After their first week as Uptonians, our Year 3s have settled in beautifully, quickly adjusting to their new routines and embracing the exciting journey ahead.

From day one, it was clear how engaged and enthusiastic they are about their learning. The children have been eager to dive into new topics, ask questions, and explore new ideas- their energy and curiosity have been truly inspiring to see.

Not only have they adapted to the academic challenges, but they have also shown great maturity in how they interact with one another. It’s been wonderful to see them forge new relationships both with their peers and with adults, helping to create a positive and supportive atmosphere in the classroom. This sense of community is something we’re incredibly proud of, and it’s clear that our youngest learners in the school, are already well on their way to achieving great things this year.

Personal Development Week

This week, we have been exploring Personal Development, and as such, learning has focused on Health and well-being. As part of our curriculum, they’ve been learning about how to look after their minds, with a special focus on self-regulating their emotions.

Through a range of engaging activities, the children have been exploring what it means to recognise and manage their feelings. From discussing different emotions to learning calming techniques, they’re developing essential skills to help them navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom. It’s been wonderful to see them embracing this learning with such openness and enthusiasm.

As a school, we recognise the importance of emotional well-being in supporting both academic and personal growth. By learning how to self-regulate, our Year 3s are building resilience and becoming more self-aware—a vital foundation for lifelong success.

Children have also learnt:

• What our Core Values are and what they mean

• About our British Values and how they help us

• How to protect themselves online

 In the coming weeks, we will continue to introduce new tools and activities aimed at helping children to manage their emotions, build resilience, and develop positive coping strategies. These skills will not only support their learning but also empower them to navigate everyday challenges with confidence and calmness.

 

    

 

          

       

  

Early Morning activities 

A settled start to the day is key to unlocking the best learning opportunities for our children. Each morning, we set the children activities to ensure every child begins their day, focused, engaged and ready to learn. These daily activities aren’t just about settling down; they are packed with purpose, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and most importantly, child-led discussions that help develop key communication skills. Starting the day with practical activities helps children transition smoothly into the school day, boosts their confidence, and gets them thinking critically right from the start. A calm and settled start to the day truly sets the stage for successful learning, and we’re proud to see our Year 3s thriving because of it!

 

      

 

Reading

At Upton, we use Accelerated Reader, which is a computer program that helps teachers manage and monitor children’s independent reading practice. Next week, children in Year 3 will be completing a reading assessment (Star Reading Assessment) and will be given a reading level (a ZPD code) based on our Accelerated Reader Program (AR). This reading level will be written in the front of their reading records, which the children will be given next week. Likewise, children will bring books home to read that offer appropriate challenge and interest. This program also means that your child will have access to a wider range of books throughout the school.

Once your child has picked their book and finished reading it, they will take a short quiz either on a computer in school or at home. We would encourage children to quiz at home when they have finished reading a book, so it is fresh in their minds. When quizzing, the children should also have the book with them so they can refer to it. Passing the quiz is an indication that your child has understood what was read. Accelerated Reader gives children and teachers’ feedback based on the quiz results, which allows teachers to tailor their reading lessons. AR is designed to improve a child’s reading comprehension and promote reading for pleasure.

Next week, children will be issued their Reading Journal and will choose a book matched to their ZPD code, which they will bring home with them. The expectation is that children read at least three times a week at home; they must bring their Reading journal into school, at least three times a week, to share with their adults in school.

 

Thematic

Next week, we will begin our exciting topic: ‘Feel the Force, See the Light’ To help support your child with their learning, we provide children a Knowledge Organiser: a single-page document that summarises essential facts, key concepts, and important vocabulary related to this topic. This organiser serves as a learning tool, allowing children to easily access, retain, and apply their knowledge. 

We have attached the Knowledge Organiser below for your reference. We encourage you to review it with your child at home and use it as a guide for discussions, which will help reinforce what they learn in class and make connections to their broader understanding of history. 

Home Learning

Attached below, is the overarching Thematic Curriculum homework ideas. Please refer to the homework menu which gives a variety of creative tasks for the children to choose from. Children only need to complete one task as a minimum, but can choose to complete more if they wish. Children have been given a Home Learning book to complete their Home Learning tasks in- children will be bringing their Home Learning books home on Monday. 

Home Learning is due in on Thursday 22^nd October 2026

Times Tables Rock Stars

• Tasks to be completed online, with new tasks set every week.

• Children’s logins will be stuck into their Reading journal.

• Further details will follow in next week’s Blog, so keep your eyes peeled!

We are in the process of setting up logins for Times Tables Rock Stars and Accelerated Reader. By the end of next week, all children should have a reading record and a book to share at home whilst we set up systems.

Reminders:

• Year 3 have PE on Fridays and should come to school dressed in the correct school PE kit.

• 3B and 3G will swim on Tuesdays this term- children will need to come dressed in their PE kit to school on this day,and bring with them their swimming costumes to change into. 

• Swimming kit reminder: full swimming costume/swim shorts. All children must wear a swimming hat and will be expected to remove jewellery (including stud earings).

• To find out how your child is settling into life at Upton, teachers will be hosting meetings for parents on Tuesday 22^nd September from 1pm until 3pm. Should you wish to discuss how your child has settled, you will be able to book a 5-minute appointment from Monday 14^th September- you will receive details as to how to book in due course.

Key messages:

• Please can children ensure they bring a Healthy snack in for breaktimes.

• Children are provided with a school pencil case and so do not need to bring in pencil cases from home or any other toys/resources.

• Children will also need to make sure they have a pair of wellies and a raincoat in school, so that they are able to make full use of the outdoor activities at playtimes.

As children continue to settle into the year ahead, we’re confident that their enthusiasm and commitment will only grow. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the term has in store for our fantastic Year 3 Uptonians!

Have a great weekend!

The Year 3 Team