First week back

We have continued with our unit on length and perimeter. Children used their knowledge of millimetres, centimetres, and metres at the beginning of the week to work out equivalences. They then used their understanding of equivalences to compare different measurements. To begin with, it was quite easy when comparing lengths using the same unit of measure. This became a bit more challenging when they had to compare lengths that involved different units of measure, for example, 1m 14cm and 176mm. We ended the week by adding different lengths together.

English – would you apply?
Our writing unit is all about an explorer, Ernest Shackleton. Children looked at a real advert placed to find the perfect crew members for his 1914 expedition across the Antarctic. Children enjoyed discussing in pairs and groups whether they would apply, with reasons, and were shocked to learn that over 5000 people applied! We began the week by learning more words ending in the suffix ‘ous’, including ambitious and humorous. They then used this to write a short letter to Ernest Shackleton, asking to join his crew! We enjoyed hot seating and interviewing our peers using key questions. We ended the week looking at real adverts in preparation to write our very own persuasive advert.

Guided Reading
Using our inference skills, children wrote down their predictions about what the text could be about. After reading more about Ernest Shackleton, we focused on our understanding of the roles of Rex Retriever and Inference Iggy to write down what we know as fact about him and what we can infer. Interesting facts include that he went out to sea at a young age, that he read poetry, and that he was one of ten siblings. We’re looking forward to finding out more about him this term.

Geography
Our geography unit this term focuses on climate, and this week we looked at the difference between weather and climate, which can often be confusing. Children learned that weather is a short-term condition that changes, whilst climate is the weather over a longer period. To show their understanding, they worked in small groups and pairs, putting different statements into columns on weather and climate.

RE
Our pathway focuses on the Good Life, and we are learning more about this through our unit on Christianity. This week, we looked at the Ten Commandments and learned about the Golden Rule: treat others as we want to be treated. Children enjoyed watching a video and created beautiful, informative posters about the golden rule and ways to treat others kindly. Children had wonderful things to say about why treating others kindly can have a good impact, including ‘ you have a better life’ and ‘more people are smiling’, with some saying it’s simply a nice thing to do!

PSHE
This week was all about strong emotions and what to do when we feel anger. Children shared their own experiences of feeling different emotions and then went on to label this on a diagram. We discussed lots of different strategies to help us feel calmer which included counting to 10, walking away and focusing on something else. We ended the session taking part in some mindful breathing.

Homework
Maths – Comparing lengths worksheet
Spelling – Spelling Shed task

Special mention
3BK – Tilly and Amaya
3B – Eira, Martha and Navya

Class Dojo
3BK – Cade
3B – Ben

Extreme Reading
3BK – 89%
3B – 72%

Could a Year 3 class achieve 90% next week?

Dates for your diary
World Book Day – Thursday 5th March is everything books! Children can come to school dressed in an outfit to represent their hobbies or interests. For example: sports kit, apron and chef’s hat, dressed as their favourite author, artist, pop star or idol! Children can also still of course, come dressed as their favourite book character.

Book swap – We would like every child in school to have a new book to read and keep. We are still collecting donations. If you have any books suitable for a book swap, please send them in next week.

Have a wonderful weekend.
The Year 3 Team