Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to Year 4! We look forward to working with you and your children this year to make it both enjoyable and successful. There are just a few things we felt we would like to mention, some reminders and some totally new things. Please do not hesitate to speak to either of us if you are unsure of anything.

Pencil Cases

This year we do ask that children bring in a pencil case to keep their stationery in. We do suggest a clear pencil case, as it is easier for the children to find what they need quickly. We provide the children with a pencil, ruler, marking pen, white board pen, rubber and whiteboard. We also supply rubbers and pencil sharpeners. Of course, if you would like to supply the children with their own rubbers, sharpeners or other equipment, that is fine. We do suggest that this is clearly marked with their name to avoid things getting lost.

Pen Licenses

Over the course of the year we will be supporting the children to work on their presentation and handwriting. To encourage them to do this, we award children who have demonstrated consistently good presentation and handwriting with a pen license. We would be very grateful if you could provide your child with a blue handwriting pen (no fountain pens, biros or erasable ink, please) for when the time comes. We have found Berol pens to be quite successful.

Homework

Thank you so much for your support with ensuring reading records are signed so far. You will also have noticed spelling log books appearing at home. New spellings will go home on a Monday each week and will be tested formally at the end of a four week unit and a weekly quiz. As of this week, we shall be sending maths and grammar homework home. This will go home on Wednesday and be due back in on Wednesday the following week. Maths and grammar homework books will alternate. Please see the homework timetable attached.

Times tables

Towards the end of Year 4, the children are now formally tested on their timetables. It is important we give them lots of opportunities to practice as they form the basis of so many mathematical concepts as they move up throughout the school. Remember, Times tables Rock Stars is there as a fun option for practicing times tables! Where possible, please encourage the children to make use of the website as it allows them to practice in a similar format to the formal test at the end of the school year.

Quest afternoon

Our Quest afternoon falls at the end of this half term (17th October). More information will follow shortly, but please keep the date for your diary. We would love to see you there!

Thank you for your support. If there is anything you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact the office to arrange a meeting with either of us.

Many thanks

Mrs Foudy, Mrs Tarry and Mrs Ranson