Diary and Book Reviews – Recounts in Year 4

This term, our Year 4 class will focus on recounts, with a particular emphasis on writing diaries and book reviews. These writing tasks help children develop their storytelling and critical thinking skills while also enhancing their ability to organise ideas in a clear and engaging way. Our work aligns with the Curriculum for Wales 2022 (CfW22), focusing on literacy development and creative expression.

Key Learning Areas:

1. Writing Diaries:

   • Understanding the purpose of diaries as a personal recount of events, thoughts, and feelings.
   • Learning to write in the first person and in chronological order.
   • Using descriptive language to bring events to life and express emotions.

2. Creating Book Reviews:

   • Identifying key elements of a book, such as the plot, characters, and themes.
   • Expressing personal opinions about what they enjoyed or found challenging in a book.
   • Developing persuasive language skills to recommend books to others.

3. Recount Features:

   • Using time connectives (e.g., first, next, after that) to structure recounts.
   • Including clear introductions, detailed middle sections, and thoughtful conclusions.
   • Exploring the difference between fact and opinion, and how to use both effectively.

4. Linking to Other Areas of Learning:

   • Writing diaries linked to historical events or science topics, encouraging cross-curricular connections.
   • Reviewing books that relate to class themes or topics, such as renewable energy in “Powering Wales.”

How You Can Support at Home:

• Encourage Diary Writing: Provide a notebook for your child to write about their day or special events. This can be as simple as jotting down a few sentences each evening.
• Talk About Books Together: Ask your child about the books they are reading. Encourage them to describe their favourite parts, characters, or what they might change about the story.
• Celebrate Creativity: Praise their use of imaginative language, and encourage them to experiment with different styles, such as humorous or emotional writing.

By focusing on recount writing, we aim to develop children’s ability to reflect on experiences and express their thoughts effectively. Through engaging topics and meaningful tasks, we’re helping children find their voice and build their confidence in writing.

Why Has Something Happened? – Explanation Writing in Year 4

This term, our Year 4 class will develop their skills in explanation writing, focusing on answering the question, "Why has something happened?" This form of writing helps children explore cause and effect, deepen their understanding of key concepts, and organise their thoughts in a logical, detailed way. Our work aligns with the Curriculum for Wales 2022 (CfW22), emphasising critical thinking and effective communication.

Key Learning Areas:

1. Understanding Explanation Writing:

   • Identifying the purpose of explanations: to clarify and give reasons for events or processes.
   • Recognising how explanation writing differs from other forms, such as recounts or instructions.

2. Structure of an Explanation Text:

   • Writing a clear opening statement that introduces the topic.
   • Using paragraphs to explain key points in a logical order.
   • Including a conclusion that summarises the explanation.

3. Using Cause-and-Effect Language:

   • Employing phrases like because, as a result, therefore, and this causes to link ideas.
   • Developing sentences that show how and why events or actions occur.

4. Linking to Cross-Curricular Learning:

   • Exploring scientific explanations (e.g., “Why do we have day and night?”).
   • Writing about historical events (e.g., “Why did the Romans build roads in Britain?”).
   • Connecting explanations to everyday phenomena, such as weather patterns or renewable energy.

How You Can Support at Home:

• Encourage Curiosity: Ask questions like “Why do you think that happens?” or “What causes that?” to spark discussions and help your child practise thinking in terms of cause and effect.
• Read Non-Fiction Together: Look for books, articles, or videos that explain processes (e.g., “How does a wind turbine work?”) and discuss them.
• Model Explanations: When explaining something at home, use cause-and-effect language and encourage your child to do the same.

By exploring explanation writing, we aim to help children understand the world around them while building their confidence as clear and logical communicators. These skills not only support literacy development but also encourage curiosity and critical thinking across all areas of learning.

Thank you for your ongoing support in making learning meaningful and enjoyable for our children! 😊