Level 2: Connect

Looking ahead to Week 9 and 10

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we head into the next two weeks, we have lots of exciting learning planned! Here’s what we’ll be focusing on in each subject:

Maths

Over the last few weeks, we have been learning about a variety of addition strategies including adding and subtracting to 9 and 11 and the jump strategy. We will continue building their confidence with the jump strategy for addition and subtraction. This method helps them break down numbers and solve problems efficiently. We’ll also be reviewing all the addition and subtraction strategies we’ve learned throughout the term, reinforcing key skills and deepening their understanding.

We will also be creating different data displays (for example, lists, tally charts, jointly created column graphs and picture graphs) to represent a data set, describing the information that each display represents and discussing how easy or hard they are to interpret and why.

Reading

Students will continue practicing predicting what might happen next in a story using clues from the text. Students have been learning about how the words, illustrations and prior knowledge can assist in making reasonable predictions in a story. Predictions help readers actively engage with a text and improve comprehension by anticipating what will happen next. We’ll also revisit visualising, helping students create mental pictures to deepen their understanding.

Writing

Our writing focus will be on grammar and punctuation, ensuring students use capital letters and full stops correctly. We will also start exploring how to extend simple sentences by using who, what, where, when, why and conjunctions (such as becasue and so). In Week 10, students will revisit story mapping. We will be reading a book called The Balloon Tree and using that for our writing inspiration. There will be lots of discussion and idea-sharing before writing—because if we can say it, we can write it! 

Core Literacy

🔹 Week 9: "ue" at the end of words often makes the /oo/ or /yoo/ sound

• Examples: blue, true, glue, clue (pronounced /oo/ as in "blue")
• Examples: cue, due, value (pronounced /yoo/ as in "cue")

Rule: When "ue" appears at the end of a word.

🔹Week 10: In week 10, we will be reviewing all the we have learned throughout the term. 

We’re fortunate to have our learning specialist, Suzanne Condran, supporting the Year 2 team with Core Literacy. As a team, we believe many families would benefit from having access to the card deck we use in class through a video format. This way, students can practise these skills at home. You’re welcome to watch the video with or without sound, depending on your child’s needs for extra support. 

Gardening with Mr. Marco

Next Wednesday, all three Grade 2 classes will have a gardening session with Mr. Marco. This will be a great hands-on learning experience where students will be learning about the life cycle of a plant and planting spring onions! 

Inquiry Focus: Knowing Me

Exploring the Yellow and Red Zones

As part of our Zones of Regulation learning, students will be exploring the Yellow and Red Zones during their Inquiry lessons. The Yellow Zone includes emotions such as frustration, worry, excitement, and nervousness—feelings that signal we need to use strategies to stay in control. The Red Zone represents intense emotions like anger, fear, or extreme excitement, which can make it harder to think clearly and respond appropriately.

By understanding these zones, students will learn to recognise their emotions, identify how their bodies react, and develop strategies to manage their feelings effectively. This knowledge will support their self-regulation skills, helping them navigate challenges and stay engaged in their learning.

Have a lovely long weekend!

Eileen Thompson, Kym Seccull, Anthony Klvac & Kylie Clarke