Author: Mrs Freeman

We started our mini science based topic. The children were all very keen to learn about solids, liquids and gases.

The children enjoyed a carousel of activities including investigating solids and  some scientific reading!

The end of term is almost upon us and what a busy one it has been!

Mr Owen and I have been very impressed with the learning,the behaviour and the mature attitudes shown from all the children. This last week, we have enjoyed a super trip to the theatre, card making, puppet making, parties and our own little secret Santa surprise. You’ll have to wait until Christmas to enjoy that one!

Here a just a couple of quotes from the children about the autumn term:

• “I really enjoyed our big topic, especially making our picture frames.”
• “Going to Allerton Grange for STEM week was awesome!”
• “The STEM fair was very exciting. I enjoyed seeing all the different projects.”
• “Writing the character descriptions of Grandma was fun.”
• “Our SEAL sessions have really helped us to manage our feelings and cope with any difficulties.”

Finally, we would like to wish you all a very happy holiday and look forward to seeing you all in the new year.

 

It’s been a busy week so far in Year 4.

At the beginning of the week, we set the children a challenge relating to our themed week: Can you design and make a doorbell for dogs? 

The children started off by learning about electrical circuits and how they work. We looked at the symbols used for this and were able to sketch a basic circuit. Using the correct scientific vocabulary, we were able to explain how the circuit worked.  Following this, we went on to build our own circuits and successfully light up a bulb.

Then came the tricky part!

How do we create a switch for a dog to press to alert the owner that the it needs to be let out into the garden?

How would the dog press the switch?

After lots of discussion, the children decided that cardboard with aluminium foil would work.

Ask your child why we used aluminium foil.

Through resilience and lots of patience, the classroom erupted with the sound of buzzers.

Lots of fun was had and the switches worked!

Here’s a selection of pictures for you to browse through.

This week, we did an activity that focused on some dilemmas. The children had to work as a team to decide whether they thought each situation was serious and which not as serious (although still a problem).

The children ordered each scenario from 1-9 and placed them into a Diamond 9. Number 1 being the most concerning and 9 being less of a concern. We had a discussion  and each team presented their ideas.

 

During our topic work we have looked closely at the artwork of Quentin Blake. The children have done their own paintings in the style of this very famous artist. Adding to that, we then went on to make a frame to showcase this super artwork. Year 4 have all worked incredibly hard on designing, making and decorating their photo frames. We now have our own art gallery in the classroom. Please feel free to pop in and take a look.

During this half term, we have three students from Leeds Beckett University leading our PE sessions on Fridays. The children are focusing on multi-skills, teamwork and getting enjoyment from sport. Here are a few pictures of yesterday’s lesson.

Work has begun on making our frames that will showcase the Quentin Blake artwork completed before half term. Accurate measuring, complete concentration and staying safe were some of the skills need for this activity.

Well done to Aina, Pia and Danny who were experts at sawing and helping others. Great for building muscles!

Welcome back.

This half term is going to be just as busy as the last one. The whole class have shown maturity, enthusiasm and a super learning attitude – keep it up!

We have had great fun with our topic so far. This half term, we’ll be designing and making our own picture frames. When complete, these will showcase the children’s wonderful Roald Dahl-inspired art work done in the style of Quentin Blake. Look out for our own Year 4 art gallery.

We also look forward to cooking this half term – you’ll have to wait and see what delights will make your taste buds tingle!

Please note a change of PE day from Thursday to Friday. The class are going to be taught by some students from Leeds Metropolitan University. An outdoor kit is essential as we hope to be outside whenever possible.