English is the Key Learning Area where students develop knowledge, skills and understandings about English language and literature. The students will be actively engaged in the development of skills through:

This term in English, Year 4 will be exploring ways authors organise their texts and carefully use language features and visuals to engage the reader for their desired purpose. The children will use these techniques to create their own written and digital imaginative texts and learn to utilise more sophisticated methods to communicate their ideas . 

There will be a focus on comprehension strategies during our reading episodes as we engage with a podcast text and learn to infer, question, make connections and critically analyse aspects of oral storytelling. 

Grammar, spelling and oral language skills will be focused on building rich and meaningful vocabulary which is both technically correct and creatively crafted. 

Children will have opportunities to work in a whole class, small group, individually and collaboratively throughout the term with additional support given at points of need.

SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING in ENGLISH

Creating a positive and encouraging mindset toward exploring and learning the many aspects of our English curriculum is an essential criteria for your child to feel successful and grow as a learner. Here are some practical things you as a parent can do to support your child:

• Encourage a love of reading. By Year 4 children should be reading for enjoyment, therefore allow your child to choose something they are interested in to read to you. Ask questions as they read and encourage them to take risks with unknown words or play around with expression. Discuss the vocabulary used that may be foreign to them.

• Encourage your child to explain their thinking, they will be starting to form personal opinions and may have questions on world events. Take time to listen and discuss things they may have seen or heard.

• Play games, involve the children in simple things like writing your shopping list, reading a recipe to you etc. Home learning should be a positive experience for you and your child.

• Reinforce good listening skills at home. Being an active listener plays a very important role in a child’s success both inside and outside the classroom. 

• Talk with your child’s teacher if you have concerns over their learning or social emotional well being. There are many things that can stand in the way of children learning to their full potential and often we find the pieces of the puzzle come together when we do.