Literacy

Reading

We have started our modelling block on “Poppet” by Dick King-Smith, where the children have been introduced to new comprehension strategies which will aid their understanding of novels being read in class. The children will use Prior Knowledge/Prediction, Metalinguistics, Visualisation, Inference, Main Idea and Summary. After the modelling block, we will move on to a second novel where children will begin to take on a bit more independence using these strategies.

Phonics into Spelling Programme

There will be 2 weeks focus on spelling then 2 weeks on phonics in rotation.

Grammar

We will be looking at punctuation, adjectives, verbs and nouns in more detail. Children will also be looking at linking sentences with connectives.

Writing

This term we will focus on the genre Explanation/Procedural which will include letter writing, instructions and report writing.

Handwriting – focusing on the formation of letters

Talking & Listening

The children will be asked to prepare a short solo presentation linked to our next topic (Polar Regions).

Numeracy 

‘Number Talks’ – pupils will develop a range of mental maths strategies through Number Talks.

Number Processes – Our numeracy lessons will include a mixture of concrete, pictorial and written methods to reinforce learning and deepen understanding. We will revise prior learning of place value before moving on to reading, writing and ordering numbers up to thousands for some.

Understanding the role of zero as a placeholder in three-digit numbers.

Estimating and Rounding – We will revise prior learning of rounding before moving on to rounding 3-digit numbers to the nearest ten and hundred.

Addition & Subtraction – We will develop a range of strategies to add and subtract within 1000 for some.

Multiplication and Division – We will be revising and learning some of the times tables, such as the 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10.

Social Studies/Science

Our Social Studies topic this term is ‘Australia’. This topic will include covering:

• Identifying states and main cities
• Major landmarks
• Compare Scottish and Australian landscape
• Key features of the Great Barrier Reef

Later in the term our Science topic will be ‘Polar Regions’. This topic will include:

• Looking at the extreme conditions and how animals have adapted to survive
• Food chains
• The melting polar ice caps
• Northern Lights
• Native dwellers of the Polar Regions – Inuits
• STEM challenges linked to the topic

Health & Wellbeing

P.E.

Primary 4 will complete a block of hockey followed by Active Health circuit activities in order to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Health

Currently the children are looking at Growth versus Fixed Mindsets. We will also reinforce the school values as well focusing on friendships.

Expressive Arts

Various skills of Art & Design will be explored through the topics of Australia and Polar Lands.

Music – linked to our Australia topic including listening to and sharing our thoughts on Indigenous Australian music

Technologies

The children will develop their independence using the GLOW platform and TEAMS. We will also focus on PowerPoint within Office 365.