Newsletter 29.09

Broad and Balanced...
Year 2
Year 2 have settled into their new class really well. We have been very proud
of how well they have returned to school ready to learn. They are showing that
they can listen to and follow instructions carefully. In their learning, they are
always very enthusiastic and keen to share their own ideas with their friends
and the rest of the class. We spent a lot of time in the first few weeks playing
team games, taking turns and agreeing our class rules, which include being
kind to others and treating everyone with respect.
Our topic is ‘How Great was the Fire of London?’ The children have been very
interested in learning about how and when the fire started as well as what the
living conditions were like in London in 1666. They were shocked to learn that
there were no sewers at the time! We have used this new knowledge to help
write descriptions about London.
In maths, the children have been learning all about the value of numbers. They
have used Numicon to make their own numbers. They have been making their
own numbers using the part-whole model. TT Rockstars has been a big hit
during COOL time, with the children starting to be able to rapidly recall their
2, 5 and 10 times tables.
In art, we have been learning about the local artist, Barbara Hepworth. We
looked at some of her pencil sketches and talked about how she used the
landscape around her as her inspiration. The children then created their own
sketches from their own experiences. We definitely have some budding artists
in the class!
In outdoor learning, the children have been using their scientific knowledge to
help them to search for habitats. They have also been developing their ability
to work as part of a team and solve problems.
Our class reading journal has proved a huge success with everyone being
excited to take it home so that they can create an entry about their favourite
book; our aim is that everyone in the class will have the opportunity to take
the journal home at some point this year. This is then shared with the rest of
the class so that everyone can hear about the books that other children in the
class enjoy reading. The children have also visited the library and chosen a
book that they can take home to read for pleasure; they are welcome to bring
this back and change it as often as they like.
What a brilliant start to Year 2 everyone - keep up all your hard work!