Both classes rehearsed together for the first time this morning with a musician. We generated words to put into a song and created freeze frames showing how we solved the big problem.
The children then learnt a routine, which we’ll put into the final piece. We’re so excited to start rehearsing after half term. Parts will be allocated next week so you can get learning lines! 
We have had lots of fantastic pieces of home learning in year 4. Since Christmas, we have been looking at theatres and performances. Children have made theatres, found facts about them, written reviews (of real!) performances and created their own characters to name a few of the things we have handed in.
Here are some examples of the home learning we have received.
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Today was the start of our Storyframe project with Sheffield Theatres. Storyframe is a fantastic opportunity for our children to learn more about how a theatre works, understand the technical elements, like lighting, sound and costume design, and perform with professional actors and directors. We will be writing a story together and turning it into a play to be performed at the Crucible Theatre in March.
I was so impressed by how well the children collaborated in the first session to solve a number of problems and we have already had some ideas about what the performance will be about. I can’t wait to see how it all turns out!
Today, Watercliffe Meadow was the scene of a brazen theft. The culprit stole the extremely valuable Viking crown that the year 4’s had been looking at. At the moment the crime is unsolved but a main suspect has been identified by the children (with a little support from a local PC).
Students from Sheffield University joined the Y4’s this week and last week to talk about food waste.
We learned about the crazy amount of food that is thrown away each week and found ways of reducing this waste. The children created shopping lists and planned out meals in order to buy only what they needed.
They also planted broad beans to take home. Has anyone’s sprouted yet?
Y4MS prepared for their visit to Herries Lodge by making crowns and jewellery to wear on the day. They will visit next Tuesday afternoon and sing songs to residents and dance too! We’re all looking forward to it very much.
It’s true, the Vikings arrived at at Watercliffe on Monday! They came in tribes waving flags across the sea from Scandinavia and plotted where they would settle in the school grounds. 
They banged drums as they charged with their swords and shields, terrifying their enemies. If you see them around school, do not approach – they are armed and dangerous!
Y4NH spent a lovey afternoon at Herries Lodge yesterday, chatting with the residents and performing for them. It was a pleasure to see the children interacting with such good manners and many of the residents said they hoped we would come back.
Here are a few pictures from the visit and a video of the children performing ‘You’ve got a friend in me’. 
This week the year 4’s had a visit from the Friends of Parkwood Springs. The visitors came into school to make parts for a lantern that will be on display at the Lantern Procession on Saturday at Parkwood Springs. Each child made their own petal using willow and tissue paper. The petals will be put together to make a flower from all the year 4 children.
The procession will take place on Saturday 13th October, from 5.45pm at Parkwood Springs (setting off from the Cooks Wood Road car park). People who attend are advised to bring a torch.
