As we reach the end of another busy week in Year 4, it has been wonderful to see so many children putting great effort into improving their handwriting. They have been focusing on neat presentation and legibility — and the results are really showing!

In English, we began Hugging the Text. To start, we created a shared write together so that the children could see how each sentence is carefully constructed. They then used their own plans to write individual paragraphs — with so many creative ideas shining through!

In Mathematics, our focus has been on the column method for addition and subtraction. We began with counters in a place value chart to give pupils a clear visual representation of what is happening, before moving on to the abstract use of numbers.

DT was a very hands-on experience this week! The children designed their own catapults, inspired by those used during Roman times. They measured pieces of wood carefully and used hacksaws to cut them to size — and I’m pleased to report that all fingers remain intact!

In Geography, we explored the dramatic effects of volcanic eruptions, looking closely at the events in Pompeii in 79 AD following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

In Science, we started learning about the different types of human teeth — incisors, canines, premolars, molars, and wisdom teeth — and discussed their functions.

In RE, we moved into the more philosophical part of our topic, reflecting on these thought-provoking questions:

• How do Jesus’ actions and parables show the kind of world he wanted people to help build?
• If everyone lived the way Jesus taught, what might our world look like today?
• Why do you think Jesus wanted people to treat others in certain ways, and what difference would that make to the world?

With the Multiplication Tables Check coming up at the end of Year 4, we are continuing to encourage regular practice. The children are working hard on TT Rockstars in class, but there are also plenty of opportunities to continue practising at home.

• Flashcards
• Bullseye (something we have played in class)
• Online games, such as Super Maths Bowling
• Asking the multiples of a given number: if my answer is 24, what could the multiplication calculation have been? 1 x 24, 2 x 12, 3 x 8, 4 x 6

Library takes place on a Thursday morning, starting from next week, and Reading Records are stamped on a Friday morning.

Changemaker Project: Next week is the final week to complete an activity for this half term's value of Friendship as we will be awarding stickers in the last week of half term. 

Doodle English task set on Friday 10th October, so be completed by the evening of Thursday 16th  October.

Doodle Maths task set on Friday 10th October, so be completed by the evening of Thursday 16th  October..

TTRS - 14 minutes to be completed by the evening of Thursday 16th October.

Reading - 5 times a week and Reading records will be stamped on Friday 17th October