All posts by Mrs STRACHAN

P4 – Term 2

Curricular Update Term 2

Primary 4 – Curricular Overview

 

Welcome back to Primary 4’s Learning Blog. Here is an update of what the children in primary 4 will be working on for the remainder of term 2. These will be our learning expectations until the Easter holidays.

 

Numeracy

Recap – In term 1 pupils worked very hard in class. We learned about Place Value with 4 digit numbers. We practiced partitioning numbers into thousands, hundreds, tens and units. We also sequenced numbers into the correct order from smallest to largest for example, 654, 789, 1730. We also learned addition and subtraction of 3 digit numbers. We learned different lots of different strategies we could use to help us to add and subtract. We have learned about 3D shapes and their properties (vertices, faces and edges).

In term 2 we are now working hard to learn our times tables. We are also looking at how multiplication and division are inverse operations. This term we will have a big focus on learning how to multiply a two digit number and then moving onto division with a 2 digit number. In beyond number we will be learning about Information Handling. We will continue to build on our mental maths strategies and revisit skills we have previously learned. Please make sure your child spends 20 minutes on Sumdog to improve their mental maths. We also encourage some games on topmarks and YouTube times table songs.

 

Literacy

 

Spelling –

In literacy we are learning about a different phoneme each week and applying this into our spelling, We are now focusing on a phoneme for example ae and the different representations it can have such as: a-e, ay, ai, ey, and ea. They will also learn common words that we use frequently in our writing (for example words like: friend, because, cousin etc.). They will learn different spelling words related to the phoneme focus and take part in activities in class to help reinforce these words. At home they are expected to practise these words for homework and take part in a spelling test on a Friday.   Pupils are being introduced to using ELKONIN boxes, when spelling words with joined phonemes and also are learning how to use diacritical marking.

 

Reading –

Pupils are currently reading different books in class using the core resource Bug Club. They work in different reading groups and complete comprehension tasks related to the texts. They are encouraged to read, discuss and answer different types of questions in sentences.   Pupils are expected to spend at least 30 minutes a week reading at home. Books are assigned to their Bug Club accounts along with comprehension questions. I can see lots of pupils are doing this, so keep up the hard work!

Pupils are also encouraged to read for enjoyment in class for at least 15 minutes a day. We visit our school library and the school book bus fortnightly. Pupils are allowed to select a book of their choice and are given the opportunity to read in class when possible.

 

Writing –

This term we will continue with our weekly writing lessons. Pupils will write stories using a range of different genres for example: instructions, imaginative, newspaper articles, letters etc. We will continue to build on our use of punctuation. Also considering connectives, openers and vocabulary to help expand our writing.   Children will be encouraged to write neatly, with finger spaces, full stops and capital letters. They are encouraged to use strategies when writing such as sounding out their words, using their personal dictionary, school dictionary and at times a thesaurus. Pupils are also encouraged to use commas, exclamation marks, questions marks and speech marks when possible.

 

ICT

Pupils are now able to confidently log into the school computers. They are able to log into websites such as Glow, Sumdog and Bugclub. We will continue to build on these skills. Pupils are currently enjoying learning how to create their own PowerPoints related to our class learning. This term we will continue to develop our skills in using Microsoft word, clicker7 and the iPad app clips to make short movies.

 

Interdisciplinary Learning

We have recently finished our class topic The Human Body and we are moving onto our next topic which is all about Climate Zones – we will compare and contrast The Rainforets and Arctic. Looking closely at the differences such as weather and animals that live there.

 

Religious Education

This term we will be preparing for our Sacraments. Starting with our Confirmation and then in term 3 our Holy Communion. Pupils will complete work in class, with some tasks being sent home to be completed. Pupils will visit the church when possible to deepen their understanding and allow them to ask questions.

 

 

Health and Wellbeing

In P.E. this term pupils will be taking part in gymnastics, fitness and also basketball lessons.   In Health pupils will continue taking part in PATHS lessons.  

French

In French we will continue to practise simple greetings and phrases. Continuing to count and use our days of the week and months of the year. We will also reinforce colours and practise animals names.

