Year 4 News
Reading
This week in Reading, Year 4 students explored the different genres of texts, with a focus on understanding the differences between fiction and non-fiction books. They discussed the purpose and features of each genre, including how fiction stories are created from the author's imagination, while non-fiction texts are written to inform readers with factual information.
Students practised identifying whether a text was fiction or non-fiction by looking for clues such as the title, illustrations, photographs, headings, captions, table of contents and the type of language used.
To encourage independent reading, students visited the library to select 'good fit' books for their book boxes. They revisited how to choose books that are interesting, appropriate for their reading level and enjoyable to read independently.
“We got new books and we got time to read them.” - Shiloh 4A
Writing
In Writing this week, students completed the final stages of publishing their Inquiry Expo posters.
Throughout the publishing process, students focused on presenting their information clearly by using neat handwriting, thoughtful layouts, accurate spelling and engaging visuals. They demonstrated pride in their work as they added finishing touches and ensured their posters effectively communicated their learning.
“We added pictures and more detail to our posters.” - Sifat 4A
“It was fun to publish and I worked really hard on my poster.” - Isabelle 4A
“It was fun researching about a new country and seeing about the climate, flora, fauna and landmarks.” - Nabil 4A
“I felt very proud of my published writing because it looks really great!” - Aditi 4B
Maths
During Week 1, Year 4 students completed pre-assessments in the areas of Fractions and Measurement. These assessments provided valuable information about each student's current understanding and will help guide planning for the term ahead.
Students also spent time reviewing their multiplication knowledge through a variety of games and activities. These experiences encouraged students to practise their multiplication facts in a fun and supportive environment while developing confidence, accuracy and fluency.
“The assessments were hard but I still tried.” - Olivia 4A
“I liked practising my timetables with Nabil when I finished my test.” - Isaac 4A
“I liked doing the assessments because I like doing Maths” - Hayley 4B
“I found the assessments a bit hard because I haven’t done fractions in so long.” - Maya 4B
Inquiry
During the first week back of Term 3, Year 4 students finalised and polished their Inquiry Expo projects. They continued to work collaboratively to showcase their learning about their chosen neighbouring country, creating fantastic displays that highlighted their research and understanding. Students also used their creativity to design artefacts and props to complement their projects.
“It was really fun and hard to create our props.” - Kayan 4A
“I struggled for ideas but I still managed to have good work.” - Aditi 4B
“It was fun making 3D things for our poster.” - Chris 4C
“We were worried that we wouldn’t finish on time but we did!” - Ansh 4C
Social and Emotional Learning/ School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support
During Social and Emotional Learning, students participated in a Human Bingo activity designed to help them learn more about one another. As they moved around the classroom asking questions and finding classmates with shared experiences or interests, students discovered both the similarities and differences that make our classroom unique.
Students also explored the concept of identity by discussing the many factors that contribute to who we are. They reflected on their interests, strengths, family backgrounds and experiences, recognising that everyone's identity is unique and should be respected. These discussions helped foster a greater sense of belonging within our classroom while encouraging students to appreciate and celebrate diversity.
As part of our SWPBS program, students reviewed our school-wide and classroom expectations to ensure everyone began the term with a shared understanding of positive behaviour. Together, we discussed what it means to be resilient, responsible and kind in a range of settings, including the classroom, playground and shared learning spaces.
“It’s good to always refresh our minds about expectations.” - Nina 4A
AUSLAN
This week in Auslan, Year 4 students learned the signs for a variety of Australian birds. They practised signing and recognising the signs for bird, cockatoo, kookaburra, owl, parrot, swan, rainbow lorikeet and eagle.
Through games and interactive activities, students built their confidence using these new signs while expanding their Auslan vocabulary. It has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm as they continue developing their communication skills in Auslan.
“It was fun learning about new signs.” - Hibah 4A
“We learnt new signs for animals.” - Sfakanaky 4A
“Learning about birds was fun.” - Muhammad 4B
Special Events
Melbourne Museum
Last Tuesday, the Year 4 cohort visited the Melbourne Museum. Students investigated Australia’s natural environments in the Forest Gallery, exploring the world’s major biomes, including forests, reefs, soils and ice. They experienced the Arctic 3D IMAX film to develop an understanding of polar climates and ecosystems. Students developed their knowledge of the characteristics of different environments, the diversity of Earth's climates, and why it’s important to protect our natural ecosystems. Take a look at some of the highlights from our day!
“It was really fun to learn about flora and fauna.” - Nina 4A
“I really liked the dinosaurs. I thought they were pretty cool. I was a bit bummed out because there was no fossil digs even though most people said there were.” - Tyler 4A
“We learned about habitats and watched an IMAX show.” - Taveesh 4A
“I really enjoyed the IMAX show.” - Syona 4A
“We really liked when we watched the movie in IMAX. It was like real when you are putting the glasses on and it was fun.” - Sfakanaky 4A
“In the Ice section, me, Grace and Pouniu found a polar bear.” - Holly 4B
“We saw live spiders in the Bugs Alive section.” - William 4B
“I liked feeling the parts of the dinosaur.” - Ryan 4C
“I liked watching the 3D movie.” - Zoeya 4C
Year 4 Inquiry Expo
Last Thursday, the Year 4 cohort held their ‘Exploring our Neighbours’ Inquiry Expo. Throughout the day, they confidently presented their projects to their classmates and the other Year 4 classes before welcoming students from across the school to visit the Expo and learn about their chosen neighbouring country. Students finished the day with the wonderful opportunity to showcase their learning to their families and carers.
We are incredibly proud of the effort, teamwork, and enthusiasm students demonstrated throughout the Inquiry process! Well done, Year 4s.
“It was fun showing people new ideas I made.” - Gurnoor 4A
“I really liked handing out the stuff that I made - Amelia 4A
“It was so fun making neighbouring counties things and the poster was so fun.” - Ekam 4A
“It was very awesome and cool and I got to see my Pa.” - Grace 4B
“My favourite part was when our parents came in and rated my work and gave me feedback” - Elora 4B
“We had to keep restocking things because lots of classes came.” - Sadie 4C
“I was nervous when the classes were coming in but after a while I felt more calm.” - Sia 4C
“It was fun seeing other people’s projects and it was fun making stuff.” - Noah 4C
