Tables
In 4th class, we place a great emphasis on revising and consolidating both multiplication and division tables at the beginning of the year. The children will be familiar with some online games, such as “Balloon pop” and “Hit the button”. These games are a great way to practise tables at home.
Accelerated Reader
We are very lucky to have access to this wonderful reading programme and to have access to a wonderful selection of books in the School Library. Children will read books that are targetted at their level and they can take a quiz when they are finished reading their book. Quizzes can be taken at home and in school. Accelerated Reader is monitored by teachers to ensure that the pupils are achieving to their ability.
Reading
Becoming a reader is the single most important thing you can do for your progress in education
- In 4th class children work in differentiated reading groups, where they work on a variety of novels or PM readers throughout the year which are suited to their ability.
- We read a variety of novels from authors such as, Michael Morpurgo, Roald Dahl, Marita Conlon McKenna to name but a few!
- We take 10/15 minutes each day in school to read our library books silently. As part of homework, children are encouraged to engage in at least 15 minutes of either shared or independent reading. Shared reading can be hugely beneficial – they are not too old to sit and listen to a story just yet!!
Spellings
- The children will have spellings to learn on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Both English and Irish spellings are assigned each week for homework. A test is held in class each Friday.
Homework
Homework is a great opportunity to consolidate what the child has learned during the day in school but it also provides a link between teachers and parents. We would recommend that homework in 4th class would take no longer than 50 minutes.
Pupils will have written, reading and learning homework each night, and equal emphasis should be placed on all. Homework should be checked each night by a parent or guardian.
Swimming
In 4th class, we go swimming once weekly for six weeks in Term 1 of the school year. This takes place in Ennis swimming pool.
STEAM
As part of the STEAM initiative in our school, the children have access to iPads. These have a range of apps which help to develop the children’s problem solving ands decoding skills.
GAA
Boys and girls in 4th class can take part in Camogie and Hurling training and matches various times of the year.
Choir and Trad group
Children in 4th class have the opportunity to take part in the school choir and the school trad group. Both groups perform at various school events during the year.
Communication
We would ask that if you or your child has any concerns about school, you arrange to meet the teacher. Please contact the school, or write a note to your child’s teacher to arrange a time that will suit. Parent-Teacher meetings are held in November.
