Willow (Year 4)
Our topic for Term 3 is The Rainforest. In this unit, we will locate rainforests on a map, explore the fauna and flora of rainforests, and consider the impacts of deforestation. We will create dioramas showing the layers of the rainforest and make a stop-animation film about the rainforest in computing. As this topic links well to our previous topic on Extreme Weather, we will also identify the climate of rainforests and compare it to that of England, and Lewes in particular.
In English, we will start the term by studying the book One Day on Our Blue Planet… In the Rainforest by Ella Bailey. This book will take us on a journey through the rainforests of South America while introducing us to the animals and plants that inhabit them. We will use the book to write our own non-chronological reports about a rainforest animal of our choice. We will also write persuasive speeches to encourage people to take action against deforestation, using the book There’s a Rang-Tan in My Bedroom by James Sellick, written in collaboration with Greenpeace, as inspiration.
We will read The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling as our class reader. This is a classic tale that has delighted readers for generations with its adventures and fascinating characters, and we are excited to explore it together. However, it is important to note that The Jungle Book was written in the 19th century and contains some ideas and references that may feel out of date or inappropriate by today’s standards. As we read the text, we will address these moments sensitively and thoughtfully, creating opportunities for discussion. Our aim is to help the children engage critically with the book, appreciating its literary value while also considering how attitudes and perspectives have evolved over time. This will allow us to better understand history and ensure we do not perpetuate the biases of the past.
In Maths this term, we will continue to focus on multiplication and division, working up to multiplying and dividing four-digit numbers by one-digit numbers. We will continue to practise our times tables to support our learning in maths and to prepare for the Multiplication Tables Check in June.
In Science this term, our focus will be Living Things and Their Habitats. We will learn to recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways and use classification keys to help group, identify and name a variety of living things in their local and wider environment. Furthermore, we will learn that environments can change and that this can sometimes pose dangers to living things.
In Art and DT this term, we will be developing our drawing and pastel skills, inspired by the art of Amazonian tribes. In DT, we will prepare and make fruit smoothies and kebabs, learning about healthy choices and basic food preparation skills.
In PSHE, we will focus on economic wellbeing, exploring choices associated with looking after money, what makes something good value for money, and what influences career choices.
In Music, we will compose a Rainforest soundscape, focusing on listening, rhythm, pulse, musical structure, composition, performance, and evaluation.
Our PE days this term are Mondays and Fridays, where we will focus on dance and netball. In netball, we will learn the physical abilities, techniques and tactics needed to play a successful game.
In RE this term, we will continue to explore Hinduism under the topic title What does it mean to be a Hindu in Britain today? In this unit, we will look at lived reality through puja at home, worship in the mandir, and the festival of Diwali.