Spring 1
Our learning in Year 4 will build upon prior knowledge and learning as well as delving into and exploring new topics and skills.
English
Our focus this term is on a finding tale. This will be based on a text called Poppy, Waldo and the Giant. We will then use Talk 4 Writing to learn, unpick and understand the features used within this text type before then planning our own narrative based on our class text – The Adventures at Sandy Cove.
Grammar
Many grammatical terms and features will be taught through our English lessons, but pupils will also take part in separate grammar lessons. Pupils will start by recapping basic punctuation before moving onto apostrophes and subordinate clauses. We will also use these grammar lessons to recap our previous terms learning, which was focused on fronted adverbials and word classes.
Grammar and Lightning will be completed once a week. This enables pupils to practice and recap all the required grammatical terms for Year 4.
Vocabulary
Bedrock will continue to be used to improve pupils’ vocabulary knowledge. Pupils will be given opportunities in class to complete these sessions but the expectation for pupils to complete at least 2 lessons a week at home still remains.
omission fronted adverbials determiners nouns adjectives inverted commas apostrophes pronouns possession subordinate conjunctions FANBOYS contractions
Guided Reading
Pupils will continue with their work on reading for inference which was introduced last year and continued last half-term. Pupils will focus on inference and visualisation, both of which will support the pupils’ ability to unpick and relate to a text. This approach enables pupils to gain a deeper understanding of what they are reading and helps pupils to learn strategies to support them in becoming good and confident readers. In addition to this, our focus will be on retrieval and ensuring that the evidence used from the text is accurate and specific to the question.
Vocabulary
fluency infer relate specific accurate relevant evidence point explanation argument retrieval
Maths
Initially, pupils will focus on multiplication and division. The first focus is on multiplying and dividing by 10,100 and 1000. Pupils will then move on to using the formal methods of short and long multiplication. Within division, we will look not only at the division facts related to our times tables but also at how we can split numbers in order to divide more easily. We looked into this at the end of last half-term, so again it will be about embedding this learning and using it to reason and problem solve.
Once pupils have become confident with multiplication and division, we will move on to length and perimeter.
Every week pupils will complete a Number and Lightning and skills for this will be taught in addition to their daily Math’s lesson. Pupils who are already competent in various areas will further embed their understanding through a range of reasoning and problem-solving activities.
Times tables will be a huge focus in class as we prepare for the multiplication check in May. It is imperative that pupils are able to recall all multiplication and division facts up to 12 x 12 in order to access all the curriculum. Pupils should also work on their times table at home.
Vocabulary
Multiplication division share divide multiply split remainder length unit perimeter area polygon
Other Subjects
Science
Science this term will all be focused on sound. Pupils will learn how sounds are created and how we hear them. Pupils will look at how sound waves vary depending on the pitch of the sound being produced.
Vocabulary
pitch waves frequency vibration particles source travel dissipate volume sound
Computing
We will be following Kapow for our Computing this term and will be focusing on programming and using Scratch. Within this topic, pupils will be looking at different variables and using these to create their own codes.
Vocabulary
Code variables code block conditioning direction icon project stage variable tinker orientation programmer feature decompose
PSHE and RSE
During this half-term we will be continuing our focus on Health and Wellbeing. We will look at emotions and how we can cope with these as well as focusing in on the things that make us happy.
Vocabulary
Emotions negative emotions positive emotions feelings physical health mental health anger frustration anxious grateful jealous sad tired hungry
Religion and World Views.
Our topic within RE is Just How Important are our Beliefs? Within these lessons we will be looking at the different ceremonies that take place as part of Christianity and the role that key people play within these. In addition to this, we will look at the clothing that is worn in different religions and the reasons for this, the traditions that are followed and also the reasons behind fasting and specific diets.
Vocabulary
Amritdhari Aqiqah baptism Bar Mitzvah Bat Mitzva Brit Bat Brit Milah Comfirmation fast Khalsa Namakarana naming ceremony persecuted sacrifice Upanayana
PE
This half term, pupils will focus on Dance and Gymnastics.
Dance - pupils will be focusing on the Hand Jive and will learn a range of iconic dance moves that will link together to form a routine. Pupils will choreograph their own motifs using taught combinations and those that they have created. Continuing on from last half term pupils will learn and use a range of choreographic devices such as cannon to enhance their dance routines.
Vocabulary
Dance choreograph beat transition rhythm performance rehearse static dynamic counting evaluate improve adapt levels speed patterns links canon gestures sharp smooth continuous rigid dynamics cannon choreography motif
Tag rugby – pupils will learn various throwing and catching skills within this half-term as well as various tactics and strategies which can also be linked to other sports that they may encounter. Pupils will develop their team work and communication skills.
Vocabulary:
Rugby try tag communication pass backwards position touch out of bonds pitch strategy tactics touch positioning role
History
We will be focusing in on the Roman Empire. As well as this, we will look at Julius Caesar, Augustus, Claudius and Nero. Furthermore, we will look at Pompeii and the eruption of Vesuvius.
Vocabulary
Province governor legion rebel frontier forts Gaul Julius Caeser Pompey Foreign Brutus Idea of March Descended Cunning Augustus emperor Claudius proclaim advantage aqueducts Nero Colleseum Pompeii Vesuvius Vapour Pliny Debris Judeo Rebellion Imperial
Music
Music will be taught through a programme called Kapow and our topic is body and tuned percussion. We will look at the structure of music and will focus on the pitch, tempo and dynamics within a song. As we develop an understanding of the key vocabulary, we will explore the sounds that we can make both with our body and a range of instruments.
Vocabulary:
Tempo structure dynamics pitch texture percussion tuned un-tuned composition rhythm melody loops layers
Art
Within Art we will be looking at formal elements of Art. Within this, pupils will look in depth at patterns and texture as well as creating their own geometric pattern using handmade stamps.
Vocabulary:
Pattern texture stamp geometric symmetric motif artist technique 2D shapes abstract reflection compass
Key Dates:
Tuesday 7th January – Spring Term starts back.