Cedar Class- Year 3
Thank you for visiting our class page. We hope you find the information below helpful.
We have lots to look forward to this year, including fun learning, new challenges, and lots of exciting experiences! 😊
What will my child be learning this half-term?
In English this half term, the children will be using The Rhythm of the Rain as a stimulus for their reading and writing. Through this text, they will develop their comprehension skills, explore vocabulary, and practise structuring their own writing.
Alongside this, we will share The Ice Palace as our class novel for pleasure, encouraging enjoyment of reading and thoughtful discussion.
The children’s final writing outcome for this half term will be a non-fiction leaflet about rivers. This will allow them to apply their learning by organising information clearly, using appropriate vocabulary, and presenting facts in an engaging way.
In Mathematics, children will explore right angles, practise column addition with increasing accuracy, and strengthen their knowledge of the 2, 4 and 8 times tables.
In Science, we will be learning about light, while in History the children will travel back in time to study the Bronze Age.
Our creative curriculum includes designing and making clay tiles inspired by the work of Antoni Gaudà in Art, and developing programming skills using Scratch in Computing. In Music, they will take part in Dragon Scales, a unit inspired by songs from the East.
In Religious Education, children will explore what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
Our PE units are gymnastics and target games - Boccia
When will my child have PE?
On Mondays and Wednesdays, your child should come to school dressed in their PE kit and trainers. Please see the uniform page on our website (https://www.eaves.st-helens.sch.uk/page/school-uniform/161792) 
What homework will my child be given?
Children are expected to read every day for around 10 minutes. Reading diaries should be signed by an adult and completed at least four times each week.
Each week, pupils will be given 10 spellings to practise using EdShed. These should be practised on at least three separate occasions.
One written homework task will be set each week, alternating between Maths and English. Homework books will be sent home on Fridays and should be returned to school by Wednesday.
Why is reading so important?
Reading plays a vital role in Year 3, as children continue to grow in confidence and fluency. Sharing books at home—whether reading independently, reading aloud, or reading together—helps to build a love of reading and supports learning across the curriculum.
We ask that children read at least four times each week. These sessions do not need to be long; even a short, relaxed read can make a big difference. Please record reading in the diary and sign it to show your child has read.
Some children will also bring home phonics books to help develop their reading skills, alongside their usual reading book.
When a book is finished, children will complete a short quiz in school to support their understanding. Pupils will change their books regularly and are encouraged to take increasing responsibility for choosing books they enjoy, with guidance and support from adults when needed.
Useful Links
Year 3 & 4 Spelling list (from the National Curriculum):
Recommended reading books for Year 3 children
Year 3 reading list for children aged 7-8 | School Reading List
Phonics
https://www.littlewandle.org.uk/resources/for-parents/
Spelling on EdShed
https://www.edshed.com/en-gb/login
Times Tables Rock Stars:
Year 3 Maths BBC Bitesize
Year 3 Timetable
Here is an example of a typical weekly timetable for our Year 3 class. Please note that lesson times and activities may change from week to week to reflect curriculum priorities and special learning opportunities.
