Year 4 News

It has been another exciting and busy few weeks in Year 4, with students demonstrating enthusiasm and curiosity across all learning areas.

Maths

The students have been learning about equivalent fractions. They have been learning how to identify and create equivalent fractions using bar models and number lines, helping them build a deeper understanding of fraction concepts. Along the way, students have also become familiar with important mathematical vocabulary, including numerator and denominator. Next, they will begin learning about mixed numerals and how they relate to improper fractions.

English

This week in English, students have been exploring the Latin root 'cept/ceiv', which means 'taken' or 'seized'. They have been learning how understanding word roots can help them determine the meanings of unfamiliar words.

Students have also been practising adding prefixes and suffixes to words containing the root 'cept/ceiv' to create new words and deepen their understanding of how words change in meaning. They then used these words in meaningful sentences to demonstrate their understanding.

Text Study

The students have been analysing the film Wonder, exploring the story from the perspectives of different characters. Through discussions and activities, they have considered how kindness and perspective can change depending on who is telling the story, particularly within the family. Students have also been learning about precepts, with a focus on the inspiring quote: "When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind." This important message has encouraged thoughtful conversations about empathy, respect and making positive choices. As part of their writing, students are continuing to strengthen their paragraph writing by including clear topic sentences, supporting details and a concluding sentence.

Inquiry

Our Year 4 students recently presented their learning from their Unit of Inquiry, How We Express Ourselves at assembly. They have been exploring the central idea that people communicate by expressing themselves in many different ways.

Throughout the unit, students investigated the many forms of communication beyond spoken language. They learnt that people communicate through words, actions, facial expressions, body language, writing, signs, touch and even silence. By exploring these different forms of communication, students developed a deeper appreciation of how people connect with and understand one another.

A highlight of the unit was learning Auslan (Australian Sign Language). Students practised introducing themselves, finger spelling their names and asking questions in Auslan, gaining an understanding of how inclusive communication helps everyone feel valued and connected. They also explored Braille, learning how its six-dot system enables people who are blind or have low vision to read and write independently.

Students examined the important role that non-verbal communication plays in everyday interactions, recognising how body language, facial expressions and tone of voice can influence the meaning of a message. They also discussed how communication can sometimes be misunderstood, particularly when these non-verbal cues are absent.

Through engaging discussions and familiar examples from Toy Story, students challenged stereotypes and misconceptions, discovering that first impressions and appearances do not always tell the whole story. They reflected on the importance of avoiding assumptions, showing empathy and taking the time to understand others.

Kindness was a key theme throughout the unit, with students exploring precepts that encourage respectful and compassionate interactions. One precept that particularly resonated with the class was, "When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind." This message reinforced that kindness is one of the most powerful ways we can communicate with those around us.

We are incredibly proud of the confidence and thoughtfulness our Year 4 students demonstrated during their assembly. Their presentation highlighted not only what they have learnt about communication, but also the importance of inclusion, empathy and kindness in building strong relationships and a supportive community.

Our focus has remained on friendships and the importance of clear communication. Students examined the famous "window" incident from Toy Story 1, considering the event from the perspectives of the different toys. They then created engaging Canva presentations to showcase how each character viewed the incident, demonstrating their understanding that people can experience the same situation in very different ways.

Year 4 Assembly

Year 4 Sport

Last week also marked the beginning of Year 4 Sport. Students enjoyed a fantastic start to the program with Dodgeball, incorporating throwing and catching skills as well as teamwork. Students are encouraged to focus on sportsmanship, inclusion and encouraging others whilst also being competitive and trying their best.

We are looking forward to continuing their sporting activities each Thursday afternoon throughout the semester in preparation for Interschool Sports next year.