Grade 2 News!

Term 1 has started off wonderfully. All students have settled into the classroom routines beautifully and should be extremely proud of what they have achieved in such a short time. We are very proud of their efforts and the positive way they have started the year.

In Week 5, students attended swimming lessons each day where they learnt and practised important water safety skills. It was fantastic to see their confidence and development grow throughout the week. The students also enjoyed travelling on the bus together and showed excellent manners. We were even complimented by members of the public on how well behaved our students were, which was a very proud moment for our class.

In Literacy, we have been exploring a range of books by Julia Donaldson as part of our Big Book and comprehension focus. Students are thoroughly enjoying the stories and look forward to learning three interesting vocabulary words each week. Some of the words we have explored include grouse, implore, frolic, eagerly, and hideous. I encourage families to look up the word grouse together at home, as it actually has two meanings! Even Mrs Wilkinson and Mrs Tuhan were surprised to discover that it means more than just “awesome.”

This year we have introduced a Personal Journal as part of our Writing lessons. We write in these Tuesday, and some students have included special photos for added detail their book. Pencil illustrations are also included and encouraged. Many hands are up to share and reflect on their entry. We are super proud of their efforts with their journals and engagement is always high. If your child wants to include a photo for their weekly entry send it along, or send it to us via email and we can print it.

Students have also enjoyed the introduction of weekly spelling words. Each Monday, they receive 10 spelling words to practise at home. Homework books are returned on Fridays, when students are tested on their spelling. Each week has a specific spelling focus and students are enjoying the challenge, often excited to see how many words they have spelled correctly. This week our focus is on the sound /air/ like in hair, repair and stairs. You may have noticed that we are now including a couple of revision words to constantly review previous learnt letter combinations. Selecting the correct spelling pattern can be tricky and word families is just one strategy to practice as well as learn them. And of course, you may be familiar with the strategy of LOOK COVER WRITE CHECK which has been used for many years in learning to spell.

In Maths, we have introduced tasks in a rotation that include working alongside the Grade 1 class. This has been a huge success. These rotations are on the first three days of school. Our lessons on these days always begin with a fluency task. Students are to practice a number activity for approximately 5 to 10 mins to reinforce a skill they are learnt and bring that task to automaticity. This week, we are rolling 2 or 3 dice to generate a number, then count on/back two places. To challenge those children who are ready, we direct them to count on/back by 2s, or where their skills are on our scope and sequence. Students particularly enjoy the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) construction and hands-on activities where they are encouraged to problem solve and think creatively. It has also provided our Grade 2 students with a wonderful opportunity to develop their leadership skills, as they model positive behaviours and support the younger students. We are very proud of the way they are stepping up as leaders in our junior area.

We are incredibly proud of everything the students have achieved so far and are looking forward to the rest of the term being just as busy, with lots of learning, hard work, and exciting opportunities ahead.

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