The first half term of the year is already done, and we have definitely packed a lot in! In Maths we have worked on Place Value, Rounding, Column Method (addition and subtraction) and using the inverse to check answers. 

In English, we have used our text, Escape from Pompeii, as the starting point for various writing journeys.  We have written volcano poems, diary entries and a persuasive speech, as well as enjoying a Now Press Play Pompeii experience. 

This has been complemented by our History topic - the Romans in Britain. We enjoyed a fabulous Roman Workshop and learned about what Britain was like before, during and after the Romans were here. 

In Science, the children have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the digestive system, teeth and diet in our Animals Including Humans topic.  The highlight may have been the models of the human digestive system or the 'poo clues' lesson. 

We have been lucky enough to learn ore about the Humanist belief system this half term and had a visit from a Humanist speaker. The children had some great questions and have noticed the differences and similarities with other belief systems and religions.

In Art, we have again used our Escape from Pompeii text as inspiration and have learned about Storytelling Through Drawing. After experimenting with charcoal and ink mark-making techniques and thinking carefully about composition, we created a two-page graphic novel-style spread based on the book using charcoal and chalk pastel.

We are all very ready for a bit of a break after all of that! Have a lovely half term and I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday 4th November.

Year 4 will be again be taking part in the statutory Multiplication Tables Check in the summer term. This is done in all Year 4 classes in the country. All children are expected to know their tables up to 12 x 12 by the end of year 4, as this will support their Maths going forward. We use TT Rockstars to help us to practice for this, as well as other printed and online games etc and the children have all been asked to practice daily using the Garage/Studio games and the Soundcheck on TTRS (as the Soundcheck is almost identical to the actual MTC). The children have also been shown how to find their 'heatmap' on TTRS which shows them the tables they need to work on. Once they have done 2 or more Soundchecks a day (which take only a few minutes) they can then focus on the times tables they need to work on.

Please support your child to become as fluent as possible in their times tables as this will increase their confidence across every area of Maths. 

Thank you for your continuing support with homework and with reading for pleasure. Our Reading Cafe on October 14th was a huge success and we can't wait for the next one.

Reminder: Our Homework in Year 4 consists of fortnightly Maths/English assignments on Century plus a Topic homework each half term.  Spellings are also set each week and posted on Google Classroom on Mondays. Children do practise these in school but we ask that they also practise at home to consolidate this. 

The children can access Century via their LEO Homepage on their chrome books. The Century homework usually gets assigned on a Wednesday and children have two weeks to complete it. Unless we have had a message from parents with a reason, any children who have not completed the Century homework by the due date will be asked to complete this during their lunch time. If you or your children have any problems with homework, please let me know as soon as possible and I will help. 

Our topic homework follows our History or Geography topic. The current assignment is based on our Romans in Britain topic and can be completed as Google Slides, a video or a paper based presentation. An assignment has been created on GC and includes some links to useful resources. This is due in just after half term (Tuesday 4th November).