Goldfinches
Welcome to Goldfinches class! We are a Year 2 class that loves to read, learn new and exciting things and have fun doing it. Below is some information about the class, as well as what we are learning about each term. If you have any questions, then please let us know!
Overview
We use the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 alongside Read Write Inc Phonics and Mastering Number. Lessons are structured to provide children with opportunities to think about, share and explore different subjects using practical resources and technology where possible. Children are encouraged to collaborate to solve problems and ask questions about what they are learning. Every lesson is designed to allow children to develop their knowledge and understanding whilst having fun doing it.
PE days
Tuesday & Friday
Book of the term
Missing Richmond
PSHE focus
Me & my relationships
What we're learning this term
Art
In art this term, we will be looking at self-portraits inspired by Picasso.
Computing
In computing we will be exploring and using Purple Mash.
English
In English this term, our grammar focus is using full stops and capital letters accurately, and linking our sentences together. We will be focussing on ensuring accurate use of punctuation and presentation throughout the year.
Handwriting & Phonics
We will have daily phonics and handwriting lessons, where children will continue learning new sounds and practise accurate and precise letter formation, following the Read Write Inc Letter Village lessons. Your child will be given a phonics book to read at home every week, which will be changed weekly.
Mathematics
In maths this term, we will be covering place value. We are also learning formal written methods of addition and subtraction with 2-digit numbers.
PE
This term, our focus will be on personal development and dance. Within these lessons we will develop fundamental movement skills to support balance, coordination and control; develop the ability to navigate space, change direction and speed safely; develop the fundamental movements of dance, introducing simple sequences and repeating patterns; and develop an understanding of musicality and artistry.
PSHE
In PSHE this term, we'll be thinking about what an ideal school would look like, as well as learning how to deal with our feelings and understand bullying.
RE
In Religious Education, we will investigate the key question: "Who made the world?" We will look at how wonderful the natural world is and consider how we need to look after it. We will also look at the Christian creation story and link this to Harvest Festival, and consider how we can be thankful for the things we have.
Science
We will be exploring materials in science this term, answering the key questions: What is the difference between an object and a material? What are the properties of different materials? Which materials are man-made and which are natural? Does it matter which materials we use to make objects? Which material would make the best shelter for a teddy?
Supporting Working Families with Wrap-Around Care
Breakfast Club 7:45am & Tea Time 3:00-5:15pm
Find Out More
Reading at home
At Staverton, we use Read, Write Inc systematic, synthetic phonics to teach our phonics. In EYFS, Year 1 and into Year 2, daily reading sessions are based around the Read, Write Inc programme. Sessions begin short – around 10 to 15 minutes – and build up gradually to 45 to 50 minutes as children progress.
This promotes pupils' phonics knowledge and decoding at word level, developing reading fluency, and using the alphabetic code to encode for spelling. Children engage in reading a variety of Read, Write Inc phonic books matched to the progression on a one-to-one basis. Comprehension and reading for pleasure are developed through reading a whole-class book on a daily basis.
Through this, children learn to:
- Decode letter-sound correspondences quickly and effortlessly, using their phonic knowledge and skills
- Read common exception words on sight
- Understand what they read
- Read aloud with fluency and expression
- Write confidently, with a strong focus on vocabulary and grammar
- Spell quickly and easily by segmenting the sounds in words
- Acquire good handwriting
Once children complete the Read Write Inc Phonics programme, they are taught reading through whole-class guided reading sessions. As part of guided reading, children are also taught spelling using the Read Write Inc Spelling programme.
Find out more about our approach to phonics on our Reading page.
Targeted academic support
We use Read, Write Inc to regularly assess children's progress in phonics. Sometimes it's necessary to provide extra support for children with word reading. For this, we use 1:1 tutoring to ensure all children are able to read fluently using recall of their phonic knowledge. Teachers ensure that children at risk of underachievement have daily one-to-one reading, which is carefully tracked.
