Reading
Please read with your child as often as possible – every night would be preferable. Even if your child enjoys reading independently, it is important to hear them read at least once per week to ensure that they are engaging with the text. Each child has a reading record, which should be filled in weekly. I have asked the children to write a short comment about their current book. However, if you child finds this hard, they can tell you what is happening and you could scribe it for them. I will collect the reading records on a Wednesday and make a short comment.
The children also have access to the Reading Plus program. While we do use this in school, they can also login at home to help improve their reading further. Each child has their own login and password. Please let me know if you require a password reminder.
PE
Sessions take place on Monday afternoons and alternate Thursdays, so please make sure you have your kit in school.
PE kit must be clean and consist of a white t-shirt, black shorts and school pumps/trainers.
As P.E will take place outside most of the time, please make sure that you have suitable clothing for colder weather.
Spellings
Children will be given a spelling booklet with their weekly spellings.
Spelling tests will be on Wednesday mornings.
Just a note for new parents – the spellings may seem hard at first, but we will be looking at them together in class and once broken down into sections they do become easier.
My recommendation is that I would aim to be practicing spellings for about 10 minutes per evening, five days a week. Learning two new spellings each day and recap the previous days words.
Times Tables
As a federation, we have created a new method of ensuring children learn their times table facts, with a focus on instant recall. This is supported by the use of TTRS.
Children in year 4 will need to take a statutory times table test, answering questions up to 12 x 12.
Other Online Maths Games
TTRS – This is a great online maths game that all of the pupils have their own login for. It not only encourages them to become better and mental maths, but focuses on the instant recall of times table facts.
This is an interactive game we use in class to support the children’s learning of times tables, but it also has games centered around doubles, halves and number bonds! It is compatible with the I-pads too! just click the link – Hit The Button
Here is another great website, just click on your year group and the current maths topic of number and place value to see all of your targets and some great interactive games. I’ve shown the children this so they should know what they are looking for. – Snappy Maths
Optional Homework Tasks
If you would like additional homework tasks for your child related to our class topics, please ask Mr Howarth!
Welcome to Wharfe Class’ Page – Year B Spring 1
In Wharfe class, our year 4,5, and 6 children are taught by Mr Howarth. We are also supported by Mrs Newcome our expert Teaching Assistant.
Maths
Maths lessons take place daily second session. Our maths sessions are fun and interactive and focused on learning and problem solving. We use White Rose Maths as our spine for learning and support this with other exciting material to extend our learning and challenge our minds!
Literacy
Literacy lessons are separated into three skills: reading, writing and grammar. We use our reading skills to discover more about our topics and our grammar and writing skills to show our understanding. This half term we will be reading ‘Unitil I met Dudley‘ to inspire our writing around our Science topic of Leavers, Gears and Pulleys.
Topic Lessons
Our topic lessons are either focused on a History or a Geography topic. This half term our topic is Ancient Civilisations – The Shang Dynasty. We will be looking in detail at ancient China, what it was like to live in the Shang Dynasty and their traditions and religious beliefs.
Science Lessons
In science lessons this term we are focusing on Leavers, Gears and Pulleys. We will be learning about forces and how we can use leavers, gears and pulleys!
Music Lessons
We have weekly Violin lessons – Wednesday afternoons! We are also practicing for our YOUNG VOICE performance at the beginning of next half term.
