Class Pages Skylarks – March 2017
Topic – Shang Dynasty
For our topic this term we have looked at the Shang Dynasty of Ancient China. We
researched the geography of China, created a time line and looked at how the people lived
their lives, in order to understand the importance of the Shang Dynasty in the history of the
world.
The children have really enjoyed the internet research and have all learnt a lot!
Mathematics: What we are learning
This term we have worked on addition and subtraction methods, multiplication and division,
place value, decimals and fractions. We have also been working hard to improve our recall
of the tables we have covered so far and this is helping in many of the other areas.
Key Learning Objectives:
 To add and subtract using mental and written methods.
 To measure correctly and convert between the measures.
 To find a fraction of a number and equivalent fractions
 To understand that division is the opposite to multiplication – therefore knowing tables
is very useful.
 To understand the different mathematical vocabulary to solve problems.
Things to work on at home:
 Times tables – it is so important that they know at least the 2,3,4,5 and 10 x table,
but they should now also be very familiar with the 8x. Year 4 have also started to
work on the 6, 9 and 11x.
 Problem solving using the different mathematical vocabulary. For example – what is
the difference in price between the chocolate bar and the crisps?
 Telling the time in both analogue and digital (12 and 24 hour)
 Working with different types of measurement e.g. l/ml, kg/g, m/cm,
English: What we are learning
This term we have covered many aspects of grammar including: verbs and verb tenses,
adverbs and adverbial phrases, pronouns and prepositions. We have studied myths and
legends, stories by the same author, stories from other cultures and performance poetry,
which was a particular favourite with the children! In the last week of this term we will be
looking at humorous poetry.
Key Learning Objectives:
 To use speech punctuation correctly and the correct punctuation at the start and
end of the speech.
 To use adverbs and adverbial phrases in writing
 To understand and use verb tenses.
Things to work on at home:
 Encourage reading of different types of genres – could they read different myths and
legends?
 Encourage writing at home – could they write an adventure story? Then they could
bring it into school!
 Encourage use of quality descriptive words in discussions.
 If writing is happening, check spelling and that the punctuation is correct.
Useful websites
There are a number of excellent websites with links to maths games on the internet which
will help reinforce learning. Try some of the links below:
 Times tables games
 junior.kent.sch.uk/maths/timestable/interactive.htm
 Snappymaths
 Woodlands junior school Kent has many useful sections that can help.
A great English website is The literacy shed
Other information:
Don't forget that homework for Maths and English comes home each Monday (due in by
Thursday ).
Please make sure that reading happens every day. We will collect the Reading Records in
every Friday and award house points for those children who have read. There will be extra
house points awarded for parents who have signed the homework diary!
In Science the children have enjoyed learning about ‘states of matter’. We have now moved
on to look at ‘sound’. Please help your child by discussing/researching any information you
can – ask them what they have learnt!
PE lessons continue to be on Tuesdays and Thursdays, please remember to have PE kits in
school at all times.
Pictures from this term:
Learning the fife with Mrs King from Berkshire Maestros
Balancing in PE – look at that concentration!
‘Space’ on the bus and water filtration in the classroom – what a fun day that was!
Making our juggling balls in DT week – now we just need to practise our juggling!