1. Meet the Teacher 2015

2. Welcome Welcome to the new academic year! As you are aware, we have some fantastic new members of staff on the faculty this year. Keep up to date with the Newsletter every week to make sure you are up to date on the latest news.

3. Curriculum

4. Who is supporting your child? We are lucky to have many professionals working alongside the class teachers to deliver high quality teaching and learning in every area of the curriculum. Teachers, TA’s, Mr Tristram Peattie, specialist support staff, art and SKiL. All children are likely to receive interventions at some point during their school time. If your child is receiving extra support for a sustained period, you will be invited to come for a consultation about it.

5. Home learning Reading at home – Please promote the joy of reading! It is vital that you are supporting your child at home with high quality texts it supports your child in every aspect of their learning. Maths homework – at least 20 minutes every fortnight. Support your child by ensuring they understand number bonds and times tables. Try to promote a positive attitude towards maths and remember that getting the wrong answer is only a bad thing if they didn’t try. All children who know their tables and number bonds well will find maths easier. We are in a situation where teachers are expected to teach very specific spelling, grammar and punctuation rules. Spellings sent home every week are based either on a national programme of learning or on spelling rules we have covered in class. They will be tested on this at the end of the year.

6. Reading Reading is often the key to opening up every aspect of the curriculum. By year 3 many children have developed the basic skills of reading but there can be a real risk that their motivation and enthusiasm begins to diminish. This is where your help is invaluable! How to help?!

7. Maths Homework Home learning is not a competition. It is about supporting each individual in the best way possible, so that they can achieve their personal best. The value of 30 minutes additional work will support your child hugely with their progress and learning. Homework will always be linked to the topic we are covering and what I am sending, they will be able to do independently. It will not be new work. If they are truly stuck or become distressed and you are unsure how to help, please stop and talk to me asap.

8. Tables https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnx6r9 S_SJ7I_Msib-Nj-zgROaicmyqA8 Once children are familiar with them as a pattern, it is very useful if you challenge them with random tables questions or problems. Make it FUN! There are loads of games online or that you can set up at home.

9. Resources to support! I will update the website and send useful resources home throughout the year!

10. Here are a few more… https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnx6r 9S_SJ7I_Msib-Nj-zgROaicmyqA8 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnx6r 9S_SJ7I_Msib-Nj-zgROaicmyqA8 http://www.multiplication.com/games/play/gr anny-prix http://www.multiplication.com/games/play/gr anny-prix http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/maths/ http://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/5- 7-years/counting http://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/5- 7-years/counting

11. E-Safety We asked the year 3 children some E-Safety questions… Have you ever been on a website and seen something that you know you shouldn’t have? 9 Do you know you know passwords to any of your parents electronic devices? 19 Have you ever used a tablet or computer without permission? 10 Have you ever been on a website that made you feel upset? 9

12. E-Safety E-Safety Websites for Parents www.saferinternet.org.uk www.childnet.com www.kidsmart.org.uk www.nspcc.org.uk

13. School Website http://www.meads.e- sussex.sch.uk/class_pages_year_3.php I will put lots of great stuff on here so please check regularly! If homework somehow doesn’t reach home…

14. Opportunities Matilda update – We have had a great response from the children and from you about this trip! We are hoping to book the trip for January 2016! Clubs - http://www.meads.e-sussex.sch.uk/clubs.php http://www.meads.e-sussex.sch.uk/clubs.php Swimming – 25/02/16 Y3 Christmas sale – Details to come!

15. Thank You! As always, I have an open door policy. Please keep in touch with me. I value the fact that you have come this evening and I hope that it has been useful for you. Individual ‘Parent’s Evening’ slots will be available at the end of Term 1. If you would like to contact me before then regarding any aspect of school please email me through the school office.