Year 3 Blog Post - 09.01.2026

9th January 2026

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope you had a restful and enjoyable break and are feeling ready for an exciting term ahead. Despite a snowy start to the term, the children have settled back into school routines wonderfully and have shown real enthusiasm for their new learning. It has been a very busy first week, and it has been fantastic to see the children dive straight back into their work with such positivity.

In writing, we have started an exciting new unit where the children will be writing their very own adventure stories set in the Stone Age. To immerse themselves in the topic, we launched the unit with a Stone Age experience day. This allowed the children to retrieve and build upon their prior knowledge, including where Stone Age people lived, what they ate, how they dressed, and the tools they used. It was great to see them use their prior knowledge to help them to create a very exciting story. 

In maths, the children have been exploring different representations of multiplication and division. We have been using arrays and bar models to show equations in a visual and practical way, helping to deepen understanding. The children have also investigated commutativity, learning that when multiplying, switching the numbers does not change the answer. They have engaged well with this concept and enjoyed explaining their mathematical thinking.

Our music lessons have focused on developing singing technique through the study of Viking songs. The children have explored how changes in dynamics and tempo can affect the mood and feel of a song. They have enjoyed experimenting with these musical elements and performing together as a class. I am very much looking forward to developing their song and working towards their final piece. 

In reading, we have started our new whole class text, The Nothing to See Here Hotel. We began by exploring the setting of the story, which is based in Brighton. The children have learned about key local landmarks such as the pier and the theatre, and have used this knowledge to get creative. They have become travel agents and designed their own tourism posters.

In science, our new topic is light. We began by investigating which surfaces are reflective and discussing the properties that make a surface reflective, such as being shiny, smooth, and flat. The children thoroughly enjoyed testing different materials, exploring results, and sharing their findings with one another.

Finally, in history, we have been learning about life before the Industrial Revolution and the important role the Black Country played during this significant period. The children have shown great curiosity and interest in understanding how the past has shaped the world we live in today.

It has been a fantastic first week back. Thank you for your continued support—we are looking forward to an exciting and productive term ahead!