Maths
This half-term, the children will learn to develop their number skills. So far, we’ve learnt about multiples of numbers, partitioning numbers, odd and even numbers and we’ve been mentally adding numbers, too.
We’ll soon be focusing on using other methods to add and subtract. To help your child at home, you could encourage them to count on and back from random numbers in 1s, 2s, 5s and 10s.
We’ll learn our 2, 5 and 10 times table this year so practising them will help, too.
Roll Up! Roll Up!
Our big topic ‘Roll Up! Roll Up!’ will start in October – we’ll learn all about the circus.
We’re looking forward to learning some circus skills too!
You might be interested to know that the Netherlands National Circus are performing in Harrogate on The Stray between the 18 and 23September.(Check out Groupon for some discounted prices!)
SEAL
The SEAL topic for this half term is ‘New Beginnings’. As a class, we have decided what rules we should all follow and have created a learning contract that we have all signed. The children will develop their speaking, listening and thinking skills through circle time. It is also a good opportunity for children to reflect on their week and help others with their problems.
Well done to Grace and Mia for making Jorja feel welcome in her new beginning at Moortown Primary.
SEAL statement 07 September
This week we begin our new SEAL theme, New Beginnings, and the weekly statement is ‘I can make someone feel welcome.‘
Over this half term, as the children are experiencing new beginnings, each class will be looking at how they can all contribute to establishing a welcoming and safe environment for learning.
PE
PE will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please ensure that your child has pumps for indoor PE and suitable outdoor footwear.
This half-term, we’ll focus on dance in our indoor PE sessions and throwing and catching skills in our outdoor PE sessions.
Reading
Oxford Reading Tree books will be changed on Tuesdays and Fridays.
If your child finishes their book before these days, they should have a go at the reading tasks (these can be found in their homework books). They should also re-read the book a couple of times (this is useful to develop instant recognition of some words, especially important for words that can’t be broken down into phonics eg ‘said’ – we sometimes call these ‘tricky words’).
We will allow children to have a book from the library at home, too. These can be changed on Wednesdays.
In addition to reading at home, each child will read some of their Oxford Reading Tree book once a week with Mrs Stewart. They will also read a separate book with me in one guided reading session a week.
Welcome back
Welcome back. I hope you all had an enjoyable summer break. I’ve enjoyed listening to all of the days out and holidays that the children have been on!
I’ve been really pleased with how motivated the children have been in our first week back. Our first few weeks will involve some re-capping. For example, we’ll revisit some of the phonics covered in Year 1. Children tend to slip back a bit over the long holidays so regular reading at home and practising of handwriting, counting and number bonds will all help.
For those of you who I don’t know, this will be my fifth year at Moortown Primary and my second year teaching in Year 2. Parents’ Evening will be towards the end of October; in the meantime, please feel free to drop in if you have any queries. I look forward to getting to know you all better.
Finally, I’d like to welcome Jorja to our class. She’s been welcomed by all the class and is already proving to be a great member of the Year 2 learning community.
Health questionnaire
There will be no further homework this term. However, please support your child to complete the health questionnaire sent home today in order to find out their views on some of our key health issues at school.
Emotional health and obesity are the two targets we are working on in school to further our healthy schools status and the questions, devised last year by the school council, are linked to these areas. These include:
- Are you happy at school?
- What do you enjoy most about playtimes and lunchtimes?
Completed questionnaires to be returned by Monday 16 July.
Goodbye Year 2
If I had a pound for every wobbly tooth I’ve been shown this year, I’d be a rich woman!
This is just one of the many delights which I have discovered teaching in Year 2 brings. It has been an enjoyable year with lots of interesting stories from weekends away or days out (Sam and Brandon particularly)! I’ve learnt more facts about sharks than I ever thought possible (Oliver, Levon and Ethan)! Ravinder and Arranhave provided many thought-provoking questions with their ever-enquiring minds, whilst Alex and Katarina have wowed us with their confidence and ability to settle in to new surroundings.
As I enjoy being active, I was pleased to discover that the class love PE and that they have been enthusiastic about taking part in sporting events. Zach was even the first child from Moortown Primary to cross the finish line at the Roundhay Fun Run! Archie, Shriyaa, Bailey, Jahneil, Lanas and Molly were keen to take part in the Wake Up! Shake Up! competition which meant I got to hear lots more of my favourite band, One Direction! Pavan, Simran and Isabella have demonstrated a talent for gymnastics and Tayshaun never fails to impress us with his football skills (remember us when you’re famous Mr Lennon)!
Other successes of the year include:
- Superstar mathematician Henry who’s made great progress
- Roshan’s big improvements in reading
- Ibrahim putting 100% effort into his learning
- Ahmed’s amazingly creative homework
- Shahban’s accurate observational drawings
- Jawaad’s ability to make us jump with his animated expression when reading a story
- Jaskirat’s fantastic handwriting
- Yahya’s helpful contributions as school councillor
- Rayhaan’s ability to be ready to learn at all times
And…. not forgetting Linda’s brilliant performance in the Christmas production!
Thank you to Mrs Stewart for all of her help with class routines and the children’s learning. Finally, thank you to all of the parents this year for continued support with your child’s learning – it really does make a difference! I wish all of Year 2 an enjoyable time with Mr Wilks in Year 3.
Have a lovely summer.
Miss Hewson
Dance Showcase
Well done to the children who took part in the Dance Showcase at Allerton Grange. Thank you to Tracey for choreographing a fantastic routine which involved lifts and the children making use of the whole stage.
