Year 4 News
Reading
For the start of Term 2, Year 4 students have been focusing on developing their reading fluency and expression. They have discussed and applied some reading strategies to help them with decoding tricky words to improve their fluency, and explored how punctuation tells them to change pace and expression. Finally, Year 4 students learned about tags, which come before or after dialogue, and matched different tags to sentences to change how they were read, such as ‘“We’re going to be late,” Mum muttered’, compared to ‘Mum cried’. They practiced what they had learned by reading aloud to a partner and giving feedback to each other about what went well and if there was anything they could improve.
“Using the strategies helped me learn more words.” - Aditi 4B
“I liked how when there was exclamation marks our voice changed to be really high.” - Eleen 4B
“We have been learning how to read fluently and read the way that we talk.” - Deepti 4C
Writing
In Writing, Year 4 students have been exploring the difference between independent and dependent clauses. They have learned how to identify complete thoughts and how additional information can be added to make their writing more detailed and engaging. Using this knowledge, students have begun experimenting with more complex sentences in their writing.
The Year 4 cohort has also been focusing on planning procedural texts as part of their upcoming writing unit. They engaged in brainstorming a range of tasks that they are able to complete independently, such as making a simple snack, playing a game or completing a craft activity. Students will then use these ideas and consider how to break these tasks down into clear, logical steps that could be easily followed by someone else.
“An independent clause can make sense on its own.” - Nabil 4A
“We have been planning ideas for our procedural texts.” - Taylan 4A
“I can write a procedure about how to train a bunny.” - Olivia 4A
“Dependent clauses do not make sense on their own.” - Ansh 4C
Maths
In Maths, Year 4 students have completed some pre-assessments, focusing on angles, statistics, and probability, where they applied their prior knowledge, practised reading through questions carefully, and tried their personal best.
To wrap up the week, they revisited their Term 1 learning on decimals through an engaging and interactive Kahoot! Year 4 students worked collaboratively with partners to apply their understanding, work as a team and discuss their thinking and reasoning.
“I really enjoyed doing Kahoot because it’s like a game and a lesson at the same time!” - Asinat 4B
“The pre-assessments will show me how much I’ve learnt” - Summer 4B
“The Kahoot was pretty fun!” - Saihaj 4C
Inquiry
In Inquiry, Year 4 students have begun an exciting new unit on Geography. Geography is the study of the Earth’s land, water and air, as well as the people and animals that live on it. It explores natural features, such as mountains, rivers and oceans, along with how people live, work and build communities. Geography also helps us understand why places differ in climate, environment and culture.
To support their learning, Year 4 students have started using digital tools to deepen their understanding of the world around them. They have been exploring Google Maps to investigate different locations and develop their ability to interpret geographical features, such as distance, scale and landmarks.
“I liked using Google Maps to find places.” - Isaac 4A
“I found the Murray River which is a long river in Albury.” - Nabil 4A
“The map lesson was fun because we got to explore new places.” - Rohaan 4B
“I got to see lots of places I haven’t been to before.” - Grace 4B
“It was fun to find different places.” - Sadie 4C
Social and Emotional Learning / SWPBS
In SEL, Year 4 students have started their new topic on Help-Seeking. They have explored how to seek help and support others, with a strong focus on clear communication. Through engaging games, such as mime relays and charades, students practised communicating using body language and gestures, and learnt how easily messages can be misunderstood if they are not clear.
During SWPBS sessions, students focused on what it means to be responsible when using the bathroom and drink taps. They discussed appropriate times to go (such as before school and during breaks), how to return promptly to learning, and the importance of keeping the bathroom clean and respecting others’ privacy as responsible members of the CPS community.
“I liked miming different things.” - Ryan 4C
“You have to work with your teammates to get the mime correct.” - Sia 4C
AUSLAN
During Week 1, Year 4 students learned how to use their hands, fingers and facial expressions to show size in Auslan.
They practised describing size by role playing the familiar story ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ and had lots of fun doing so!
“This is how you drink a small cup of tea.” - Avtaj 4C
“I am drinking a big jug of water.” - Storm 4C
Special Event
In the last week of Term 1, Year 4 students applied for the role of Junior School Council member by completing an application outlining their skills and how they demonstrate the school values, amongst other criteria. Three students from each class were selected for the next stage; giving a speech in front of the cohort about why they should be elected. Polling was then held and votes were counted, with the winners announced in Week 1’s assembly. Congratulations to Amelia and Shiloh from 4A for becoming Year 4’s JSC members.
