Dear parents/carers,

Welcome back, I hope you all had a lovely Easter break!

English

In English we will be covering newspaper reports, instructions & explanations, persuasive letters and finally a book study. The children will be using skills they have learnt so far along with new ones. Children really enjoyed using thesauruses last term to improve their word choices; a skill we will continue to develop. Please try and encourage your child to spend time reading every day, even if they are a confident reader, it is vital they are heard reading aloud regularly. As well as this, it is crucial to expose them to different text types to support their written work.

Maths

To begin the term, we will be focusing on fractions by exploring whole, tenths and equivalents and the children will take part in a daily arithmetic and recap of previous learning. To assist with children’s mathematical development encourage them to handle real money, understand the value of coins & notes, add and subtract money and give change.  Practise reading analogue and digital time in a 12hr and 24hr format.  Continue to practise the times tables and use Times Table Rock Stars.

History and Geography

In History, we will begin our Tudor topic. We will use our historical knowledge from the year to explore timelines to support chronology and understanding of BC/AD. In Geography our topic will focus on North America. The children will continue to use their map skills, apply their previous learning about mountains and explore physical geography.

Science

We will start the term with a topic called Animals including Humans which recaps the children’s learning from year 2 about how animals survive and stay healthy and helps children to learn more about what makes a healthy, balanced diet. They will learn about the nutrients that different foods provide and how these nutrients help our bodies. We will also explore how different animals eat different types of foods and need different proportions of nutrients. We will look at food labels on packaging to gather information about content.

Computing

We will be continuing with ‘how to stay safe online’ which will an ongoing theme throughout the school year. Children will be using the school laptops and iPads to further develop researching skills and ensuring we use trusted websites. The children will also learn how to use Microsoft PowerPoint to create presentations.

Art and Design & Technology

In art we will be studying the artist Quentin Blake and exploring self-portraits. The children will be learning to use constructive criticism to further improve their artwork. In Design & Technology we will be looking at designing, making, and evaluating a healthy packed lunch! Children will be surveying other year groups to find out what they have in their packed lunches and consider what makes a healthy packed lunch. Our learning in science will further support this.

RE

In RE we be looking at a theology unit based on the question ‘what do Muslims believe about God?’

PSHE

Our PSHE learning will continue to support children’s mental health. We will also be exploring physical wellbeing, growing & changing, and keeping safe. This will cover positive friendships, what makes a good friend, dental health, healthy sleep, calling for help in an emergency, how to help someone if they have been bitten or stung, water safety around rivers/canals, risks with flooding, and much more.

Music

In Music we will be developing the skills of listening and appraising, musical activities and perform and review. The children will learn songs and explore different percussion instruments.

PE

We will have PE on a Monday with myself and Mr Snelling on a Thursday afternoon. Please make sure the children come into school in the correct PE kits on both days.

French

Our French topics this term will revisit previous topics and we will then move onto following instructions, name parts of the body, identify colours and say what they are wearing. Children we be able to verbalise, read and write simple words and phrases in French.

Homework

Learning task- Each week your child will have a learning task. This will either be linked to school English, Maths, Topic or Science. This task should take 20/30 minutes. This is set on a Friday and should be returned the following Thursday (to allow marking time!)

Handwriting- We are continuing the additional handwriting sheets alongside your child’s learning task. Please encourage the children to take care with neat handwriting!

Spellings- These are being sent home on a half termly basis. Your child still must learn weekly words for a weekly test. Tests will continue to be on a Monday morning. Children can practise their spellings using look, write, cover check at the back of their learning log.

Times Tables- It is so important all children are practicing their times tables. This should be done a minimum of 3 times a week but ideally daily. They should be valued in the same way as all homework activities. I will be awarding stickers/ certificates for those playing Times Table Rock Stars if you are using an alternative way to learn times tables this is ok.

Reading- Reading is still crucial, even once on a free reader! Books and reading journals MUST be in school every day as they use these whenever there is time for quiet reading.

If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please email me via the office and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Kind Regards,

Miss Hagger