Subject 

Teaching and Learning 

Parental Involvement 

Maths 

The children will be learning to recognise the value of each digit in a 3 or 4 digit number. We will learn to understand different number lines and use them to compare and order numbers. We will learn different strategies for solving addition and subtraction problems. We will develop our estimation skills and consider how best to check our answers. We will be learning our times tables. Year 3s will be learning x3, x4 and x8 and year 4s will learn x6, x7, x9, x11 and x12. We will also be learning the division facts for each times table. Year 4 children will also learn about negative numbers; Roman numerals and how to measure the perimeter of a shape. 

Encourage your child to read 3 or 4 digit numbers out loud that you see in real life e.g. the number on a bus or the points in a game. 

Practise problem solving e.g. We have 16 biscuits to share between 4 of us. How many do we get each? 

Your child can practise times tables on TT Rock-stars. Also test them when you’re in the car or walking to school. Little and often makes a big difference! There are lots of fun games and songs available online too. 

English 

This term, the children will be looking at a range of fiction and non-fiction texts. In Autumn 1, the children will be learning to write character descriptions. They will be reading a variety of fairy tales from other cultures and will write their own version. In Autumn 2, the children will be learning to write instructions and recounts. 

Listen to and read different stories from other cultures: 

BBC Teach Stories from diverse cultures 

Reading 

During guided reading sessions, the children will all read the same text, discussing the storyline, characters and settings, as well as thinking about decisions the author has made when writing. 

Please listen to your child read at least 3 times per week. Children who read regularly at home make the most progress, not just in reading, but right across the curriculum. Please ask us if you need any support. 

Science 

In the first half-term, children will be learning about the 3 states of matter (solids, liquids and gases). They will be categorizing objects, finding out how and why the particles behave differently and investigating freezing, melting, evaporation, and condensation. They will also look at how particles are affected during the water cycle. 

In the second half term, the children will be studying rocks. In this topic, the children will explore sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic rocks and how they were formed, as well as weathering and soil varieties. 

View videos: BBC Bitesize States of Matter on BBC Bitesize about states of matter with your child and take part in the quizzes. Discuss with your child real life examples of changes in state, such as boiling water, melting chocolate or condensation on the bathroom mirror or a cold glass.  

View videos: BBC Bitesize Rocks and Soils on BBC Bitesize about rocks and soil. You could go on a rock or soil hunt with your child in the park or garden. 

Computing 

In computing, the children will be learning about the importance of being safe online. The children will also be learning about the different parts of computer and learning how to programme a mini computer (microbit). 

To support your child with staying safe online, there are videos for you to watch with your child here: 

Childnet 

For more information about micro bits, please click on the following link -  Microbits 

French 

In French, we will be learning greetings, numbers and colours. In year 3, we will combine this with talking about different animals. Year 4 will be learning to count beyond 20 and will learn to talk about places in a town. Year 4 will also continue to learn weather phrases. 

Check out the Blabber Beasts videos on You Tube e.g. 

Greetings 

French Numbers to 10 

Art 

In art, the children will be making small and large 3D sculptures. Through looking at different 2D shapes and positive and negative shapes, the children will be working in small groups to design and make a large-scale 3D sculpture using different joining techniques. 

To continue learning about different sculptors, have a look at the work of... 

• Robert Morris 

• Sir Anthony Carro 

• Ruth Asawa 

D&T 

In design and technology, the children will be looking at seasonal food. They will be learning about the importance of food hygiene and planning a seasonal savoury tart. In small groups, the children will be making a fruit crumble and individual savoury tart. They will practise skills such as peeling, cutting and grating to prepare the food for the final design. 

To support your child, go blackberry picking and make your own fruit crumble. You could also help them plan, buy and cook their own seasonal food such as a pizza or pie. 

History 

This term the children will be learning about the development of Britain between the Stone Age and the Iron Age. They will be learning about the everyday lives of people as well as the changes that occurred between these periods. The children will discover information about the settlements and farming during this time and will discuss the different sources historians have used to understand what happened while using accurate time vocabulary. 

With your child look at various pages on the BBC Bitesize area for Stone Age, Bronze Age and the Iron Age: BBC Bitesize KS2 Prehistoric 

Geography 

In Geography, the children will be exploring and discussing why people live near volcanoes. They will discover how volcanoes are made, what happens when they erupt and how this affects the planet in different ways. 

Have a look at the BBC bitesize area called “what are volcanoes” to watch videos discussing key facts about volcanoes: What are volcanoes? - BBC Bitesize  

PE 

The children will be learning the skills and rules of tag rugby and creating their own dance based on machines. They will also learn how to play handball. Each lesson will focus on a new skill and each lesson will end with a game in which children can practise the skill learnt. 

If your child is active and sporty out of school, we would love to hear about it! Feel free to share photos (email to office) as we will display these on our Sports Noticeboard. Please note that photos must be of your child only. 

RE 

In RE, the children will exploring different worldviews, including learning about where our morals come from and understanding different religious scriptures. We will think about and understand what morals, rules and guidance are, identify some of the ways people decide what is right and wrong and present their own ideas for a moral code and explain their ideas clearly. 

The children will also explore the origins of religious texts and considering their value to some followers. 

Read about Humanism and complete the online activities: What is Humanism? - BBC Bitesize 

PSHE 

The children will be learning about how to deal with friendship issues and thinking about how to support someone who has suffered a bereavement. The children will also be learning about how to stay healthy, how our diet affects our bodies and our teeth and how to develop a growth mindset. 

For more information about keeping healthy, please visit the link above. 

Music 

The children will be listening to songs in the gospel style and learning to sing with expression and dynamics. They will learn to improvise using the voice and instruments on the notes of the pentatonic scale. They will learn about crotchets, quavers and minims. 

Have a look at the activities here:  

BBC Bitesize KS2 Musical Notation