3: Exploring Multiplication and Division

In the first three weeks, Grade 4 students have been continuing to develop important multiplication and division skills using a variety of strategies. Here’s what they’ve been working on:

🔹 Arrays
Students are learning to solve multiplication and division problems by arranging objects in rows and columns. Using arrays helps them see different ways to solve problems visually.

🔹 Part-Part-Whole Model & Bar Models
We’ve been using these models to break numbers into parts and multiply one digit at a time in expanded form. This builds a deeper understanding of how multiplication works.

🔹 Vertical Algorithm (Contracted Form)
Students are practicing solving multiplication and division problems using the vertical algorithm without regrouping. This method helps them see different problem-solving approaches.

🔹 Area Model
By partitioning numbers into smaller parts, students simplify multiplication problems. This visual method supports understanding of how numbers combine.

🔹 Formal Algorithm (With and Without Regrouping)
Students are mastering the standard multiplication method, solving problems both with and without regrouping. This builds confidence when working with multi-digit numbers.

Quick Tip:

Test your child on random multiplication facts or times tables during everyday moments—like in the car or while setting the table. A few quick questions each day helps build speed and confidence! 💡🧠✖️

🧠 Maths Fluency Fun!

Students have been excited to dive straight back into their Maths Fluency Groups this term! For 10 minutes, three times a week, they play targeted maths games that focus on a specific goal they’re working on—like number facts, place value, or multiplication. At the end of each session, students take a moment to reflect on their progress and confidence. It’s been wonderful to see their enthusiasm, focus, and growing belief in their maths skills! 🎯➕💬

Personal & Social

CBL

In Weeks 1–3 of CBL, Grade 4 students have been exploring the world of digital technologies. They've been learning to understand how digital devices work by using their prior knowledge and identifying how these tools are used in everyday life. We've also focused on the importance of being safe online, with students explaining how they can protect themselves and act responsibly on the internet. Lastly, students were introduced to Artificial Intelligence through simple coding tasks on Code.org, learning how input and output algorithms work before logging into our Minecraft Education community . These lessons are helping students build digital awareness, develop problem-solving skills, and prepare for the technologies of the future.

HOME READING

As part of our homework requirements, students are be expected to read with you for at least 20 MINUTES per night and record the book and date in the logbook provided in their home reader pocket. 

Big shout out to Avnoor and Ava from 4F who have reached 70 nights of Reading, well done! We know that a lot of students are super close to reaching this milestone, so keep up the fantastic reading and stay tuned to see who hits a reading milestone next!