Weekly News! 9.5.25
What a fabulous week we have had in Year 2! Here is what we have been up to…
English
We began the week by diving into some challenging comprehension questions based on the delightful story of "Emily Brown and the Thing." The children did an excellent job retrieving information from the text, showcasing their understanding and analytical skills.
In addition, we explored the use of direct speech and the importance of inverted commas. The students engaged wonderfully, and it was fantastic to see them applying these skills in their writing. We also had a creative session where we incorporated onomatopoeias into our narratives, bringing an added layer of excitement to their stories.
To round off the week, we focused on summarising the story, allowing the children to distil the main ideas and express their thoughts concisely. It was a joy to witness their progress!
Looking ahead, I am pleased to announce that next week we will be starting a brand new text entitled "The Lonely Beast."
Reading
Reading at 3 - Every Friday at 3 our doors will be open for you to come in and read with your child, please note, this will be for the full 15 minutes and children should not leave any earlier. Their books will be set up and ready for you to come in and enjoy listening to their wonderful reading.
Reading folders – Some children will continue to bring home two books, one being a RWI home book. Children are expected to try and read this three times during the week to ensure they are building on their reading fluency. The RWI home books will be changed by an adult.
The other book (with the coloured sticker) should be changed independently by the child themselves - first thing in the morning is a great time to do this!
Many children have now been moved onto the accelerated reader programme. (Please check their reading records for their ZPD scores. We will continue to assess and move more children onto this when they are ready. Children can change these books after they have completed the quiz online. The AR login can be found here… https://global-zone61.renaissance-go.com/welcomeportal/1892319
For a guide on how to use Accelerated Reader please click here… https://www.chiltonprimary.co.uk/accelerated-reader
Please ensure that the reading folders are placed in the reading trays/baskets, so we can read with your children and ensure books get changed. Thank you for your support with this!
Please listen to your child read as much as possible at home and record this in their reading records. Every week, one child from each class will receive a reading certificate in our Chilton Heroes assembly.
Maths
We kicked off the week by exploring the practical side of mass. The children had a fantastic time using scales to weigh various objects around the classroom. This hands-on experience not only made the learning more engaging but also allowed them to connect classroom mathematics with the world around them.
Following this, we delved into how to read different types of scales, which included both analogue and digital formats. The children encountered a variety of problem-solving activities that challenged their understanding of mass. We also discussed when it’s appropriate to use grams versus kilograms, reinforcing their ability to choose the correct unit of measurement for different items.
Next week we will be adding and subtracting mass!
PSHE
We have been focusing on the theme "I am loved, you are loved, we are loved". This has provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to explore feelings of acceptance and understanding, particularly in relation to neurodiversity.
This week, we read the inspiring story 'Masterpiece', which features a boy named Samuel, who is on the autism spectrum. The narrative invites us to see the world through Samuel’s unique perspective, highlighting his artistic gift and the beauty he brings to his classroom. As his classmates create their own art pieces, they learn valuable lessons about empathy, acceptance, and the importance of celebrating our differences. We found that the vibrant illustrations truly engaged the children, and 'Masterpiece' may well become a cherished read in many homes.
Following our exploration of the story, we engaged in a creative activity where students demonstrated their individuality using puzzle pieces. Each child coloured in their piece with the same key colours but filled in their brains with representations of different attributes, such as creativity, happiness, peacefulness, calmness, and sadness. This exercise not only allowed them to express themselves artistically but also to reflect upon how our unique traits contribute to a collective masterpiece of our community.
As we continue to celebrate our differences, I encourage you to engage in discussions at home about neurodiversity and the wonderful variety of perspectives we all bring to our interactions.
Thematic
This week within our thematic lessons we have been diving into sewing, where the children have been planning and creating their very own puppets, each adorned in a delightful t-shirt. Throughout this process, the focus has been on developing practical skills and decision-making. The students had the opportunity to choose between an over stitch or a running stitch, allowing them to explore various techniques that suit their creative visions.
In addition to their stitching choices, the children have also been annotating their plans. They’ve described the attachment techniques they wish to utilise and discussed ways to make their puppets really stand out. It’s wonderful to see their creativity flourish and their confidence grow as they tackle these tasks.
