Year 4 visited Singers Hill Synagogue as part of our exciting work in Judaism. During our visit we were able to look around the beautiful synagogue to learn more about Jewish history and traditions. When we entered the synagogue we identified Jewish symbols and artifact and learnt more about how they are used in the Jewish faith. We wore kippahs, which are traditionally worn by Jewish boys during prayer. We were able to see inside the ark and look at the special Torah scrolls.
Year 4 have been learning about their new science topic states of matter. We worked in groups to classify materials into solids, liquids and gases. We shared our work with the class and justified our reasons for our choices. We learnt more about the properties of the three materials.
During Roald Dahl week we studied James and the Giant Peach. We began the week by measuring the circumference of different fruit. Then we went into the playground to explore how big the peach would have to be to fit in James and all his insect friends.
We created our own peach using two paper plates and drew the insects to go inside. Also we used papier mache to make the seagulls that save the peach from deadly sharks.
After reading an exciting part of the story we wrote instructions to help James escape the deadly sharks.
In Year 4 we have been studying the artwork of Pablo Picasso. We discussed the shapes and colours in his portraits and used these techniques to create our own self-portraits. We followed a step-by-step guide to draw our face. Then we used bright colours to colour our own artwork.
Year 4 took their maths outside to investigate if people with longer arms can throw further. Each person threw the beanbag three times and recorded their measurements. We then found the average distance thrown for each child and recorded this data on a bar chart. We measured each others arms to see if people with longer arms did throw the furthest.
During Creativity week Year 4 listened to different pieces of music from the Carnival of the Animals. We guess which piece of music represented each animal and discussed which instruments were used to show large and small and fast and slow animals. We then experimented with a range of instruments to produce different sounds. We worked as a group to create a sound story using different rhythms and instruments. In our story we created a calm sea filled with playful fish, which ended with a shark attack.
We have started our preparations for Carnival week by getting creative and making giant paper mache fish. The children had to work together in groups of 3 to cover a balloon in newspaper and PVA glue. We left the glue to dry over the weekend, so that we can decorate them for our carnival parade on Friday.
The Big Read Book Bench
During art lessons children have been working in groups to help decorate St Clement’s Book Bench, which will be part of ‘The Big Read’ an educational event during the 16th July until 13th September 2016.
The book bench has been decorated with well-known characters from famous children’s books. Have a look at the pictures below do you recognise any of them?
The book bench will be displayed in a secret location in Birmingham’s city centre giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy children’s creativity and love for reading.
Make sure you go out and find our book bench this summer. It will be an unmissable creative event!
Today in Year 4 we had a visit from Aston fire fighters. They taught us all about fire safety and how to spot fire hazards in our homes. We also learnt the safest route to leave our house if there is a fire and what to do if we hear our smoke alarm going off. We learnt that fire fighters have to wear special clothes to keep themselves protected from the fire. Some children were lucky enough to try on the special uniform.
The message to remember is ‘Get out, stay out, call out!’
Year 4 have been getting creative and working in the style of the famous artist Wassily Kandinsky. We used 2D shapes to create musical instruments and bright colours to imitate his unique style. Hopefully you will see our interesting artwork around school.
