Fantastic 4

Term 4 Week 2

Year 4 Newsletter

Welcome to Week 2 of Term 4! 

Literacy: 

In Literacy, students have been exploring persuasive writing and learning how to use language, opinions and evidence to convince an audience to agree with their point of view. Through the books Everything You Know About Dinosaurs Is Wrong and Everything You Know About Sharks Is Wrong, students have been investigating common misconceptions, questioning what they think they know and discovering how evidence can challenge popular beliefs. They have already explored the misconception that all dinosaurs are extinct, discussing how birds are actually descendants of dinosaurs!

Students will continue to build on this learning by exploring misconceptions about sharks, mini beasts and other fascinating animals. They will develop their ability to distinguish between facts and opinions, support their ideas with evidence and use persuasive techniques such as emotive language, rhetorical questions, strong word choices and engaging statements to influence their audience.

To put their learning into practice, students will be creating their own persuasive posters, combining clear arguments, persuasive language and eye-catching visuals to convince others of their point of view. They will consider how to organise their ideas effectively and present their arguments in a way that captures the reader's attention.

In Week 5, students will complete a Common Assessment Task (CAT) by planning and creating a persuasive poster. This assessment will allow students to demonstrate their understanding of persuasive writing, including their ability to develop a clear opinion, support their argument with evidence and apply the persuasive techniques they have been learning throughout the unit.

In Week 6, students will have dedicated time to plan, write and rehearse their own persuasive speeches. They will focus on presenting a convincing argument, organising their ideas logically and using persuasive language to engage their audience. Students will then have the opportunity to perform their speeches, developing their speaking and listening skills, confidence and ability to communicate their ideas clearly.

We look forward to seeing students put their creativity, curiosity and persuasive skills into action as they challenge misconceptions, share their opinions and convince others to see things from a different point of view!

Phonics: 

Maths: 

Science 

In Science, students will be becoming Earth Detectives, investigating the secrets of our planet and discovering what rocks, minerals, soils and fossils can teach us about the past. They will explore the difference between body and trace fossils, learn how fossils help palaeontologists understand extinct animals, and investigate how Earth's environments have changed over time. Students will also discover what geologists do and why their work is important, examine the properties and everyday uses of different rocks and minerals, and compare soil types by looking at their appearance, texture and how water moves through them.

To showcase their learning, students will create an engaging Science poster titled “Earth Detectives: Uncovering the Secrets of the Past!” They will use scientific vocabulary, labelled diagrams, illustrations and interesting facts to explain their discoveries. This project will provide a wonderful opportunity for students to demonstrate their scientific understanding, creativity and growing knowledge of the incredible world beneath our feet.

Extra Announcements:

• CAMP Week 3 - Please be on time for the bus leaving at 9am
• Please send any photos from home to your child's classroom teacher
• Hats needed during Term 4

Photos