Year 2
Willkommen, all Year 2 families.
It has been a delight to see so many happy and excited faces each morning. The return to school after the holidays can be a challenge, but our Year 2s have been fantastic, turning up with dedication and determination.
We have begun the year establishing routines and expectations within the classroom, which will set us up for a successful year. In particular, we have discussed the benefits of a growth mindset, looking at ways we can reflect on challenges and with the power of ‘yet’ we can view an impossible or difficult task as an opportunity to learn, grow and think outside the box. As we progress through the year, we’ll continue to reflect on our growth mindset and ways we can problem solve.
Literacy
Our Year 2 students have made a wonderful start to the year, diving back into their Literacy lessons with great enthusiasm and focus. We are excited to share that this year, our Literacy sessions will be incorporating a MSL approach.
MSL, or Multi-Sensory Learning, is a scientifically proven, evidence-based approach that aligns with how the brain processes information. This method focuses on the best ways students learn to read and write. By incorporating multiple senses, MSL enhances learning and retention, helping students to make stronger connections with the material. It incorporates the 5 essential steps to reading and writing success: identifying letter sounds, sounding out words, fluency, accuracy and comprehension.
Students are taught clear explanations of the relationships between phonics, spelling rules and the meanings of word parts (morphology) whilst simultaneously using multiple senses (auditory, visual and kinaesthetic-tactile) to form stronger neural pathways in the brain. This helps to embed learning in long-term memory.
This year we will introduce more complex sound and letter combinations, as well as new spelling rules that make up our English language. Students will learn, practise and apply these new skills to their reading and writing, whilst continuously consolidating their developing skills.
Term 1 will focus on:
- Y as a vowel. The letter y at the end of a single syllable word says /i/ (cry) and says /e/ (baby) at the end of multi syllable words.
- igh
- Silent Final e
- ai, ay
- oi, oy
- FLOSS rule - Double the final f, l, s, and z in single syllable words after one vowel (usually a short vowel).
- k/CK rule - Use the consonant digraph 'ck' only at the end of 1-syllable words when the /k/ sound IMMEDIATELY follows a vowel.
- ch/tch rule - If the /ch/ sound is at the end of a syllable AND it is immediately preceded by a short vowel, it is spelled tch
We look forward to seeing how these strategies will support our students' growth and help them build a solid foundation in Literacy this year!
Reader’s Workshop
Year 2 students will be involved in Workshops that allow them to engage in authentic reading experiences based on teacher selected Mentor Texts. The texts are used to highlight examples of well constructed text, explore the elements of storytelling and inspire students to make connections between the text and their own personal experiences and knowledge.
Writer’s Workshop
Our Writer’s Workshop sessions will focus on the art of recount and narrative writing. Students will learn to craft compelling stories, paying close attention to word choice and descriptive writing that can bring their narratives to life. We are big believers in encouraging creativity in wordplay! This will enhance their writing skills and contribute to a deeper understanding of the texts they encounter in their independent reading.
Mathematics
At Cheltenham Primary, our weekly Mathematics learning follows the 3:2 model. Lessons are divided into three days focused on Number (Counting, Place Value, and Operations), with Thursday and Friday dedicated to Data, Measurement, or Geometry. This approach helps children make connections across different areas of mathematics and develop a strong understanding of how maths applies to the real world.
In Term 1, our focus will be on exploring the properties of numbers, place value, and counting. Our young learners will make, discuss, and order two- and three-digit numbers, while also identifying patterns. We will also explore time measurement, including calendars and months. Additionally, students will engage in data collection and interpretation, gathering their own data, creating graphs, and drawing conclusions based on their findings.
Inquiry Topic - Family History
This term we are looking at our families, identifying what makes them special and discussing the things that are important to different families. Through discussions, fun activities, and storytelling, students will explore how every family is unique but all provide love, support, and a sense of belonging.
Part of our curriculum asks the students to compare their childhood with that of different family members! We ask that you share your childhood memories and discuss any similarities or differences!
Zones of Regulation
Students will learn to classify their feelings and energy levels into four coloured zones:
- Green zone - ready to learn, calm, happy, focussed
- Yellow zone - some control, excited, nervous, frustrated
- Blue zone - moving slowly, sad, tired, sick.
- Red zone - out of control, terrified, angry, elated, mad.
Students are being encouraged to identify which zone they are in and start to use tools to be in the appropriate zone for the moment.
Homework
From Monday 17th February, Year 2 Daily Reading will commence. Students will bring home two levelled reading books, and we ask parents/ guardians to read for approximately 10 minutes with their child and record the title and pages read in the ‘My Home Reading Book.’. These will then be returned to school each Monday, when new books will be selected. At school, the students have been focussing on reading with fluency (not too fast, not too slow!), accuracy (reading exactly what is written on the page) and expression (reading with feeling). We would appreciate you also encouraging these reading skills at home.
Sun Smart
Our School Sun Smart Policy requests that students wear their hats to school from September 1st to May 1st. Hats should be worn to and from school, as well as during play times or lessons taking place outside. Any students not wearing their hat, will need to ensure they stay within the designated shady spots. E.g the sandpit or Junior School Playground. Please check the hat is clearly named!
Important Dates
Monday 10th March - Labour Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 25th March – School Photo Day
Friday 4th April - End of Term 1
Andy Culvenor (2A), Kerrie Gentner (2B), Rebecca Taylor and Carly Toister (2C)