Year 2 class information

Click here to read about what we are doing in Year 2 this term and for links to useful websites to support your child’s learning.

School value

Our school value that will be discussed and practised in class and through our school assemblies throughout the half term is cooperation. Our value for Autumn 2 is communication.

Literacy

In class we will be reading: Lila and the secret of rain by David Conway and Jude Daly.

Reading

The library at Touchbase Pears is a great place to borrow books and is free to join and use.

Grammar

Discovery Education is a resource that your child has a log-in for as part of our school subscription.  This site has videos and activities to support their learning: KS1 Grammar – click here. Please do ask if you need your child’s log in details sending home again.

Another tool that can be helpful is BBC Bitesize – Grammar.

Spelling

Year 2 common exception words.

Phonics

We use the Little Wandle Early Reading Programme to teach phonics and spellings. As part of the programme spelling will be sent home weekly. If you have any questions or you would like to know how you can support your child please click here .

Part of the programme encourages reading regularly. You too can read the book that your child has been reading in class 3 times a week on Collins ebooks.

Maths

This half term we will be focusing on place value.

Your child also has a school subscriptions for two excellent National Curriculum-aligned maths sites/apps.

Mathletics log ins will remain the same as last year – please ask if you require them again and TTRS (Times Table Rock Star) log ins will be sent out to you in the upcoming weeks.

• Mathletics – click here
• Times Table Rock Stars – click here

Science

Our unit topic this half term is Living things: Habitats and in Autumn 2 is Living things: Micro habitats.

You might find the activities on this link useful: Living habitats

Through all our science work we think about working scientifically.  You might find this link helpful when talking to your child about our learning: Working Scientifically

Computing

In Autumn 1 our topic is Computing systems and networks: IT around us. Learners will develop their understanding of what information technology (IT) is and will begin to identify examples. They will discuss where they have seen IT in school and beyond, in settings such as shops, hospitals, and libraries. Learners will then investigate how IT improves our world, and they will learn about the importance of using IT responsibly.

In Autumn 2 during computing week at school we will focus on Creating media – digital photography. Learners will learn to recognise that different devices can be used to capture photographs and will gain experience capturing, editing, and improving photos. 

You can use the Think U Know website to support your child with their learning about e-safety and becoming responsible digital citizens.

Art and Design

Our unit topic this term is Drawing: Tell a story.  We will develop a range of mark making techniques, explore and experiment with mark making to create textures, develop our observational drawing techniques, understand how to apply expressions to illustrate a character and develop illustrations to tell a story.

Design and Technology

Our unit this half term will be ‘Mechanisms – Fairground wheels’ where children will learn and consider the materials, shape, construction and mechanisms of a wheel, build a stable structure with a rotating wheel and follow a design plan to make a completed model of the wheel. Throughout the lessons they will learn how to test and adapt their designs as necessary. To support your child’s learning you can access some further information here. During Autumn 2 we will be focusing on developing knowledge on ‘Structures’. 

Geography

Our unit topic is ‘would you prefer to live in a hot or cold country?‘ We will be learning about the world, the 7 seven continents and how hot and cold countries compare.

The seven continents

The continent of Antarctica

A great (and fun!) tool to explore is google earth.

History

In our history work we will be learning about The Gunpowder Plot. You might find the following link useful for discussing this topic with your child:

The Gunpowder Plot

Music

This term we will continue to work on our music with Mrs Vaughan. We look forward to seeing you all at our Harvest Festival on 24.10.2024 and Christmas Production on 12.12.2024.

PE

In PE, Year 2 will be looking at tell a story dance where children will learn how to express a series of creative moves through dance and invasion games. During this unit children will take part in games that require basic movement patterns.

RSHE

During our RSHE lessons we will be learning and exploring Families and relationships and citizenship.   

RE

Our topics for this term are:

• Living by the rules
• Being temperate, self disciplined and seeking contentment

We will discuss these topics in line with the Birmingham Agreed Syllabus which promotes respect, tolerance and understanding.  This link is a great way to find out more about the many faiths in our community KS1 Religious Education: BBC Bitesize.