Year 4 News
Reading
Over the last fortnight, Year 4 students have been making more text connections, this time focusing on text-to-world connections. Students read ‘The Story of Rosy Dock’ about the spread of a non-native plant species and made real world connections to their Inquiry work about different countries and their native flora.
Year 4 moved on to investigating the visual aspects of reading, learning about how colour, shape, size and framing all help to add information about an image. Students read ‘Window’, a wordless book, and discussed what they could learn about the characters and the story from the changing scenery. Later in the week, they looked at different versions of photos with altered colours and facial expressions and analysed the differences and how the characters’ personalities changed.
“I liked how we got to look at texts and describe the images.” - Nina 4A
“The illustrations in the story Window helped me understand how old the boy was.” - Georgeuo 4C
“It was cool seeing more things happening and changing on each page.” - Sadie 4C
“Every two years, we saw things had changed in the background of the Window, like more buildings and cars” - Aidan 4B
Writing
To go along with Inquiry work, Year 4 students have spent the past fortnight planning and drafting a persuasive text about a country they have researched in our geography lessons. They have been using their knowledge of persuasive features to make their writing compelling for their reader, adding facts and statistics, emotive language and rhetorical questions to make the audience think. Students researched additional information independently, using their planned reasons of climate, flora and fauna, and attractions, and found relevant examples from their chosen country to accompany their reasons.
“We have been making a persuasive writing piece on neighbouring countries.” - Sifat 4A
“I researched facts about Papua New Guinea. For example, that it has over 800 languages” - Elora 4B
“I used the persuasive feature, emotive language, in my persuasive piece.” - Deepti 4C
Maths
This fortnight in Maths, Year 4 students have begun their new topic on Multiplicative Thinking. They have developed their understanding of multiplication, division and number patterns. Students have practised smart strategies for recalling the multiplication facts for 6, 7, 8, 9, and 12, while exploring related division facts. They have investigated number sequences and multiples, used arrays, area models and flow charts and solved real-life mathematical problems. Students learned how to explain their thinking and applied pattern rules to strengthen their problem-solving skills.
“Maths is really fun. It’s hard.” - Kayan 4A
“Maths is hard but also fun, very fun. It really tests my abilities.” - Tyler 4A
“All the numbers end in either 2, 4, 6, 8, or 0!” - Zoeya 4C
“I prefer this strategy instead!” - Sia 4C
Inquiry
Over the past fortnight, Year 4 students have continued their exploration of Australia's neighbouring countries, focusing on Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Solomon Islands and Samoa. Using a range of research tools, they investigated each country's climate, flora and fauna, important landmarks, and other interesting facts.
Students recorded their findings in their created ‘Passports’ and located each country on a world map, helping to strengthen both their geography knowledge and research skills. It has been wonderful to see students engaging with and learning about the diverse cultures and environments of our region.
“We have been researching Indonesia and we learned new things. We learned unique facts.” - Taveesh 4A
“It’s very fun learning new neighbouring countries every day.” - Shiloh 4A
“It was great to share my knowledge of Samoa, and to learn even more about the fauna” - Pouniu 4B
Social and Emotional Learning
Over the past two weeks in SEL, Year 4 students have identified sources for help-seeking. They have discussed the meaning of trust and why it is important to seek help from someone they trust when problems become too difficult to manage alone. Students identified people at home and at school whom they can turn to for help, as well as people they can help in different situations.
In SWPBS, Year 4 students focused on showing kindness by keeping their hands and feet to themselves and respecting personal space. They participated in class discussions and cooperative games, exploring positive ways to interact with others, solve problems respectfully and make safe choices. Students practised using kind words, respecting others’ personal space and thinking carefully about their actions to help create a safe classroom environment.
“It’s fun. I liked practising showing kindness by playing games.” - Ekam 4A
“You can ask for help from a teacher that you know.” - Guntaj 4C
Auslan
In Auslan, Year 4 students have developed their Auslan communication skills by learning signs connected to household appliances and medical vocabulary. They learnt and practised signs for common appliances such as lamp, heater, charger, dishwasher, vacuum, fan, kettle and hairdryer, while also exploring medical signs including doctor, ambulance, nurse, hospital, medicine, headache and x-ray. Students have enjoyed recognising, signing and fingerspelling new vocabulary!
“This is x-ray.” - Isaac 4A
“This is how you sign charger.” - Sia 4C
“We learnt how to sign things around our house. I remember iron and vacuum” - Pouniu 4B
Special Events
Reconciliation Week -
During Reconciliation Week, Year 4 students learnt about the meaning and importance of reconciliation and why it matters in Australia today. Through class discussions, students explored respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, and identities. As a class, students worked collaboratively to create and decorate their own meaningful Acknowledgement of Country that reflects their shared understanding of respect, inclusion and community.
“In 4A, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We thank them for sharing this land, where we get to learn, play, and connect with one another. We promise to care for the sky, the sea, the land and all living things.” - 4A
“4C acknowledges the traditional owners of the land and thank them for taking care of our beautiful country. We vow to keep your lands' traditions, treat everybody equally and respectfully and continue to learn about your history.” - 4C
Essendon Football Club Skill Clinic -
Last Wednesday, Year 4 students participated in a special AFL experience run by representatives from the Essendon Football Club. During the session, students had the opportunity to take part in a Q&A session, where they learnt more about football, training, teamwork and life as a footballer! They also took part in a range of AFL skill activities and games, practising kicking, handballing, teamwork, and coordination. Take a look at some of the highlights from the session below!
“I brought a footy in and got it signed.” - Amelia 4A
“We got to ask them different questions.” - Deepti 4C
“I asked ‘what is a day in your life like?’” - Aditi 4B
“I asked ‘how many goals have you scored?” - William 4B
“We got to play with the Essendon players.” - Anshmeet 4C
“It was fun kicking footys.” - Sadie 4C
