Spring 1 2025
Y4 Terns
Spring 1 2025
English
Reading: We will use the texts 'How does a lighthouse work?' by Roman Belyaev and 'The Poet's Dog' by Patricia MacLachlan to develop our reading and comprehension skills. We will discuss our understanding of the text and new vocabulary, retrieve and record information, identify main ideas and summarise these.
Writing: We will use the book 'Frindleswylde' by Natalie & Lauren O'Hara to develop our writing skills. Children begin exploring the characters, settings and plot of the story. They write messages in role to Granny to describe what Frindleswylde has done to the cottage and take part in a decision alley to help Cora decide whether she should follow him through the ice pond to the world below. As they continue the adventure into the frozen kingdom, children will practice how to show feelings through dialogue and write birds-eye view descriptions in role as the stork. Stepping into Frindleswylde’s frosty boots, they will write persuasive speeches using figurative language to convince Cora to stay with him. Finally, after unpicking the themes of the narrative, children will plan and write their own sequel – Frindleswylde Returns.
Using 'The Selfish Giant' by Oscar Wilde, children will explore the text through a range of immersion and engagement activities and will write a range of texts, including diaries, letters, posters, reports and their own version narratives.
History
Enquiry: Who were the Anglo-Saxons and how do we know what was important to them?
Through this enquiry we will look at why the Romans left Britain; why the Anglo-Saxons didn't choose to live in the towns the Romans left behind; how converting to Christianity changed the lives of the people in Britain and what Sutton Hoo tells us about the Anglo-Saxon world.
Click on the link to find out the Anglo-Saxons and help your child prepare for their learning.
Geography
Enquiry: Why do so many people in the world live in megacities?
This enquiry supports pupils to develop their understanding of the important geographical concepts of settlement and urbanisation. Pupils will explore some of the economic and social reasons why the populations of cities increase.
As an introduction to our work, click on the link to watch a video showing the features of different types of settlements and how places are interconnected.
Click on the following link to see Kei and Louis show us their lives living in the cities of Tokyo and London
Art
This half term the children will be working with local artist Katherine Renton using drawing, painting and sculpture to create artwork reflecting our local wildlife.
PE
In Gymnastics this half term we will learn to move and balance to create bridges on the floor and apparatus. We will perform a sequence with a partner using pair and individual bridges.
Computing
Programming – Repetition in shapes
The children will look at repetition and loops within programming. They will create programs by planning, modifying, and testing commands to create shapes and patterns using Logo, a text-based programming language.
Maths
This half term begins with a focus on Multiplication & Division; looking at factor pairs, efficient multiplication and written methods to multiply and divide 3-digit numbers.
We will then move onto Measurement, learning about length & perimeter. We will begin by learning about equivalent lengths and then learn how to measure the perimeter of rectangles and rectilinear shapes.
We will be having a strong focus on recalling multiplication and division facts for tables up to 12 x 12. Hit the Button is a fun way to increase the speed and accuracy of your recall of multiplication/division facts.
Science - States of Matter
We will be learning about the states of matter of everyday objects and exploring what happens when materials are heated up and cooled down. Learn the song below to further your understanding of solids, liquids and gases.
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DT
Mechanical systems: Making a slingshot car
This half term we will work independently to produce an accurate, functioning car chassis. We will design and make a body shape that reduces air resistance and test their completed product.
RE
What do Hindus believe God is like?
The children will be introduced to Hindu Dharma. They will act as philosophers considering how Hindus might see the world, looking at the concepts of Brahman to build up their understanding. The children will use some stories, examine some Hindu texts and consider how deities exemplify qualities of Brahman.
French
Language angels - Les Legumes
In this unit the children will;
Name and recognise up to 10 vegetables in French.
Attempt to spell some of these nouns (including the correct determiner/article).
Learn simple vocabulary to facilitate a role play about buying vegetables from a market stall.
Say if they would like one kilo or a half kilo of a particular vegetable or selection of vegetables.
Click on the link and login to pupil games to practice your French
Username: links
Password: pupil
Music
The children will be learning about musical processes. We will look at vocal and instrumental ostinati . The children will then be introduced to musical drones and pedal notes. Finally they will compose their own accompaniments using ostinati and drones.
PSHE
Jigsaw - Dreams and Goals
This half term we will share our hopes and dreams and understand that they sometimes do not come true. We will reflect on positive and happy experiences and consider how they help counteract disappointment. We will set new goals and learn how to work out the steps to take to achieve them.