Year 2 News
Reading
At the end of Term 3, Year 2 students practised summarising by reading digital non-fiction texts. They used subheadings, diagrams, and labels to guide their summaries, helping them focus on key information. Teachers assigned leveled books from Epic, while students also had the opportunity to choose their own texts from the platform. This multilayered task boosted their confidence in using technology, while also strengthening their IT skills, such as switching devices on and off, logging into websites, and typing in usernames and passwords.
To start off Term 4, in Reading, Year 2 Cohort practised developing their fluency by reading with accuracy, expression, and pace. Students engaged in repeated reading and listened carefully to modelled examples to improve their flow and confidence. This practice has helped them become more expressive and confident readers.
“We have been reading on EPIC. We’ve been reading fiction and non fiction and it is really fun doing it on the laptop.” - Indy 2A
“We went on EPIC and we were reading fiction and non fiction books. I read a book that was called My Monster.” - Mya 2A
“We have been navigating texts and navigating means when we are clicking and pressing things online. We have been doing this for 2 or 3 weeks. We got to go on laptops and on EPIC.” - Zareen 2A
Writing
At the end of Term 3, Year 2 students were writing an explanation text about the life cycle of a chosen animal. They were able to choose their own animal to research and discover new facts about their animal's life before planning and writing their explanation text.
The students explored the amazing changes that animals go through as they grow. They have been learning to organise their ideas clearly, use topic sentences, and include sequencing words like "first," "next," and "finally." They practised using scientific vocabulary and drawing diagrams to help explain each stage of the life cycle.
To start off Term 4 in writing, the students have been writing a recount of what they got up to over the holidays. They created a mind map to plan their recount and then used their plan to help write a detailed piece of writing, Students focussed on using the past tense to talk about how they spent their two week break.
“I’ve been writing about a dog's lifecycle and how big it is when it’s first born.” - Indy 2A
“I wrote my explanation text about a snake's life cycle. Did you know snakes are venomous? You have to stand still if you see a snake so you don’t get bitten.” - Ivaan 2C
“Over the holidaysI went to a zoo called Ballarat Wildlife Park.There were so many kangaroos, I even got to feed one. I saw a joey come out of the pouch. I am writing about this in my recount” - Makrukh 2C
Maths
At the end of Term 3, Year 2 students explored the concept of measurement. Working in groups, they used an equal arm balance to weigh a variety of objects and discover how the balance shows which items are heavier or lighter. They then compared weights using informal units such as Unifix cubes and teddies, making the activity both hands on and engaging. Year 2 students explored capacity by using different containers to compare how much they could hold. They experimented by filling the containers with sand and water to observe the differences. This hands-on activity helped them build a clearer understanding of volume and measurement.
In the first week of Term 4, students revisited the concept of place value. They built numbers using MAB blocks and placed their numbers on a number line to demonstrate their understanding. They practised partitioning numbers into hundreds, tens, and ones, and compared numbers to identify which were greater or smaller.
Inquiry
At the end of Term 3, Year 2 students created amazing posters on a life cycle of their choice. Students used their research skills to find information and write about each stage of their life cycle. Some students chose animals, whilst others chose plants. After completion, students presented their poster to their class.
In the first week of Term 4, Year 2 students have begun looking at a new topic ‘a healthy mind’ which focuses on overall health. Students explored their strengths, interests and personal characteristics. Then they interviewed a peer to learn about their strengths and interests. Students are excited to explore this topic further throughout the term.
Auslan
At the end of Term 3, Year 2 students viewed a video about the days of the week and the months of the year. As they watched the video, they participated in copying by making the sign with their hands for that day of the week then month of the year. During this time, students focus on using their hands to sign with voices off.
Students are continuing practicing these skills in Term 4. Year 2 students began the term learning how to sign numbers in auslan.
“I learnt how to sign my birthday number and my friends”- Charlotte 2B
“I can sign my name and numbers up to 10!”- Harry 2B
“I signed with my hands number 12, it was tricky”- Taha 2B
Social and Emotional Learning
Special Event
Wildlife Encounters Incursion
During the last week of Term 3, Year 2 students participated in a Wildlife Encounters incursion to enhance their knowledge of animal lifecycles. They had the opportunity to observe a stick insect, green tree frog, blue-tongue lizard, turtle, frilled-neck lizard, two snakes, and a crocodile up close. Students were even given the choice to touch or feel the animals, making it an exciting and memorable learning experience.
“At the incursion we saw really cool animals. Did you know bright colours scare predators!” - Indy 2A
“At the reptile incursion we saw different types of reptiles and I liked the turtle.” - Eliz 2A
“Touching a crocodile was so amazing. It looked like it was going to be hard but it was soft.” - Georgia 2A
“I enjoyed getting to pet the animals. I got to hold the giant snake, it felt weird! I liked getting to touch the crocodile because they are one of my favourite animals.” - Armani 2C
“I held the middle part of the snake. It felt scaly and it was heavy.” - Nico 2A
“I enjoyed when I held the snake because it felt scaly and smooth and I also liked seeing the stick insect and the turtle. When you touched the turtle it got scared and moved its legs around” - Guntas 2C
“We saw a stick insect and a frog. Then we saw two snakes, one was little and one was big they had scales. Then we felt a crocodile its mouth was taped shut. It felt really good.” - Mya 2A
