The first topic children encounter in year 4 is centred around the water cycle. The importance of water for life was established in What is Underneath our Feet? in year 3. Their knowledge of the geography of Britain is deepened when examining river locations and erosion at places such as Dover and Dorset. In year 2, children compare England with Africa, and they acquire more knowledge of the continent through the text Lila and the Secret of Rain in year 4. In addition to the work on the importance of rivers, irrigation in Africa is studied; valuable for the understanding of Ancient Egypt in year 5 and the rise of society around the Nile.

	School Learning Zone - Rivers
	School Learning Zone - The Water Cycle
	School Learning Zone - Under the Sea

Year 4 also start with Developing our Science Skills, Teeth and Eating, Habitats and States of Matter. They learn about the digestive system, teeth functions, food chains, grouping living things, and changes of state including evaporation and condensation. 

	Properties of Materials Learning Outcomes	[pdf 222KB]
	Properties of Materials Topic Mat	[pdf 201KB]
	States of Matter Learning Outcomes	[pdf 304KB]
	States of Matter Topic Mat	[pdf 281KB]
	Teeth and Eating Learning Outcomes	[pdf 205KB]
	Teeth and Eating Topic Mat	[pdf 198KB]
	Habitats Learning Outcomes	[pdf 205KB]
	Habitats Topic Mat	[pdf 200KB]

At Knowsley Junior School, we know that children achieve their best when home and school work together. This year, we have developed our approach to home learning, informed by research from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF).

Our home learning activities are designed to be purposeful, manageable and enjoyable, reinforcing classroom learning, encouraging regular reading and helping children practise key skills. We encourage children to complete activities little and often, developing their confidence, independence and positive learning habits.

Please encourage your child to take part and use their school planner to record, share and celebrate their learning at home.

Learning happens everywhere. By working together, we can help our children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive.

• Year 3/4 Spelling Challenge – practise 5–10 Year 3 and Year 4 statutory spelling words. Can you explain their meanings, use them in sentences and find another word with a similar meaning?
• Word Detective – choose an interesting word from your reading. Find out its meaning, synonyms and antonyms. Can you create a sentence using the word correctly?
• Weekly Journal – write about something you have enjoyed, learned, wondered about or achieved during the week. Try to include interesting vocabulary, different sentence openers and accurate punctuation.
• Proofreading Challenge – choose a piece of your own writing and become a proofreading detective. Check your spelling, punctuation, grammar, sentence structure and vocabulary. Make at least three improvements.
• Picture Prompt – find an interesting photograph or picture. Write a short description or story inspired by it. Can you include expanded noun phrases, fronted adverbials and ambitious vocabulary?