It’s week 4 of the final term of Year 4, we have recovered from camp and we are enjoying the cooler weather in these last few weeks of term. It almost feels like we are ready for a quieter time before heading into Year 5. But, of course, at AISHK we are too busy and productive for quiet weeks…we have just enjoyed (Wattle/Jacaranda) mufti day this week and we are looking forward to Year 4 assembly next week (parents invited, yay). Here is what is going on in the classrooms…
English
We continue to analyse, deconstruct and reconstruct fairy tales. We have covered quite a few of the classics, such as Cinderella, The 3 Little Pigs, The Gingerbread Man, Little Red Riding Hood, and many more. In considering the historical and cultural context of fairy tales, we are looking at how relevant the characterisations are today. Should stepmothers always be represented as evil? Are wolves always the bad guys? Do Princesses always need rescuing? Do Princes always need to be heroes? We will look at how some fairy tales have been modernised to reflect modern culture.
How can you support this at home?
- Discuss a modern fairy tale you may have watched or read about, such as Mulan or Brave. How are the main characters different from characters in traditional fairy tales? How are they the same?
- Read a fun fairy tale from a different perspective, or watch them on youtube:
Fairy Tales from a Different Point of View
With whose point of view are you more sympathetic, the original characters in the traditional tales or the characters on this link? What makes you say that?
Maths
As we look at capacity and money in the next couple of weeks, we are also focusing on strategies, strategies, strategies. Understanding strategies enables us to demonstrate and explain our thinking, giving us greater clarity of thought and developing our number fluency. Below are some of the key strategies used in Year 4. They can be applied in many different mathematical contexts. Make up some games or quick questions involving these strategies. Remember to keep it fun!
How can you support this at home?
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- Addition and subtraction of multiples of 10 (e.g. 70 + 30 = 100, 50 + 60 = 110, 20 + 40 = 60);
- Addition and subtraction of multiples of 100 where the answer is 1,000 or less (e.g. 300 + 400 = 700, 400 + 600 = 1,000);
- Double and halves of multiples of 10 to 100 (e.g. double 60 = 120, half 50 = 25);
- Multiplying two-digit numbers by 10 (e.g. 24 x 10 = 240);
- Halves of any even number to 100 (e.g. half of 22 = 11);
- And multiplying any two and three-digit number by 10 and 100 (e.g. 24 x 100 = 2,400)
- Times tables
Geography
In Geography, we continue to look at our diverse planet and its biomes and think about how we can act to create a more sustainable Earth. It is worthwhile for the students to become aware of the wider context of what they study in class and how it plays out in the real world. The next couple of weeks sees the COP26 United Nations climate summit in Scotland. What are people’s views on climate change in your family?
How can you support this at home?
- A website for parents to find out more for yourselves or to help keep your children informed.
What is a COP? – UN Climate Change Conference
- A website for kids, that you could look at together.
COP26 Glasgow: a guide for kids
Swimming
Students will continue with swimming lessons until week 7 this term with 1 or 2 lessons per week. Please look for details of specific swimming days from your classroom teacher.
Students will need:
- Appropriate swimwear: one-piece costume for girls or speedo/shorts for boys. Non-AISHK swimwear is acceptable.
- Students can wear their PE uniform on their swimming lesson day
- Labelled ziplock bag (to put masks into) and spare mask
- Swimming cap
- Towel
- Flip flops to wear in the pool area (optional)
Important dates to remember for Term 4:
Week 5: Friday 12 November: Year 4 assembly (parents invited to join the fun)
Week 9: Wednesday 8 December: Last day of Year 4 (half day)