Thematic

This week, children have been exploring the transformative changes that occurred from the Stone Age through the Bronze Age and into the Iron Age. Children created colourful timelines that illustrated key events, dates, technological advancements, and artistic developments across the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age. This visual representation helped them to grasp the chronological order of history and see the connections between different periods.

A highlight this week, was an exploration of Skara Brae. We examined its layout, architecture, and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. This investigation sparked curiosity about how communities evolved over time.

To deepen their understanding, children worked together on creating scale models of Skara Brae. They used various materials to replicate the stone structures, learning about the significance of building techniques and the resources available to people during the Neolithic period. This hands-on project not only honed their crafting skills but also reinforced their understanding of how environment and technology influenced human settlements.

Next week, we will continue our exploration of Skara Brae and will also be undertaking fieldwork, in order to apply our scientific understanding from our learning about rocks and soils.

          

English

In English this week, children have been writing instructions about how to make a fire, using materials from the Stone Age. To kick-start the week, we immersed the children in role-playing scenarios. We divided the class into small groups, each representing a different tribe of early humans. Children discussed why fire was essential for warmth, cooking, and protection, before then collecting, gathering and preparing an unlit fire. This interactive experience helped the children understand the importance of fire in everyday life and set the stage for the next step in our project. After our role-play activity, we then planned the steps needed to build a Stone Age fire. They discussed various methods, such as friction-based techniques or using flint and steel, emphasising the importance of gathering materials like dry grass, twigs, and larger logs. Our writing skill this week was to use imperative verbs, which we spent time exploring. We also focused on clarity and structure, discussing the importance of using sequential language.

Next week in English, children will be learning the art of debate and persuasive speech writing! Our children will have the chance to explore important issues, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and learn how to express their ideas compellingly.

   

Monday 14^th October

We are excited to inform you that on Monday, your children will participate in a special session led by Mr. Noble. During this engaging activity, Mr. Noble will demonstrate how to create a Stone Age fire, utilising the instructions the children have crafted throughout the week in their English lessons. This hands-on experience will deepen their understanding of ancient survival skills and encourage teamwork.

As part of the session, the children will also have the opportunity to toast marshmallows! We want to assure you that we have taken dietary requirements into consideration to ensure that all children can participate safely and enjoyably.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out.

Thank you for your support!

Maths

In Maths this week, children have been exploring different strategies for adding and subtracting numbers. By examining different strategies, it empowers children to become more flexible thinkers. Instead of relying solely on standard algorithms, they can choose the method that makes the most sense to them in any given situation. This adaptability is crucial not only in maths but in problem-solving across subjects. This week, we have been learning how to add and subtract using near multiples, and have also learnt how to use known number facts to work efficiently.

Next week, children will be using and applying their strategies for solving problems.

Home Learning

Attached below, is the overarching Thematic Curriculum homework ideas. Please refer to the homework menu which gives a variety of creative tasks for the children to choose from. Children only need to complete one task as a minimum, but can choose to complete more if they wish. Children have been given a Home Learning book to complete their Home Learning tasks in.

Home Learning is due in on Friday 25^th October 2024

Reading journals

Please ensure children are reading every night and are likewise taking quizzes.

Spellings

To support children with their spellings, we would like children to practise ‘Level 1- KEY KEATS Bundle’

To access it on a laptop, PC, Mac or Chromebook (therefore IWBs):
1. Type in the browser itself where you normally type www (not a search engine)...app.sirlinkalot.org (with no Ws before it)
2. Click on 'More' (top right)
3. Click on 'Sign in'
4. The children will then need to type in their access code 

Times Tables Rock Stars

• Tasks to be completed online, with new tasks set every week.

• Children’s logins will be stuck into their Reading journal.

Mathletics

• Once a week- this week’s tasks have been set.

• Tasks will always follow the learning that week.

• Children’s logins are stuck into their Reading journal.

Reminders

• Year 3 have PE on Tuesdays and should come to school dressed in the correct school PE kit.

• 3B and 3G will swim on Mondays this term- children will need to come dressed in their PE kit to school on this day, and bring with them their swimming costumes to change into. 

• Swimming kit reminder: full swimming costume/swim shorts and swimming hat.

• On Wednesday 16^th October from 2:30pm–3pm, parents are invited to classes to see their child’s work from this term.

• Children to bring in healthy snacks for breaktimes.