Wednesday 10 January 2024

Macbeth update and this week's home learning and spellings



Macbeth update
The children visited the Weymouth Pavilion on Monday morning and got the opportunity to go on go behind the scenes, learn about the history of the Pavilion and Shakespeare and go on stage. The children experienced what it was like standing on the stage with the lights on. They all did a fantastic job and seem excited about when we return to perform. 

Lines: Please could all families help their children learn their lines at home. Taking times to learn lines is a very important aspect to the success of the play and we are very grateful of any support you can give you child to be successful.  

Costumes: All children will need black soft soled shoes (school plimsoles are fine), black tracksuit bottoms or leggings and a black t-shirt (long sleeved is ideal for warmth if possible). If you do not have black then dark blue should be fine but it is important that clothing is plain and without patterns or logos. If you think you will have difficulty providing these items please speak to a member of the team as soon as possible.     




Home Learning

Only 10 children returned their home learning for week 1. Home Learning is not compulsory at POW but, with 8 months until the children start middle school, we do recommend that you start helping your child develop home learning routines now. Setting time for your child to practice spellings, times tables and read in addition to the weekly activity will help them transition to their next school where they will also be expected to do these activities.        

This week's activities:
The most important home learning this week is for children to learn their Macbeth lines. 
After this (in addition to their weekly reading, spelling and table practice), I would like the children to reflect on how well they know their tables. The children have been sent home with a hard copy of the home learning which contains a table for the children to tick depending on how confident they are with each times table. An electronic copy can be accessed here. There were a number of paper copies left behind. If your children did not bring their's home please ask for a replacement. 


I have also sent the children a 2do on purple mash. This activity simulates the multiplication test that the children will all take in June. Some children may find the tables they are being tested on easy (2, 3, 5 and 10s) but the intention is to start getting them familiar with the format of the questioning.  

If your child van't access purple mash, there are 30 questions for them to time themselves answering on the back of the home learning sheet. 


This week's spellings:


Reading Records:
We had 16 reading records returned to us last Friday. Of those 12 of them had 12 recent reading entries. We would like to have ALL reading records returned this Friday 12th please. Ideally there should also be entries recording what the children have read. Both Dorchester middle schools use reading records. They have a set number of entries that children are expected to have recorded per week. Even for avid readers the practice of recording reading in the journals and bringing them into school is a habit that will help with middle school transition. 
If your child has lost their reading record please let us know and we can replace it. 


Upcoming dates:
Thursday 11th January - parent and carer information session 9am in the staff room
Monday 15th January - Closing date to apply for middle school (Link)
From 28th January - STEM Fortnight
Tuesday 30th January - Early parents evening

Thursday 1st February - Late parents evening
Wednesday 7th February - Shakespeare by the sea (link)
Thursday 8th February - Last day of term
Friday 9th February - INSET Day
12th - 16th February - Half Term

Monday 19th February - All children return
Wednesday 28th February - Parent forum 9am staff room
Thursday 7th March - World book day 
Monday 11th March - DASP singing concert (details to follow soon)


As ever, if you have any questions, comments or concerns please speak to or email a member of the team.

Kind regards,
The Year 4 team. 
 

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