19th September 2013
Dear Parents,
Following on from the parent meetings at the start of term, I am pleased to report that the children have
continued to settled in well. The following information is a guide to the expectations that I have for your child in
Year 3/4. I would also like to invite you to a PACT meeting on Monday 23rd September at 2.50pm and will
cover a few things about the Numeracy and Literacy teaching this year as well as general expectations.
This year I will be encouraging greater independence by promoting group work and giving children added
responsibility for classroom tasks. Children will be encouraged to come into class promptly and quietly at the
beginning of the day to settle into a calm atmosphere in order to complete an early morning start task.
Topic – Our first topic this term is ‘The Rainforest. The attached topic map highlights the skill areas that we are
studying.
Reading - Reading remains a high priority for the school this year. Children are expected to read 5 times a
week for at least 15 minutes per session at home, 3 of which should be read to an adult. This is to ensure that
comprehension skills such as plot, characters, comparisons between authors and similar stories can be
discussed and developed. Children cannot do this easily on their own, therefore I urge you to spend time
talking about the text that your child is reading.
The new Reading Records have been given out and I’m pleased to see so many children getting into a good
routine already!
Numeracy - A major focus for our class this term will be recalling timetables as fast as possible. Any extra time
children can spend practising these at home would hugely benefit their mental work. We have already started
the Numberbonds challenge in school and I look forward to sharing this with you at the PACT meeting.
Homework – Homework will be given to the children either weekly or fortnightly. Children will be given
homework on a Friday to be in on a Thursday. I will be setting a combination of learning log style homework
and work that will be more skills based e.g. comprehension, maths practice.
If homework is repeatedly not handed in on time, children will be required to complete it at break time or
homework club. I do hope that you will support me on this point. If children are finding it difficult to
complete homework then please come in to see me.
PE - PE will take place twice a week, Gymnastics indoors on a Tuesday and Swimming on a Thursday. It is
helpful if your child could keep his/her kit in school all week, (including trainers for outdoors) in case an
impromptu opportunity arises or a change of timetable is necessary!
Music – The children will receive class recorder lessons through the Swindon Wider Opportunities Scheme on
a Thursday afternoon.
Finally, if you have any queries or concerns, please do come and speak to me as soon as they occur so that
any issues can be addressed at the earliest opportunity. I am looking forward to a happy and successful year
ahead of us.
Thank you and best wishes,
Lynsey Treen
Year 3/4 Class Teacher