Welcome to Year 3
Autumn 2018
Mrs. Hill, Miss Pascoe, Mrs. Laverick and Mrs. Ord welcome you to Year 3!
Following the excellent start that the children have made, we would like to take this opportunity to tell you more about the coming term.
English
Initially, our learning in English will take the following books called ‘ I’ll take you to Mrs. Cole.’ and ‘The Stone Age Boy’. In English, we will begin by focusing on:
* Spelling words from Y1 and 2 word lists correctly
* Using capital letters and full stops correctly all of the time
* Using a range of adjectives in my writing
* Discussing my ideas before writing them down
* Saying a sentence that meets my purpose before I write it down
* Checking my work for spelling and punctuation errors
* Using commas, question marks and exclamation marks correctly all of the time
* Using a range of adverbs in my writing
* Planning to meet the purpose of my writing
We will visit the local library as often as we can. However, because the books have to be kept in school, it would be a good idea for children to access the fantastic range of books from Shildon’s Local Library to help support their reading at home.
Mathematics
In Mathematics, we will begin by focusing on:
* Counting from 0 in multiples of 50 and 100
* Finding 10 or 100 more or less than a given number
* Recognising the place value of each digit in a three-digit number (hundreds, tens, ones)
* Reading and writing numbers to at least 1000 in numerals and in words
* Identifying, representing and estimating numbers using different representations
* Comparing and ordering numbers up to 1000
* Adding numbers with up to three digits, using the efficient written method of column addition
* Estimating the answer to a calculation and use to check answers
* Subtracting numbers with up to three digits, using the efficient written method of subtraction
* Using inverse operations to check answers
* Adding and subtracting amounts of money giving change, using both £ and p in practical contexts
* Measuring and comparing: lengths (m/cm/mm), mass(kg/g) and volume/capacity (litres/ml)
* Adding and subtracting: lengths (m/cm/mm), mass(kg/g) and volume/capacity (litres/ml)
* Drawing 2-D shapes with straight sides measured in cm.
* Measuring the perimeter of simple 2-D shapes
* Interpreting and presenting data using bar charts, pictograms and tables.
Computing
In Computing, we will be using computers and ipads learning how to stay safe on line and to know what is acceptable/unacceptable behaviour when using the Internet. We will be learning how to use Kodu to create a new world and examine the way the graphics show in 3d. We will also be learning about databases and what they are used for and how to input data and complete various searches. When we learn about using a computer for text we will examine some of the basics in Microsoft word like using short cut keys, spell checker as well as resizing and changing the colour and type of text. Finally we will finish the term with learning about Powerpoint and how to insert different graphics and sound as well as making our own sound.
Science
Our learning in Science will focus on forces and magnets where we will complete simple investigations to test what happens with magnets and what forces are. We will then go onto learn about animals, including humans and learn the types and amount of nutrition, and how to get that nutrition from what we eat. We will also learn about skeletons which are used for support, protection and movement.
P.E
As well as learning to swim every Friday children are also learning to play competitive games with running, throwing and catching as well as devising their own game. We then move onto developing flexibility, strength and control and balance with gymnastics.
Art
Our learning in Art is examining the artist: William Morris we will learn how to use different design techniques in drawing and painting and using sculpture which will relate to our History topic of the Stone Age.
D.T.
Our learning in Design Technology will focus on making a moving model. We will be learning how to research to design our model so that it is functional, fit for purpose and appealing. When we make our model we will be learning how to select equipment from a range of tools and use a wider range of materials and components. Finally we will then evaluate our model. During all of this we will begin to understand how to stiffen, strengthen and reinforce structures and understand mechanical systems.
French
During our learning in French we will be focussing on the basics of meeting and greeting and asking simple questions of age and family. During this time children will learn to explore the patterns and sounds through songs and rhymes as well as engaging in conversations.
R.E.
Hinduism and Christianity is our focus this term in Religious Education. We will be learning about how Hindus worship and how and why Advent is important to Christians. Pupils will be able to tell
you about beliefs and practices within Hinduism and Christianity which will help them reflect on their own beliefs, feelings and experiences.
History
During our study of History we will be visiting Bowes Museum to engage in activities to help us understand the earliest civilisations which appeared in the Stone Age. We will be learning how to use timelines and historical terms. We will learn how the Earth changed from the Stone Age to the present day and how people lived in the past by examining historical evidence.
Geography
When learning about Geography we will be looking at locational knowledge of the UK and the world. We will be learning to name and locate different countries in the world as well as naming and finding counties in the UK. We will be looking at the similarities and differences of human geography as well as the topographical features (such as mountains, rivers, hill etc.)
Music
During our Music lessons we will be focusing on learning to sing in tune and appreciate and understand a wide range of high-quality live and recorded music drawn from different traditions and from great composers and musicians. We will also examine some of the history of music and learn to play and perform in solo and in groups using voices and different instruments with increasing accuracy, fluency and control.
Home Learning
Maths and spelling homework will continue to be set on a Wednesday and must be returned by the following Monday. It is suggested that five minutes per day spent learning spellings and a further five minutes on times tables will enable to children to retain key facts over time. Children will be given their Rock Stars logins again. These will be written into the reading diary. Reading at home is still expected on a daily basis. It is recommended that now children have moved into Key Stage Two they ensure that they read daily for as long as possible.
Please, help your child keep track of their reading diary and homework book.
Underpinning all of this learning will be our theme for Building Learning Powers (an initiative to scaffold children’s understanding of how to develop positive learning behaviours): we will be focusing on how to develop a growth mind set. We will explore this in our own classes, in assemblies and in Family Group time. A Rights Respecting Schools ethos will also play a large part in our learning across the curriculum.
