Learning in Year 4
Saddle up —we’re going on a road trip across the good old US of A!
On our adventure we will be experiencing and learning about the fascinating Native American culture. We will meet different tribes—the Apaches, the Iroquois
and the Sioux—and explore their amazing customs and traditions. We will learn
about their way of life—what they ate, how they dressed and where they lived.
We will sequence important events in Native American history and delve into the
spiritual legends. Adopt a Native American name, create a mystical dream
catcher and indentify your spirit animal on our journey through the lands of these
tribal people.
It’s going to be a long ride. Let the wind blow through your hair—we’re off!
Learning in English
Writing
In our English lessons we will be exploring Native American legends. Children will
examine the features of this genre, explore various examples and create their own
legend to deliver a message or life lesson. There will be a focus on nouns and
fronted adverbials in their writing, as well as using the possessive apostrophe. Children will assess the effectiveness of their own and others’ writing and suggest improvements. They will also be proof-reading their work to ensure accuracy of
grammar and punctuation.
Reading
Children will be discussing their understanding of a variety of texts and explaining
the meaning of words in context . They will participate in discussion about books
that are read to them and those they can read for themselves. In guided reading
sessions they will discuss the use of figurative language, such as similes and metaphors, and how it contributes to meaning.
Learning in Maths
We will be continuing with our mastery work. We will be investigating decimals, in
particular rounding decimals to the nearest tenth or hundredth. Children will learn
that 1/4 = 0.25, 1/2 = 0.5 and 3/4 = 0.75.
Furthermore we will use real life contexts in relation to decimals and money.
There will also be a continued focus on learning multiplication tables up to 12 x 12
off by heart.
Learning in History and Geography
In History, children will be learning about Native American culture, how it has changed over
time and how it contrasts with Britain. Children will each find out their Native American
name which they will go by for the next 4 weeks! They will use a range of source materials to
find out about the Apache, Sioux and Cherokee tribes. Children will record and present
their information effectively under different sub-headings to cover all aspects of Native
American life.
Learning across the wider Curriculum
Science: Children will be finding out about the habitats of animals related to the Native
American culture: buffalo, eagle, deer, wolf and snake. They will find out about different
ways of grouping these animals as well as producing a fact file with information they
have found.
Art: Children will be exploring Native American symbols and their importance within that
culture. They will choose their own symbol and create their own representation using
observational skills, drawing techniques and pastels.
D.T: We will look at examples of Native American dream catchers, discuss how they are
made and the materials used. Children will design and make a personal dream catcher using similar materials. Children will also produce their own totem pole inspired by
their family.
RE: We will be exploring Christian festivals and the beliefs and practices of Christians during the Spring festival of Easter.
PE: Children will be participating in swimming lessons where they will use a range of
strokes effectively. They will also be taking part in gymnastics sessions where they will experiment with equipment; improving their balance and co-ordination. and exploring different ways of moving, turning and jumping.
Music: Children will listen to and appreciate music from the Native American culture.
PSHE: Children will explore and identify a range of feelings, such as hope and disappointment.
MFL: Children will listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding.
How Can You Help?

Read every night.

Practise high frequency
words and spelling lists for
Year 4.
Trips and Experiences
We will spend a day in the woods learning how to live like a Native American –
don war paint, build a tepee, learn fire
skills and play games based around

Practise times tables up to
12x12.

Remind your children to bring
in their full PE and swimming
kits on the correct days .
Project homework.
Choose two of the following project ideas. One must be submitted
on Wednesday 15th March. The second must be submitted on
Tuesday 28th March.

Find out about the Battle of Little Big Horn. Why is it such an im-
portant historic event?

Research and make a digital presentation about Iroquois, Apache,
Sioux, Cherokee culture.

Research the significance of words and phrases such as harmony,
nature, spirit, natural, soul, force of nature, orenda, dream and vision to the Iroquois or other tribal culture.

Write a speech for a tribal chief to make to his tribe. It could be to
fight against another tribe, or to announce a forthcoming marriage.

Native Americans use symbols for a variety of reasons. What can
you find out about this mysterious language?

Find and copy some examples of Native American art.

Produce your own 3D totem pole, using symbols and animals, to
represent your family.
Extra information
PE slots
4B - Indoor PE Thursday (swimming)
Outdoor PE Friday
4T - Swimming- Thursday
Gymnastics—Monday
4K - Swimming- Thursday
Gymnastics—Monday
Spellings to be sent out every Friday.