English

In English, we began exploring settings and thinking carefully about where and when a story takes place. We used our class text to identify the settings of the forest and Grandma's house and discussed how authors describe places to help readers imagine them.

The children learned about adjectives and used them to create vocabulary mind maps describing the forest setting. They then developed their understanding by writing expanded noun phrases, such as bright, pink flowers and dark, brown trunks, to make their writing more detailed and interesting.

Later in the week, we moved on to compound sentences, joining ideas together using conjunctions. The children then designed and labelled their own fantasy settings before using their plans to write a detailed setting description as their independent showpiece piece of writing.

SPaG

Our red word focus this week included: friend, what, was, once, some, come and when

We also practised the months of the year, learning and singing the months song.

The children continued paired reading, class reading and teacher-led reading sessions, working on fluency, expression and confidence.

Maths

In maths, we continued our work on place value within 100.

The children:

• Used bead strings and base-10 equipment to identify tens and ones in two-digit numbers.
• Practised explaining numbers using mathematical language such as "34 is 3 tens and 4 ones."
• Counted forwards and backwards in ones and tens.
• Explored what happens when crossing a multiple of 10.
• Used one hundred squares to solve addition and subtraction problems involving regrouping.

We encouraged children to explain their mathematical thinking using full sentences and mathematical vocabulary.

Thematic Learning - Sow and Grow

This week we investigated how plants and trees change throughout the year.

The children:

• Learned the difference between evergreen and deciduous trees.
• Observed and compared a variety of trees and leaves.
• Discussed seasonal changes, such as leaves changing colour, falling from trees and blossoms appearing and disappearing.
• Practised sorting and grouping different trees based on their features.

We also explored a question: "Are all trees the same?"

Towards the end of the week, we began investigating what seeds need to grow. The children predicted what plants might need and started thinking like scientists by observing, discussing and recording their ideas.

 

What do seeds need to germinate?

Lots of water                                           Some water                                       No water

 

We also enjoyed celebrating our Year 2 Harvest Festival together. We are so proud of the children for performing!

 

Wellies

As the weather begins to turn, we ask that all children bring in a named pair of wellies to keep at school. They must wear wellies if they would like to play on the top field at lunchtime.

Spare clothes

We kindly ask that all Year 2 children have a spare set of clothes in school, including underwear and socks, in case of accidents or spills during the day. Having these items available helps us ensure your child stays comfortable and can quickly return to their learning.

If you have any spare underwear or clothing at home that your child has outgrown and you would be happy to donate, we would greatly appreciate it. These donations are very helpful for supporting all children when needed.

Thank you for your continued support.

AR reading

Your child will bring home AR levelled books. You can read the books and then take the quizzes on AR. We will reassess the children next term and their AR level may change after they take their next assessment in school.

Snacks

We do provide fruit for children to eat during breaktime. Children are welcome to bring their own fruit or veggie snack if they would prefer. Breadsticks/cereal bars are also permitted, but fruit and veggies are preferable. 

 

Next week in Thematic, our subject will be Design and Technology. We will be designing, building and evaluating our projects. Please send in any clean recycling or junk modelling materials that you have spare (cardboard, bottle lids, strings, ribbons, straws, foil, etc..)

 

Love 2 Learn

For your love 2 learn task, please practice designing and building a project of your own. We will be linking our D&T to next terms topic, Fire Fire, where we will learn about the great fire of London.  Please design and build a house of any kind. First, draw a picture of your design. Then make it.

 

 

Dates for your Diary

23rd October – Halloween Disco – All children come to school in fancy dress. Year 1, 2 and 3 Disco from 2pm-3pm and year 4, 5 and 6 disco from 3.15-4.15

23rd October – Final day of term