Year 4 News
Reading
This fortnight, our Year 4 students have been strengthening their reading comprehension by learning how to identify the main idea and theme in fiction texts. In reading groups, class discussions, and one-on-one conferences, students have practised explaining what a story is mostly about and uncovering the deeper messages or lessons that authors want to share.
Some common themes we’ve explored include friendship, kindness, perseverance, being yourself, and courage. Students are learning to support their thinking with evidence from the story, helping them become more thoughtful and reflective readers—all while enjoying a variety of engaging books!
“Before I didn’t know what themes are but now I know that it’s things like kindness and good vs. evil.” Ali 4B
“I enjoyed learning about the main idea” - Aubree 4C
“I learnt the themes of many texts and learnt how to write with supporting details” - Zack 4C
Writing
This fortnight in Writing, Year 4 students focused on procedural writing. They had the opportunity to look at a range of photos and write their own instructions, such as how to feed a pet. Students also used their creativity to write a procedure on how to catch a magical creature.
The following week, students participated in learning targeting grammar, punctuation, and spelling. They explored adverbs, proper nouns, commas, and conjunctions. Year 4 students were highly engaged and completed tasks that required them to correct sentences using appropriate grammar and punctuation. They also learned how to use conjunctions and commas correctly within a sentence.
“I learned that McDonalds is a proper noun!” Lorenzo 4A
“I know that teacher is a common noun but Ms. Amador is a proper noun.” Ashley 4A
“I can use an apostrophe to make a contraction.” Arman 4A
Maths
This fortnight in Mathematics, Year 4 students explored multiplication and arrays. They investigated how rows and columns form arrays and applied this understanding to real-world contexts. To consolidate their learning, each student created an ‘Array City Skyline’, designing buildings with windows arranged in multiplication arrays. This engaging activity helped students visualise multiplication facts and develop a stronger conceptual understanding of arrays.
“I really liked doing arrays because you get to draw fun shapes” - Aysha 4C
“I learnt how to solve multiplication problems with different strategies such as equal groups, repeated addition and arrays” - Kayaan 4C
“I know that 5x4 is the same as 5 groups of 4 and it makes 20.” - Tyrone 4A
Inquiry
This fortnight, Year 4 students researched natural landforms such as Uluru, Victoria Falls, Mount Everest, and Fox Glacier. They explored the unique features and significance of each landform, developing skills in gathering and presenting information. Through their research, students deepened their appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the natural world and recognised the importance of protecting these special places.
“I liked researching about the K2 mountain ” Heidi 4B
“The aurora borealis have been around for thousands of years.” Gurreet 4A
“Tannourine El Tahta is in Lebanon and the lines in the rocks show how old it is!” Hassen 4A
Auslan
During this fortnight, Year 4 students learnt about Deaf culture and explored how to count to 20 using Auslan signs. They practiced number signs alongside discussions about the importance of Deaf culture and community. Through engaging activities, students developed both their signing skills and cultural understanding.
“My favourite part of Auslan lesson was learning about how to get deaf peoples attention” - Lal 4C
Social and Emotional Learning
This fortnight in SEL, the Year 4 Cohort explored the themes of gender, identity, and School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS), which focuses on the school values of kindness, responsibility, and resilience. Each lesson reinforced these values through discussions and role-plays. Students participated in acting out various scenarios to demonstrate how they can show kindness to their friends both in the classroom and in the playground.
In the unit on gender and identity, students reflected on how they are both similar to and different from one another. During a ‘turn and talk’ activity, students shared personal information about themselves, such as the languages they speak, their family structure, cultural background, religion, and hobbies—highlighting what makes each individual unique.
The cohort also engaged in meaningful conversations about stereotypes. Statements such as “girls can’t play soccer” and “boys don’t help in the kitchen” were discussed and respectfully challenged. Students approached these topics with a positive mindset and openly shared their own experiences, including helping adults with cooking and girls proudly discussing their involvement in soccer outside of school.
Special Event
During the dance incursion, Year 4 students experienced the joy and benefits of moving their bodies. Physical movement helps improve coordination, balance, and overall health. It also supports creativity and self-expression, allowing students to connect with their emotions. Engaging in movement activities encourages teamwork and builds confidence.
