LiteracyThis half term we will begin with some work on poetry; exploring language and word play. We will learn to use the features of alliteration and onomatopoeia. Following on from this we will learn about Explanation texts; making links with Science and writing about the Water Cycle. If there is time then we will start to read and write Mystery Stories, perhaps in connection with our local History work.We will continue with our other weekly Literacy activities such as Big Writing, Handwriting, Spelling and guided reading. Check out the link texts and suggestions for further reading on the next page…

Year 3 Summer 1 2014

Link texts/Further reading – Poetry

The Works – chosen by Paul CooksonThe Works 4 – chosen by Pie Corbett

and Gaby MorganWe Couldn’t Provide Fish Thumbs –

James BerryMustard Custard Grumble Belly and

Gravy – Michael Rosen and Quentin Blake

Funky Chickens – Benjamin ZephaniahThe Stinky Cheese Man and

Other Fairly Stupid Tales – Jon Scieszka

Link texts/Further Reading – Mystery Stories

Who Pushed Humpty Dumpty? And Other Notorious Nursery Tale Mysteries – David Levinthal and John NickleRuby Redfort books – Lauren ChildDead Man’s Cove (Laura Marlin Mysteries) – Lauren St JohnThe Diamond Brothers Mysteries – Anthony HorowitzGrk and the Hot Dog Trail – Joshua DoderMurder and Chips (A Jiggy McCue Story) – Michael Lawrence

MathsThis half term we will be;• Rounding 2 and 3 digit numbers, • Practising the 4 and 8 times tables• Using compass points and right-angles• Learning to use the grid method for

multiplication and a simple version of chunking for doing division

• Solving problems involving weight and scaling

And• Learning to use coordinates on an x

and y grid

Science

In Science this half term we will be learning about Plants. We will learn about the parts of the plan, the lifecycle and the requirements for life.We will plan and carry out our own experiments, testing which conditions are needed for plants to grow well.

History/Geography

This term we will focus on the history and geography of the local area. We will use fieldwork to observe, measure and record what the local area is like. We will improve our ability to read and understand maps and to use the points of a compass.

MusicWe will continue to learn how to play the Ukulele. We will also continue learning how to read and write chords and to understand musical terms such as pitch, dynamics and tempo. We hope to perform another Ukulele concert later in the Summer Term.Each week we will sing new and old songs as part of whole school singing, and improve our ability to perform different pieces to an audience.

Art/DTThis half term we will do some work on mechanical systems for DT and look at the theme of buildings in Art, to make links with our History and Geography topics.

PE/GamesWe will start the Summer Term by doing Athletics; focusing on running, jumping and throwing skills. We will also choose a new club for Friday afternoons.

PSHE/RRSOur theme for this half term will be Relationships. This will mainly be about relationships with friends and family and the people we connect with on a daily basis. We will learn how to deal with problems in relationships. Article 8 – governments must respect and protect a child’s identity and prevent their name, nationality or family relationships from being changed unlawfully.Article 15 – every child has the right to meet with other children and young people and to join groups and organisations.

REThis half term we will focus on Leadership; recognising the characteristics of a leader and learning about some of the important leaders of Islam and Christianity including Mohammed and Jesus. We will learn about some of the other key faith founders for Sikhism and Buddhism.

ICTWe are becoming programmers by using Scratch during this unit. We will be creating an animation about plant growth using what they learn in Science. They will use a paint tool to create the plants and backgrounds they need. They will then create the animation by translating their life cycle knowledge into a series of scripted instructions (program) for graphic objects. As part of this unit children will be learning how to debug programs by finding errors that occur in their programs.

KEY DATES THIS HALF TERM

Tuesday 29th April – Year 3 & 4 Football at High Wycombe

Thursday 1st May – Literacy Information Evening

Tuesday 6th May – Year 2 & 3 Football Festival at Holtspur School

Monday 19th May to Friday 23rd May – Assessment Week

Monday 19th May – Year 3 & 4 Hockey Tournament at Beaconsfield High School

Friday 23rd May – Break up for Half Term

Monday 2nd June – INSET Day

Tuesday 3rd June – Children return to school

  Handed out Collected in

Maths Monday Thursday

Talk homework WednesdayHave ideas for Friday’s lesson

Literacy Thursday Monday

PE days are Monday and Friday. Please make sure you have the

correct kit, labeled and in school all week. Earrings must be removed for

PE.