Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 8th November, "Look well into yourself. There is a source of strength which will always spring up if you will always look there." (Marcus Aurelius)

What an exciting week we have had! There have been so many rich lessons and learning going on that I decided to put it in a video below.

We began the week in worship, remembering those who gave their lives for our freedom and their great strength. In our Happy Mind lesson the children completed a survey to find out what their top strengths were. They have made ‘top trump’ cards displaying their top 5 strengths and there is a copy of the survey they took in their homework books so you can celebrate them with them. We stressed that we all have a mixture of strengths - like pick n mix sweets, you may have more of one type than another.

In RE, children have learned what a prophet is and have been finding out about the prophet Elijah. This has really helped them understand one of our virtues this half term, what it means to be ‘prophetic’ - a person God chooses to give His message to the people.

Our Science was so exciting this week - first the children learned all about the 3 states of matter. Then on Tuesday they explored this further at UCLAN by looking at changing states, understanding acids, alkalis and becoming cosmetic chemists for the day!

Maths too has seen us go out and about to find out exactly what 1kilometre length feels like. We went for a walk around the block, measuring the distance - we actually only walked 580metres but it gave them a real sense of 1000m = 1km which was the aim. We are looking at being able to read measures on jugs, scales and metre sticks by understanding portions of 1000 - when it is split into two equal parts, four equal parts, ten equal parts or five equal parts.

We had an excellent gymnastics lesson where children assessed each other on their sequences that they had put together. We also launched our History topic Ancient Egyptians..

In English, we are over half way through our novel. Children have made their own points and backed them up with evidence. They have also learned the important grammar skill of describing characters and objects using extended noun phrases.

Have a look at our week in this video:

CONVERSATION STARTERS:

1. Have a look at the River Nile using Google Earth. What continent is Egypt in? NSEW? Why does it look green from an aerial view?

2.My Happy Mind - this week share your strengths survey with your parents.

This week’s question, “ How could you use your top five strngths to help yourself and others?”

Let’s Celebrate!

This week, our learning certificates are as follows:

Lucia received a Bobby Bee certificate. You positively buzz with enthusiasm in lessons Lucia. It is lovely teaching you because you are so immersed in all you do and you really want to get better and better all the time!

George C. received a Tommy Turtle certificate. You are becoming such a good learner George. You are having such a good go at everything - listening carefully to the learning and advice so you can achieve highly. We love hearing you participate so well in our class discussions.

Our virtues this half term are intentional and prophetic - intentional in choosing right choices and standing out for what is good. This week Rosa received our star. So many members of staff mention your name to me Rosa. They notice you being so kind and loving - especially to our younger children. They must be very thankful to have you watching over them like an angel!

PE champions in year 4 this week: Joseph and Anna

Flute stars this week:

Rodnie has been our Happiness hero this week - starting our day by sharing a happy thought. Thank you.

Lunchtime awards:

Role model: Albert

Marvelous Manners: Scarlett

Notices

Travelling Nativity Over the next few weeks, you child will come home with our travelling nativity. It has a lovely story in called ‘The Shepherd Girl’ that you can share together. Please look after the little nativity characters carefully. If you wish to capture your reflection together, you can send me a photo by email. It must come back to school the next day, so the next child can take it and have their turn before Christmas. Enjoy!

Book Look - Thursday 14th November 2.15pm. Please come and see all your child’s hard work.

Friday 15th November PJ Day for Brian House. Please bring £1 and a teddy of course.

Own Clothes Day: To celebrate the arrival of December and the festive period, then children can wear their own clothes and also bring in a bar of chocolate into school for £1. This will take place on Friday 29th November.

• Christmas Bake Off: Last year went so well, we just had to do it again! All things Christmas with cakes, bakes and jumpers on Friday 13th December.

The temperature has dropped. Have a nice, crisp weekend with your lovely children.

Mrs Lyons and Mrs Carter.