Tremendous 3
Term 1 Week 6
Year 3 Newsletter
Welcome to Week 6 of Term 1!
Literacy:
In Literacy, students have finished reading Nim’s Island by Wendy Orr. Throughout our novel study, we have been exploring figurative language such as personification, smilies and Onomatopoeia. Students have discussed how the author makes settings come alive through descriptive language. Students have also been developing their ability to answer inferential questions by reading between the lines and using evidence from the text to support their thinking. We will continue on with our writing task of Nim’s Island after NAPLAN has been completed.
Over the next week our Year 3 students will be participating in NAPLAN practice activities in preparation for the upcoming National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN).
In class, our practice sessions are designed to:
- Familiarise students with the types of questions they may see
- Build confidence using the online test format
- Practise reading questions carefully and managing time
- Reduce anxiety by making the process feel calm and a routine
Phonics:
This week in Phonics, students have been learning about the Open Syllables. An open syllable is a syllable that ends in a vowel, and the vowel usually says its long sound (its “name”). E.g me → the e says its name, go → the o says its name, hi → the i says its name. . Recognising this pattern supports students' understanding when a vowel will say its long sound. This supports more accurate spelling, smoother reading, and greater confidence when tackling longer words.
Week | Phonics Focus | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Week 3 | Rabbit pattern | better, bottom,matter |
| Week 4 | Rabbit pattern | hobby, cubby, rabbit |
| Week 5 | Not rabbit | cabin, robin, habit |
| Week 6 | Open syllables | human,basic,secret |
| Week 7 | Open syllables | motor, creative, torpedo |
| Week 8 | Open syllables vs rabbit pattern | dollar, major, bacon |
| Week 9 | The “ors” | poor, pour, flaws, floors |
| Week 10/11 | i → y (not at the end) | try, cry, pry |
| Week 10/11 | i → y (not at the end) | spy, dry, fry |
Maths:
In Year 3 Mathematics, students are developing their understanding of addition and subtraction with two- and three-digit numbers. We are focusing on building strong number sense by using a range of strategies rather than relying on one method. This helps students understand why mathematics works, not just how to complete a calculation.
Some of the strategies we are using include, Number Lines- Students use open number lines to “jump” forwards or backwards in parts. This helps them break numbers into manageable chunks and see how numbers connect.As well as Partitioning (Breaking Numbers Apart) Students break numbers into hundreds, tens and ones to make calculations easier. Lastly we have been looking at Bridging Through 10 or 100 Students learn to adjust numbers to make friendly numbers (like 10, 100, or 1000), which makes mental maths more efficient.
| Week 2 | Counting and Place Value |
| Week 3 | Counting and Place Value |
| Week 4 | Addition and Subtraction |
| Week 5 | Addition and Subtraction |
| Week 6 | Time |
| Week 7 | Time |
| Week 8 | Multiplication/Divsion |
| Week 9 | Multiplication/Divsion |
| Week 10 | Multiplication/Divsion |
Inquiry
This term, students will explore Australia’s history by learning about the contact between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and others, including the Europeans, and the effects these interactions had on people and the environment.
They will investigate the story of the First Fleet, sequence key events, and explore different perspectives and experiences from the past. Students will ask questions, research, and learn to identify facts and opinions while respectfully sharing their ideas.
Students will present their learning through a range of digital and hands-on tasks and reflect on how the past connects to issues today.
Extra Announcements:
- Please send any photos from home to your child's classroom teacher
- Hats are required in Term 1
