"Like Parent, Like Child?" – Exploring Inheritance in Year 4

Year 4 put their detective hats on this week as they explored how animals (and humans!) inherit physical characteristics from their parents. We kicked things off with a fun feline challenge: matching kittens to their possible cat parents based on clues like fur colour and patterns. The children had to reason carefully and explain their thinking like real scientists!

Next, we turned our attention to ourselves. Using what we’d learned, the children looked at traits like eye colour, hair type, and earlobe shape—thinking about what they might have inherited from their mum or dad. We discussed how every child is made from a sperm and an egg, and how that makes each of us a totally unique mix of both parents.

This lesson also formed part of our RSE curriculum, in line with the recent information shared with parents via email and Class Dojo. It links closely to our Jigsaw PSHE learning, helping children understand where they come from, what makes them special, and how to value their individuality.

It was a brilliant session full of curiosity, confidence, and celebration. The children came away feeling PROUD of what makes them uniquely them!