Maths For Fun!
The new primary Maths curriculum places an emphasis on using concrete materials and games to enhance the children's learning. In 4th Class we are embracing that practice by using games to.consolodate the children's understanding of number. From Mathopoly to Suduko and Multiplication Squares to card games, we are certainly having fun while learning in 4th Class this year!
Dance Lessons!
4th Class have started weekly dance lessons with a qualified dance instructor. With an emphasis on fundamental movement skills and an appreciation of music in mind, these lessons will help the children to learn new dance moves while understanding the background to the music....all while having great fun at the same time!
Science Fun!
In Science this month we investigated the effects that forces can have on an object in motion. Discussing gravity as a force, we then constructed paper/card helicopters of varying sizes to examine how the rotors might push against the downward forces to slow the descent. We then changed the variables, such as the weight of the helicopter, the size of the rotors and the material used for construction. We discussed and recorded our results, and had some fun in the process!
Sponsored Walk!
Today, October 11th, we went on our sponsored walk to Rathfarnham Castle. The sun shone on a cool, crisp autumn day as we made our way down Nutgrove Avenue. Stopping at the playground for a well-deserved break, we returned to the school happy, though tired! A big thanks to all who have returned the walk cards to date.
Maths Week 2024!
As part of Maths Week this year, 4th Class took part in the large Maths games in the hall, we played a variety of Maths games in class and took part in the Maths Trail. We had a lot of fun, while also learning as we did so!
Happy Hallowe'en from 4th Class! We had a fantastic day dressing up and attending our Spooktacular Hallowe'en Disco! Have a safe and enjoyable Hallowe'en!
Below is a selection of some of the Art projects undertaken by 4th Class this half-term!
In Science this month we investigated the concept of Capillary Action, whereby water molecules move through a substance such as kitchen towel. Very often we think of the liquid being soaked up or being pulled, whereas the liquid itself is travelling!
Science Week 2024!
Science Week was a great success this year, with a great variety of fun & engaging activities for the children. In class we learned about tooth decay and used eggs in various liquids to demonstrate the varying effects these would have on our tooth enamel. We had a very interesting lesson on biodiversity in our environment and our guest speaker, Dylan Broderick, gave a fantastic presentation on engineering, designing & building. We also took part in the school Science Fair, where there was a range of activities such as magnets & forces, coding and the human body, to name but a few. We certainly learned a lot whilst having great fun doing so!
Santa's Grotto!
Today our school hall was transformed into a Winter Wonderland as Santa paid a visit to the school! Every child in the class met Santa in his grotto and received a small gift. We also made our own Christmas decorations and cookies, and drank some delicious hot chocolate. A fantastic time was had by all & we are very excited about Santa's visit to our own homes next week! Merry Christmas to one & all!
4th Class have started cookery lessons with the Food Dudes programme. Each week we will be learning about nutrition and healthy eating. We will then be following recipes to make delicious ious meals & snacks, such as Spaghetti Bolognese, Chicken Curry, pizza, smoothies, scones and muffins! We are really excited to take part in these lessons and look forward to tasting our healthy meals. Each child will receive a recipe book so make sure to try these at home also!
Music Generation Lessons!
4th Class have started music lessons with Music Generation facilitators Hayden and Jeff. Today we focused on rhythm & tempo as musical concepts, using percussion instruments & rounds. We are really looking forward to using the instruments in the future lessons!
Up, Up & Away!
In Science this month we are looking at forces by making parachutes. We watched a video of a very early failed attempt at a parachute jump from the 1800s & we explored how parachutes work by opposing forces of push and pull. We then designed and made our own parachutes using plastic bags, string, wire, tape and weighted figures. We tested our parachutes from a height to see which worked best and why!
Junior Achievement Programme!
Over the past several weeks 4th Class have been partaking in the Junior Achievement Programme titled 'It's Your Business'. We have been learning about entrepreneurs and setting up a business, from idea to execution. Today we presented our pitches for our business to our 'sharks' who want to invest in our product. The pitches were fantastic, and we certainly have some potential business people in our class! Well done to all the children!
Gymnastics lessons!
4th Class have started gymnastics lessons with our coach, Alessandro. We are learning fundamental movement skills and also specific skills of forward & backward rolls, cartwheels and balancing, to date. We are really enjoying our classes so far and are looking forward to developing our gymnastics skills over the next few weeks!