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, The Kindest Red and What Do You Do To Celebrate. 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, Year 2 students have been exploring the exciting world of fairytales. We have been learning about the features that make fairytales different from other types of narratives, including familiar characters, magical settings, problems and solutions, and the use of repeated patterns and language. Students have also been experimenting with fractured fairytales, where they change parts of a traditional fairytale to create a new and often surprising version of the story. Through this work, students have been developing their ideas, using descriptive language and thinking carefully about how writers can change a familiar story while still keeping some of its important fairytale features.

MATHS

In Mathematics, Year 2 students have been developing their understanding of multiplication by exploring equal groups, repeated addition and arrays. Students have been solving practical and worded problems and using a range of strategies to explain their thinking.

We have also been learning about mapping and location, using maps, keys, directions and positional language to describe where objects and places are located. In our Mass unit, students have been comparing, ordering and measuring the mass of objects using informal and formal units. Students have also been exploring transformations, investigating how shapes can be translated, rotated and reflected.

It has been wonderful to see students building their mathematical vocabulary, reasoning skills and confidence as they apply their learning to real-life situations.

INQUIRY

Year 2 Inquiry – Cultural Importance

In Inquiry, students have been exploring the cultural importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their connection to Country and Place. We read the text Bunjil the Eagle and discussed the significance of Bunjil to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people. Students explored how stories can share important cultural knowledge, values and connections to Country.

Through class discussions and activities, students developed their understanding of how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, stories and traditions continue to be an important part of Australia’s history and identity.

S.E.L

In Social, Emotional Learning this term, Grade 2 students are developing important skills to help them understand and manage their emotions and relationships with others. Through learning about Cheering Up and Calming Down, In Their Shoes, and Facing Fears, students are exploring ways to recognise and manage their feelings, understand how others may feel, and build confidence when facing challenges. We are also focusing on caring for others, particularly when friendship issues arise. Students are learning how to be a good friend, use kind and respectful words, listen to others, and work together to find positive solutions to friendship problems.