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This term, year 3 will be starting their new topic 'Rainforests'.

During this topic, the children will learn about where rainforests are located around the world and their climate. They will explore the different layers of the rainforest and learn about the amazing plants, animals and people that live there. As the topic develops they will go on to investigate the threats posed to our rainforests and how we can protect them. They will use a range of resources to assist them from non-fiction texts, photographs, the internet and video and film clips. 

They will make cross curricular links and explore the work of the artist Henri Rousseau who painted different aspects of the rainforest, despite never having ever been there! In design and technology they will design and make a poison dart frog beanbag. They will link our rainforest topic with food technology and create tropical fruit recipes and dishes and perform jungle dance routines and sequences in P.E.  

 

ENGLISH

In English this term, the children will be studying the wonderful book, 'The Explorer' by Katherine Rundell. This text links with our rainforest topic as it is about four children who are on board a plane that crashes in The Amazon rainforest. In this story they must figure out the basics of survival and decide whether to wait to be rescued or find a way to rescue themselves. 

 

After listening to and reading excerpts from the story they will examine the features of this genre and plan, draft, write and edit their own newspaper reports, diary accounts and adventure story. 

 

MATHS 

In year 3, the children will continue to develop their knowledge and understanding of place value and number and also learn about multiplication and division.

They will use a range of representations and resources to help develop their knowledge and understanding around these concepts. They will start by linking repeated addition to multiplication and then progress onto looking at arrays and use numicon to explore how they can use these to show the same calculation in different ways. They will compare number sentences and use base 10 and place value counters to help them learn how to multiply single digit numbers and two digit numbers by one digit numbers. They will learn how to multiply using the grid method. They will then move on to explore the link between multiplication and division and learn how to divide two digit numbers by a single digit using their knowledge and understanding of multiplication to help.  

Children in year 3 take part in the times tables challenge and start aiming for their bronze, silver, gold or platinum award. This can be achieved by correctly answering multiplication and division questions linking to the 2s, 5s and 10 times tables, the 3's and 4's times tables and finally the 6's, 7's, 8's and 9's times tables.

 They use Times Tables Rock Stars to help them become quicker and more confident with multiplication and division.
We also use Mymaths to help improve mathematical knowledge and understanding and develop skills.

SCIENCE

This term, we are learning about 'Roots and Shoots'. The children will work scientifically and collaboratively through various investigations and conduct different experiments to explore what plants need in order to grow and stay healthy. 

They will start by identifying and describing the functions of different parts of flowering plants and explore the requirements of plants for life and growth. They will investigate the way in which water is transported within plants and explore the part that flowers play in the life cycle of flowering plants, including pollination, seed formation and seed dispersal.  

 

The BIG Birdwatch 

This year we will take part again in the BIG garden Birdwatch which takes place between the 25th - 27th January. 

P.E.

P.E. is on Wednesday and Thursday.

On Wednesday Mr Knight and Mr Sinclair will teach the children games and on a Thursday the children will be creating a rainforest dance or learning basket ball skills.

It is a good idea to keep your kit at school.

Don't forget the weather is going to get colder so please make sure you have the appropriate clothing.

If your child consistently remembers their PE kit they will be entered into a prize draw so make sure that you don't miss out.

Year 3 Homework

Homework in year 3 goes home on a Friday and the children need to have completed it by the following Thursday.

The children have an English and Maths study book and homework from these will be set alternately.  

In addition, the children will also bring home their spellings.The spelling sheet stays at home and extra copies are available if needed. Children should read regularly, at least 3-4 times per week and reading records need to be signed. 

To help with the 'Times table Challenge', click on the link below to take your child to the Times Tables Rock Stars log in, 'My Maths' or Top Marks website.

https://play.ttrockstars.com/
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/
https://www.mymaths.co.uk/

Here your child can practise their times tables.
Remember there are bronze, silver and gold badges to be won.

 

In Year 3, we are focusing on reading so please encourage your child to read, read and read some more!

Each time they read their dairies must be signed so they can receive their stamp. Stamps mean prizes. Last year, some children achieved their platinum award and they were given a book of their choice!

 

Make sure you learn your spellings.

There are extra sheets available to help.

Autumn Term 2019

Welcome back to school Wagtails. I hope you have all had an exciting summer break from school, and that you are all ready and eager to learn.

This Autumn term, year 3 will be starting their new topic 'Stone Age to Iron Age'.

During this topic, the children will learn about what life was like during the Stone Age. We will explore how far back in History we have to travel. We will learn about their hunter gatherer lifestyle and how they adapted and evolved over time to become farmers. We will learn about the tools and weapons that they made for hunting and also for protection.

 ENGLISH

In English this term we will be exploring the Author 'Michael Foreman'

 As well as

Also the children will be exploring the book 'The Ice Monster' by David Walliams as their whole class reading text.

Within maths, we will continue to explore number and place value as well as the four main operations, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. In the classroom, the children are using a range of manipulatives and they are learning a variety of methods that they can use to help them calculate and answer questions independently.

This term in Science, the children will be exploring 'Health Lifestyles' as well as 'Keeping Fit and Active'.

Wagtails Class have P.E on a Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. It is a good idea to have your kit in school every day. Please ensure your child has suitable footwear and clothing, especially as the weather can be cold and the grass may be damp.

Year 3 Homework

Reading

The main homework in year 3 is reading, reading, reading! Please support your child by hearing them read five times a week. The children take part in a whole school reading challenge. Please ensure you are signing their diaries.

Spellings

Your child will be bringing home weekly spellings. They are given out on a Friday and tested on a Thursday.

English/Maths

Each week the children will bring home either maths or English Homework books. They only need to complete one page and the books need to be handed back in every Thursday. 

Times Tables

Throughout KS2 the children have the opportunity to participate in a times tables challenge. Badges are awarded for bronze, silver and gold. Once completed the child are awarded a badge and their names displayed on the noticeboard in Elizabeth building. Please practise times tables at home. 

If you have any concerns about homework please come and speak to one of us.

Year 3 Curriculum Overview 

Year 3 Wagtails