Year 2
Miss Howarth & Mrs Bass (2H Class Teachers)
Mrs Baker (Teaching Assistant)
Topics
• Autumn - Movers & Shakers
• Spring - Geography focus
• Summer - Magnificent Monarchs
What will Year 2 be doing this term?
English
In English, we will start the term with a unit on poetry. The children will have the opportunity to explore, discuss and perform a range of poems by Michael Rosen.
We will then move on to reading, discussing and retelling the following Aboriginal Dreamtime stories: Why Koalas have Stumpy Tails, How Kangaroos Got Their Tails, The Rainbow Serpent, Tiddalick the Frog, and the Rainbow Bird.
In Spring 2, we will complete a unit of work on the text The Secret of Black Rock by Joe Todd-Stanton and complete the unit by looking at a range of non-fiction texts.
Weekly reading comprehension and guided reading sessions will continue and each week we will focus on a new spelling rule/pattern from the Supersonic Phonic Friends Year 2 spelling programme. Handwriting lessons will also take place to teach the children to how to join their handwriting correctly.
- To recall and use multiplication and division facts for the 2, 5 and 10 multiplication tables, including recognising odd and even numbers.
- To calculate mathematical statements for multiplication and division within the multiplication tables and write them using the multiplication (×), division (÷) and equals (=) signs.
- To show that multiplication of two numbers can be done in any order (commutative) and division of one number by another cannot.
- To solve problems involving multiplication and division, using materials, arrays, repeated addition, mental methods, and multiplication and division facts, including problems in contexts.
- To recognise and use symbols for pounds (£) and pence (p); combine amounts to make a particular value.
- To find different combinations of coins that equal the same amounts of money.
- To solve simple problems in a practical context involving addition and subtraction of money of the same unit, including giving change.
To choose and use appropriate standard units to estimate and measure length/height in any direction (m/cm); mass (kg/g); temperature (°C); capacity (litres/ml) to the nearest appropriate unit, using rulers, scales, thermometers and measuring vessels.
To compare and order lengths, mass, volume/capacity and record the results using >, < and =
This term we will cover the following:
- name and locate the world's seven continents and five oceans.
- locate the UK on a world map and discuss where we live in the UK.
- locate where cold places are in the world and explore the Arctic and Antarctica.
- locate where hot places are in the world and discuss how rainforests and deserts are near to the Equator.
History
This term we will cover the following:
- read the book 'Wangari's Trees of Peace' and find out how the environmentalist Wangari Maathai gained a Nobel Peace Prize.
- study the famous nurses Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole and find out how they helped the soldiers in the Crimean War.
- compare and contrast hospitals wards from today and during the Crimean War.
Science
In Science this term, we will be learning all about uses of everyday materials. The children will be taught to:
- identify and compare the suitability of a variety of everyday materials (including wood, metal, plastic, glass, brick, rock, paper and cardboard) for particular uses.
- find out how shapes of solid objects made from some materials can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting and stretching.
- complete a scientist study of John McAdam who was a road builder who introduced tarmac to create a smooth hard surface for roads.
Religious Education
In RE lessons this term we will be learning about:
- Religious books (The Bible, The Qu'ran, The Guru Granth Sahib). We will look at some of the stories and parables written in the books and the messages that they are delivering.
- the Understanding Christianity unit of Salvation and explore 'Why Does Easter Matter to Christians?'
PE
During Spring 1 we will be continuing with units of work on Dance and Gymnastics.
In Spring 2 we will focus on Invasion and Target games.
Year 2's PE days are Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please ensure your child comes to school on these days wearing their PE kit - school PE t-shirt (or plain white t-shirt), school jumper/cardigan, black shorts/jogging bottoms/leggings and a pair of trainers (please can the trainers have velcro fastening since laces cause much disruption to the lesson!).
Art
Our Art lessons will focus on 'Sculpture' this term. We will be looking at sculptures designed by the British artist Anthony Gormley (such the Angel of the North, Another Place, Field, Quantum Cloud, Exposure) and the Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti (such as Walking Man, Seated Man, The Chariot) and discuss how these sculptors were influenced by the artistic styles of Cubism and Surrealism. The children will then have an opportunity to attend a workshop where they will design and make a sculpture in the style of Alberto Giacometti.
Design & Technology
The Design and Technology unit will focus on 'Textiles'. The children will design and make a soft toy for a child. They will consider the suitability and safety of different types of materials and be introduced to sewing.
Computing
Topic - Robot Algorithms
The children will programme Bee bots to follow a series of instructions and learn to debug a programme that they have written.
Important reminders
Please make sure that your child brings their water bottle, reading book and reading diary into school every day. Your child may not necessarily read on the same day each week so it is really important that they come prepared every day. We cannot issue the next book until the previous book has been returned. Any lost or damaged books will incur a cost of £5. Thank you for your support with this matter.