Jungle Fever in Year 4

We are having so much fun exploring the rainforests and jungles and their rather astonishing creatures. It has been so special seeing an interest and appreciation for these habitats and their biodiversity developing in all the children. Thanks to David Attenborough, we have been transported into amazing jungles all over the world, starting close to home in the Congo and moving east to Borneo and finishing in the amazing Amazon jungle. The journeys have also led to some interesting discussions about the devastating deforestation and animal extinction. We all had rather heavy hearts when learning about the fate of the orang-utans due to the palm oil plantations.

Literacy is taking us to the forests once again where we will meet the WILD THINGS. This week we had to split into teams and ‘blind’ draw parts of the animals and puzzle them together. There were some interesting creatures to say the least and I am sure it is going to inspire all kinds of creative writing in the coming week.

In science, we have taken a closer look at how species are grouped together, identifying the common characteristics within these groups. This week, we used classification charts to name the animals. Challenging at first, but once we got the hang of it, it was rather fun.

And then of course there is the much awaited Year 4 trip on the horizon. We can’t wait to be outdoors and have our own adventures in the foothills of Mount Meru. Amrita informed me today that she has started counting down her sleeps, as she always does when she is excited for something. Only 3 weeks to go Amrita!

Gauging our class’s enthusiasm for topic of rain forests this term, I think our community project will have to be something to do with protecting habitats and wildlife here on our very own doorstep. Watch this space…. All will be revealed J

Yours sincerely,

The tree hugging year 4B class!