English
We have spent time writing lengthier stories than we were able to do while we were teaching online. Students have enjoyed having a stimulus and weaving a story around that which could have a more involved plot, include the elements that make a story exciting to read and possibly includes dialogue. We have also explored elements of informational texts, such as glossary, table of contents, chapters, headings and subheadings and so on. Then we brainstormed what sorts of things would be seen online in informational websites such as sidebars, pop ups, logos, subheadings, etc. Then students were asked which elements are particular to books and which are only on websites and which elements were common to both. The thoughts and vocabulary were truly amazing!
Maths
As a result of some assessments, each class teacher has identified various areas that needed a refresher. Most classes did some work on mass and graduated scales in the past weeks. Multiplication using various methods has been a focus and some classes have begun to consider place value, comparing and ordering decimals. Teachers have appreciated classroom time to really work to the needs of the students this term.
Library Lessons
Our final Library lessons will end this week and our students will miss these lively and thought-provoking lessons with Mrs Atkins. The lessons they have been having about infographics were so engaging and useful, having been integrated within our study of geography of South America and Africa. Children have learned about the use of colour, symbols and short, sharp pieces of information. They have identified an area of interest in South America or Africa and are building their own infographic. Students will continue to visit the library to borrow books.
Swimming
Week 7 will begin our school swimming lessons. Your class teacher will have been (or will be) in touch with details of the day your class lesson is. We encourage full participation in the program and we hope that students will have all the gear they need on the day to best take advantage of this opportunity.
Buddy Classes and 2020 Through My Eyes
Many people don’t really realise how valuable buddy classes can be. Our Year 4 classes have been paired with Year 1 classes. Since we have been back in the classroom, classes have met as possible. Recently, with input from Miss Jean, we have been considering, at various levels and in various ways, ‘2020 Through My Eyes’ and most Year 4 classes have delved into this with their Buddy Class. The vertical groupings mean that as students progress through the school, they will have anchor friendships at a different level to their own.
Camp
We have fingers and toes crossed for some amazing outdoor experiences next week for our children. When we think about the many, many weeks of online learning, I think we can all feel so happy that there is a chance for students (and staff) to blow those cobwebs away, make new friends, face awesome challenges, find strengths that we didn’t know we had and have some FUN together! Your child will be bringing more information home regarding their group and activities. Please contact the class teacher soonest if you have any questions that have not been answered.
All the best,
Suzanne Sinclair and the Year 4 Team
Suzanne Sinclair: suzanne_sinclair@aishk.edu.hk
Demmin Smith: demmin_smith@aishk.edu.hk
Lesley Stewart: lesley_stewart@aishk.edu.hk
Benjamin Picker: benjamin_picker@aishk.edu.hk
