Term 1

English

In English this term, we will be using 'The Stone Age Boy' by Satoshi Kitamura.  Our key focuses will be using the text to build on the children's letter writing skills.  In order to do this, we will be learning how to adapt verbs into the regular and irregular forms of the past tense (example: talk = talked - regular adding -ed as the suffix - and teach = taught - irregular where the verb changes completely).  We will also be looking at adding extra detail to engage the reader by using expanded noun phrases.  To do this the children will need to describe the noun (example: The cat - will become The beautiful, black cat).   The children will be introduced to paragraphs that we will build on throughout the year.  We are also going to attempt to write a newspaper article that will include direct speech (example: He said, "I became interested in archaeology when I dug up an old coin in the back garden when I was 7 years old").  Using inverted commas to support the direct speech and also being able to use synonyms for said.  The children will be able to create a catchy title and use the key features of a newspaper article to their advantage.

In Guided Reading in Term 1 and 2, Discovery Class will be using 'Hodgeheg' by Dick King-Smith and Alexander Class will be using the amazing 'George's Marvellous Medicine' by Roald Dahl.  The children will get to use the book to build their confidence with comprehension, using the book to understand inference (hidden meaning), as well as reading out loud to the class.

Maths

We will be learning to count forwards and backwards and read numbers to 1000.  The children will also be looking at writing numerals in words by using the correct spellings for all.  Our times table learning this term will focus on the 4 times table.  Please log in to TT Rockstars at least twice a week or change it up with playing Hit the Button (search on Google).  

The children will also be continuing to build on their addition and subtraction skills with 2 and 3-digit numbers.  We will be adding and subtracting digits where the children may or may not need to exchange.  Examples are below to support.  

Science

In Science this term, we will be building on the children's knowledge of light and what light sources are.  The children will hopefully be able to explain what the difference is between light and dark and the importance of light to all living things.

R.E.

In R.E this term, we will be learning about the importance of a routine in the everyday lives of a Muslim.  The children will also be able to explain why prayer mats are used daily as well as throughout a Mosque.  By the end of this unit, the children should be able to answer the main question of 'Why is praying important to Muslims?'.

Music

This term, the children will be focussing on ballads by understanding that a ballad tells a story and being able to perform as a whole class or small groups.  The children will attempt to write their very own ballad.

Design and Technology (D.T)

This term, the children will be learning all about seasonal fruits and vegetables.  They will be getting their hands dirty this term by making apple and pear crumble, Japanese fruit skewers and a seasonal vegetable tart.  We will focus on food hygiene as well as being able to safely follow a recipe and use knives safely (all under supervision).  Please keep an eye on Class Dojo for all relevant recipes or requests for support in class.

P.E

This term, the children will be taking part in P.E every Thursday.  Outdoor P.E will be football and building on team building, communication and leadership skills as well as ball control, hand-eye and foot-eye coordination.  In our Indoor sessions, we will be looking at Fitness and how we can monitor our heart rate before, during and after any exercises as well as completing different fitness circuits with the aim of building up stamina.

P.S.H.E (Personal, Social and Health Education)

This term, the children will be looking at 'Family and relationships'.  They will be learning that families look and behave differently and learn about healthy behaviours within a family.  We will also be looking at friendships and when elements of a friendship go wrong, how to behave and also how to manage conflicts in a healthy way.  The children will also learn to respect differences in others, what trust means and also what to do in the event of bullying.

How you can support your child’s learning at home:

• Listen to them read, ideally 10 minutes daily.
• Practise writing with them using cursive handwriting.
• Read and spell the Year 3 and 4 common exception words.
• Read and write numbers (no reversals!) to 1000.
• Count on and back from any given number to 1000.
• Practise counting on and back in 3’s, 4’s, 6’s, 8’s and 12’s.
• Point out the maths in everyday life.
• Include your child in activities involving numbers and measuring, such as shopping, cooking and travelling.

Important things to remember:

P.E will be on a Thursday only.

Children will be required to come into school wearing their PE Kit on this day.

PE kit should comprise of:

• Plain black or navy blue shorts, tracksuit pants of leggings
• Plain house colour t-shirt – no pictures and also no football shirts please.
• Plain trainers that will not mark the Hall floor.
• Named water bottles

Please dress according to the weather, as we will do all we can to get out, even if it is a spitting. We will be going outside for our lessons.

Please ensure long hair is tied back.

If your child has their ears pierced please leave them out on PE days.

If you need any support with anything, please send a private message on Class Dojo, and we will respond as soon as we can.  We will be looking for adult support throughout the year, again, please keep an eye on Class Dojo and sign up to support your son/daughter and their peers.

Thank you all in advance for all your continued support at home!

The Year 3 Team