going in to year 3

[cutekids]

me and hubbie went to "meet the new junior teachers"meeting on Monday night. was all a little scary-teachers much stricter than infants but i suppose they have to get used to that. we were told that the children learn their sums completely different in juniors (think they said vertically rather than the infant way-something like that anyway!). I am great with english and reading etc.but totally naff at maths and I really don't want to confuse her. Does anyone know about yr 3 syllabus and what they actually do in their first term?

Just to echo the other "been there, done that's". Ds1 was in Year 3 last year and he found the transition from Infants to Juniors very hard. It took him a good two terms to get settled in. Even though it's the same school, Juniors seems to be a whole new ball game - they are expected to be far more independent, the teachers seem much less nurturing and - dare I say it - less maternal. The schoolwork is more demanding, as is homework - they are expected to work out what to do and get on with it independently.

I hope that doesn't sound too scary - it's not meant to, it's just meant to forewarn you that dd may take a while to adjust and it's perfectly normal. Do they run any maths evenings? They introduced these for parents at ds1's school last year (I made dh go - I'm a numerical coward!).

Well done to your dd on tying her shoe laces. This was also a target for ds1 on starting yr3 .. he's only JUST managed it this week - at the end of year 3

Generally the big change we found is that the teachers encouraged the children to take responsibility for themselves, and to relay messages home/sort their own stuff out, rather than have anything in written letters to the parents. So ds1 soon got the idea that if he forgot his swim stuff it was his fault/his responsibility. I think it's a good thing, and the sooner they learn, the better.

Still worried. Spent the weekend at my mothers,Ds cried and cried when we came home, not just because we left Nanny but because he goes back to school on Thursday as a junior. There has been no pressure from us so not sure what to do for the best.

Another Yr 3 teacher here! Try not to worry, offer him a treat after school on Thursday (the dreaded McDonalds perhaps?) In all my years of teaching yr3, the tearful ones are generally fine by 9 15, there is so much going on, catching up with friends etc, they forget they are upset. The first 2 days will be very easy-going, lots of "lets look around the new school" and "lets design our peg sticker" type activities (although don't quote me on the exact activity!) Probably the most academic thing they will have to do then is write a few lines about their holidays. His teacher should pick up on the upset ones and keep ore of an eye on them, and any school worth its salt will not mind a call from you at about 11ish to ask how he is settling.
Good luck to all new Yr3s and their Mums!!

Thats kind nell12 - thanks

my ds was in yr3 last year he spent the whole summer worried about swimming with the school,i reassured him he did not have to swim.he was upset going in.I worried all day then when he came out he was smiling and was looking forward to swimming.his new teacher was lovely and also had told him he did not have to go in .Now he is a very good swimmer.And loved yr3 and looking forward to yr4.

My ds1 startes year 3 on monday. It is a new school to his infant school so I am really nervous for him. His infant school feeds into this junior school so there are quite a few of his friends with him although his Y2 class has been split.

He has started the "I don't want to go back to school" mantra too, which is making me even more nervous

Quick question for year 3 teachers. Are they "allowed" to use number lines etc . ds' maths is still quite basic but he feels more secure with props.

10 days to go and I'm starting to panic - again ! Torn between wanting him to enjoy the freedom of these last few days and the need to get him back to work.

MT That's a relief !! thank you.

lol, ds would like that.

At DD's school they spent the first week or so putting otgether a guide 'What's different about Y3'. Each of the children wrote about what they found different and it was put together in a big book for other children and parents to look at. It was very insightful!

He'd love you forever ! Not sure how he's going to cope in a more regimented environment although more routine is good for him. He is used to a really free and easy classroom so Prep school could well be a bit of a shock intially, but his new teacher does seem relaxed and approachable so there is hope !

Bigdonna - what a lovely post. I hope your ds has another excellent year in yr4

We are back tomorrow. Ds gone to bed ok so we`ll see what morning brings.

How did it go?

Very well indeed Rosin! He came out happy and has gone back happy every day since. On the first day he brought a letter from his new (and male) teacher. This welcomed us to Y3 explained about KS2 and set out the homework days ie numeracy or literacy on Thursdays for a Monday hand in, Spellings out on Friday for test the following week. I`ve not had this level of clarity from any previous teacher so am happy too.