Year 2 Update

Term One - That's a wrap!

What a fantastic start to the year it has been! Term 1 has been a wonderful opportunity for students to settle into their new classroom environment and build strong foundations for learning.

Throughout the term, we have focused on establishing clear routines and expectations. Students have worked hard to understand and follow classroom procedures, including lining up in roll order and transitioning smoothly between activities. It has been particularly pleasing to see their growing independence, with students increasingly able to set up for tasks and pack up after themselves with greater autonomy.

Students are continuing to adjust confidently to the expectations of Year 2, showing responsibility and pride in their learning environment. We are incredibly proud of the positive attitude and effort shown by all students and look forward to continuing this great work next term after a well-deserved break.

Learning in Year 2 

English  -Phonics

We will continue our focus on phonics, revising previously taught sounds and Heart Words to strengthen students’ reading fluency and automaticity. Students will also continue to build their understanding of prefixes and suffixes, exploring how these change the meaning of a base word. This will support both their reading comprehension and their ability to spell and write with greater accuracy.

English- Creating Texts

In English, we will focus on narrative as a text type. Our mentor texts will include How to Heal a Broken Wing and The Concrete Garden by Bob Graham. Through these texts, students will explore the structure of narratives, including identifying the beginning, problem and resolution. Students will also practise summarising key events.

Students will also begin to develop their ability to create engaging settings and characters by using descriptive language. They will explore how authors carefully choose words to help the reader build a clear picture in their mind, and apply these techniques in their own writing.

Mathematics

In the first two weeks of Term Two we will focus on building students’ addition skills. We will begin by learning, strengthening and consolidating our recall of ‘friends of 10’ facts and doubles. Students will then apply their knowledge of doubles to solve larger number problems and explore the ‘double, double’ relationship. This will support students in developing efficient mental strategies and improving their fluency with addition facts.

Inquiry

In Term Two, students will begin exploring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. Throughout the unit, students will develop an understanding of daily life, traditions and places of significance, and consider how these may be similar or different to their own experiences.

Students will explore important cultural practices and celebrations, and begin to recognise the significance of Country and community. They will also develop their skills in asking questions, discussing ideas and making simple connections between the past and present.

In Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

In SEL, students will participate in our Respect Rangers unit, developing skills in help-seeking, problem-solving and building respectful relationships. Students will learn to recognise when help is needed, identify trusted people and practise asking for support. Additionally, students will develop an understanding of fairness, inclusion and respect for differences, including recognising that stereotypes and labels can be unfair.

Continuous Reporting in Year 2

Our third Learning Task for Ongoing Reporting is now available on Compass. This task focused on Place Value and provided students with the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding through levelled activities. 

Hillsmeade Heroes 

A big congratulations to our Heroes for this fortnight

2A- Shams Q and Melika M

2B- Danial M and Zahra J

2C- Lucas and Olivia

2D - Wyatt & Abdul

Teamwork Incursion