Spring Term 2023
RE
This term in RE we will begin by learning about the events of the first Christmas, focussing on the shepherd’s story. We will share the story of the shepherds and how they reacted to the news of Christ’s birth. Before empathising with their feelings and reactions at this event. We will learn about the tradition of the Crib as an important symbol of prayer and devotion.
We will also be beginning our preparation to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Beginning by thinking about our First Reconciliation, by considering the choices we make each day and the effects our choices have on others. We will continue to focus on God’s call to us, thinking about how we choose to respond to His call.
Topic
This half term, we will be exploring the prehistoric lives of the people of Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. We will learn about life during the Stone Age, discovering what humans needed to survive, before researching Skara Brae and considering the importance of what was found there. Following this we will move on to the Bronze Age, identifying how copper mining changed people’s lives, particularly children of the time. We will briefly study the landmark of Stonehenge and the theories regarding its construction. Finally, we will discuss why we think people began to move their settlements to hillforts and depend upon Druids to help them run their societies.
Maths
In maths this half term, we will begin by revising our understanding of using formal written methods for addition, subtraction and multiplication.
We will then then begin to learn the new method for Year 3 for division, using this to divide 2 and 3-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers. We will use our understanding of these methods to solve problems giving reasons for our answers.
We will also begin by learning about money and statistics, comparing amounts of money, adding and subtracting money to give change. We will interpret data which has been presented in a range of ways before beginning to present our own data in pictograms, tally charts and bar charts. Following this, we will shift our focus to fractions, identifying that fractions are a part of a whole, using both objects and numbers. fractions are a part of a whole, using both objects and numbers.
English
This term we will be jumping into a new adventure text... Pugs of the Frozen North! Our writing this half term will be inspired by the adventurers of Shen and Sika as they race North with their troop of trusty Pugs covering genres such as explanations, character profiles, character descriptions, diary entry recounts, persuasive adverts, setting descriptions, newspaper articles and poetry.
Reading
All children are expected to read at home three times a week, discussing what they have read with an adult. Being able to understand texts recommended for their age range and ability is essential for your child's success and progression across the curriculum.
In addition to reading their school reading book three times a week, children are also expected to complete a minimum of two bedrock activities each week. Once their log ins are live, we will show children how to log in in school so they can access their accounts at home. If you have any problems, please let school know.
Reading records must be signed by an adult to reflect the activity children have completed each evening, whether that is reading or Bedrock. When recording reading from a reading book, please include page numbers or make it clear that your child has finished their book so we know when they are ready for a new one!
Science
In science this half term, we will be learning about different kinds of natural and man-made rocks, considering their suitability for a range of purposes and observing and grouping natural rocks based on their physical properties. We will also learn about the formation of fossils, drawing comparisons between fossils and the animals they belonged to, learning about famous palaeontologist Mary Anning.
After half term, we will learn what animals including humans need to live, grow, be strong and be healthy, beginning by looking at food groups and nutrition, considering our nutritional needs to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. We will investigate skeletons, identifying the bones which make up our skeletons, recognising the role both the skeleton and muscles play in helping us to move.
Home Learning
Each week, children will be set a spelling task and a times tables task for home learning on Google Classroom. Please let school know as soon as possible if you are unsure of your log in details to access this. The purpose of tasks set for home learning is to practise and consolidate skills taught in school, so children should be able to complete tasks with little support.
All home learning should be completed to a high standard - if you are in need of lined paper and a pencil for this please let me know.
Support from home
If you have any fiction or non-fiction texts about the Stone Age to the Iron Age at home, please do encourage your children to read them in addition to their school reading book! Additionally, the local library is a wonderful resource, which is free for children to use.
https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/leamingtonlibrary
I would also like to take this opportunity to remind you that collection for our class fund continues in throughout the year. Our class fund is used to provide additional resources to support your child’s learning and weekly donations of £2 will go a long way to enrich the learning opportunities we can share as a class.
Alternatively, if you are able to, it would be great if you could purchase one or two of the items from our Amazon Wishlist using the link below to access this.
Important things to remember
- Read 3 times per week
- Complete 2 Bedrock activities a week
- Continue to practise your 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 10 times tables
- Make sure your PE kit is in school each week
- Access our class Wish List to purchase resources to enhance our learning in school
- A contribution of £2 per week towards our Class Fund will go a long way towards providing learning experiences and resources for our class