 

We are really looking forward to making our Confirmation and our upcoming trip to the Science Centre! 🙂

 

 

 

Blue House Bowling

Congratulations to the Blue House that won this terms treat!  They went to the Garage bowling on Tuesday to celebrate.  They all had a fantastic time! The bus driver also complimented the children’s lovely behavior and fantastic manners. 

Well deserved!

Primary 4 – Term 3 Blog update

Primary 4 – Term 3 Blog Update

 

Welcome back to Primary 4’s Blog update. After a very busy term 2, we are looking forward to term 3!

 

Numeracy

This term we will be continuing to develop our number skills by reinforcing the four concepts of number: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. In doing this the children have been learning different methods and strategies we can use through Number Talks. So far the pupils have been learning how to use addition strategies and we are currently working on subtraction strategies.

We will also be learning about fractions and how to tell the time.

Pupils will be learning how to find fractions of a quantity. For example ½ of 16 = 8 to support your child with this process it is important to make thinking visible. So if you allow them to help share out dinner for example cutting a pizza into fractions. Also if the battery on their tablets/laptops can be turned onto percentages so they can begin to see the link.

In beyond number we will be learning how to tell the time on a digital and analogue clock. We will revise, half past, quarter past/to, and reading the clock to the nearest 5 minute interval. Again if you can encourage your child to tell the time when possible or calculate how long it is until something takes place.

Pupils are encouraged to use websites such as: Active Hienemann, Sumdog and Topmarks.

 

Literacy

In literacy pupils will continue to work through the Bug Club reading scheme. They will read weekly in their group and answer comprehension questions related to the text. Pupils should be able to access a selection of books online through their Bug Club account. Pupils are encouraged to read for at least half an hour a week as part of their homework.

In spelling pupils are continuing to focus on a different phoneme each week. They then take part in activities to reinforce this particular sound and how to apply it into their spelling. This phoneme will also feature in their weekly handwriting and spelling.

In writing pupils will continue to use a variety of genres. In particular we will focus on formal writing and writing reports.  We will continue to write from personal experience.   Pupils will be encouraged to proof read and check over their work. Continuing to be consistent with their writing and including: capital letters for proper nouns, commas, question marks, exclamation marks and direct speech.

We will also be focusing on talking and listening. Pupils will be working on talking in front of their peers and presenting a solo talk to their classmates. They will be asked to ask/answer relevant questions and listen attentively to others. Pupils will also continue to take part in weekly circle time.

 

Religious Education

Primary 4 continue to take part in daily class prayers and recognising the needs of others.  We have been focussing on Sacramental preparation for pupils preparing to make their Holy Communion. We also plan on celebrating our Holy Communion with a class party.   In May well also be learning about Mary and the Rosary. In June will be taking part in God’s Loving Plan lessons.

 

Health & Wellbeing

Pupils will be taking part in lessons in: Expressive Dance, Tennis, Athletics and Outdoor Games. We are also looking forward to our school Health Week and taking part in lots of different activities. In Health pupils will be learning about Relationships and Parenthood. How we grow and our body changes. We will also learn more about Food that is good for us.

 

ICT

We will continue to build on our Digital Literacy skills. With a focus on using GLOW more frequently. Also coding on the Sphero app and using the app clips to make a short film.

 

Interdisciplinary Learning

Our topics this term will have a Science focus. First will be learning about Magnets and that Magnetism is a force that can push or pull.   We will be learning about different types of forces.

We will then move onto learning about Food Chains and Food Webs. Exploring examples of food chains and showing an appreciation of how animals and plants depend on each other for food.

 

Expressive Arts

Pupils will take part in a variety of lessons related to their topics. In Art & Design we will focus on animals and creating art work to reflect this. In music we will look at lessons on the website Charanga.

 

French

Pupils will be encouraged to continue to practise/reinforce French vocabulary. Such as everyday greetings, weather, days of the week, months, numbers to 30, animal names and colours. Pupils will start to learn the names for different parts of the body.

 

Outdoor Education

In Outdoor Education we will continue to work towards gaining our Heritage Hero Award, taking part in a variety of lessons outside every second Friday.