Achilles 

READING

In Reading this month, Year 2 students have been developing their comprehension skills by exploring a range of rich texts, including Eyes That Speak to the Stars, The Proudest Blue and The Kindest Red. Students have been learning to answer literal and inferred questions by finding information in the text and using clues to make thoughtful predictions and connections. They have explored how authors use nouns, adjectives and verbs to create meaning and describe characters, settings and events. Students have been developing their understanding of characters’ emotions and perspectives, while practising writing summaries to share the key ideas from texts. Through class discussions and activities, students are becoming confident readers who can explain their thinking and make meaningful connections.

WRITING

In Writing this month, students have been learning about different types of letters and why people write them. Students have explored the features and purposes of thank you letters, requesting letters and letters that share news with others. They have learned how to organise their ideas using important letter features such as the date, greeting, body, friendly ending, closing and name. Students have practised writing clear sentences, adding details, sharing their thoughts and choosing language that matches their purpose and audience. They have also developed their editing skills by checking punctuation, capital letters, spelling and making improvements to their writing before publishing their final letters.

MATHS

Mathematics – Multiplication, Mass and Time

This term in Mathematics, our Year 2 students have been developing their understanding of multiplication by exploring repeated addition and using arrays to represent equal groups. Through hands-on activities, games and problem-solving tasks, students have learned to recognise patterns, explain their thinking and solve simple multiplication problems using a variety of strategies.

Students have also been investigating mass by estimating, measuring and comparing the weight of everyday objects using informal and formal units. They have been learning to use balance scales and discuss why some objects are heavier or lighter than others.

In our measurement unit on time, students have been building confidence in reading and telling the time to the hour, half-hour, quarter past and quarter to on both analogue and digital clocks. They have explored how time is used in everyday life by sequencing daily events, calculating durations and using timetables and schedules.

It has been wonderful to see students applying their mathematical knowledge in real-life situations while developing confidence in explaining their reasoning and using mathematical language.

INQUIRY

History – Learning About the Past

This term, our Year 2 students have been exploring the past and learning how history helps us understand the world around us. Students have been asking historical questions, investigating different sources such as photographs, objects and stories, and sequencing important events in chronological order.

Throughout our learning, students have compared life in the past with life today, identifying what has changed, what has stayed the same and why these changes have happened. They have explored the history of their own families and community, learning about significant people, places and events that have shaped our lives.

Students have also been developing their ability to communicate historical understanding by creating timelines, discussing historical sources, and using appropriate historical vocabulary to share information about themselves, their families and their community. We are proud of the curiosity and enthusiasm students have shown as they continue to discover how the past connects to the present.

SEL

In Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) this month, Year 2 students have been developing their understanding of emotions, resilience and caring relationships. Students have been learning to name and recognise their emotions, understand that feelings do not define who they are, and practise strategies to help manage big emotions. They have worked together to create class expectations that show care for themselves, others, their learning and their school. Students have also learned when and how to ask trusted adults for help and have explored different calming and cheering strategies to support their wellbeing. Through discussions, games and role-play activities, students are building confidence, empathy and positive choices.