Prep | Year 2 News
Unit of Inquiry
Transdisciplinary Theme: How the World Works
Central Idea: Using scientific principles, forms of energy, observe, test and apply
Key Concepts: Function, Change, Connection
Related Concepts: Prediction, evidence, proof, force, power, energy
In the last few weeks of our unit of inquiry learning, the boys have been focusing on behaving like scientists. They have found the most important thing that scientists do is be curious and ask interesting questions. Scientists are true, lifelong inquirers!
The boys have created questions and predictions and carried out simple science experiments to test and extend their thinking. They have transferred their knowledge through sharing their findings with their peers and making conclusions.
We are looking forward to welcoming some families next week to assist the boys in their Unit of Inquiry learning. We are sure you will be impressed by how knowledgeable the boys are becoming!
Maths
In Mathematics, the Year Two boys have begun inquiring into multiplication and division. The boys have shared their wonderings and we have begun learning about the big ideas of multiplication. This week, we have been learning about the connection between skip counting and multiplication. Year Two have then applied this knowledge to a range of Maths problems.
The boys will continue to develop a variety of strategies over the next few weeks to approach multiplication and division problems with confidence. Some big ideas we have discussed this week include repeated addition, skip counting, equal groups, total, and checking you work with a different strategy.
You can support your son in his multiplication and division learning at home through engaging in set Mathletics tasks each week and using the language of multiplication and division with him at home.
English
Our young learners are furthering their spelling and grammar skills through engaging in the InitiaLit programme. The boys receive targeted spelling and grammar lessons each week and have the opportunity to practise their new skills in Literacy groups in a variety of creative and fun ways. They use glass boards in the classroom, magnetic letters, dictionaries and copies of their spelling words on Seesaw to practise and create sentences with their new words. These strategies allow the boys to engage in hands-on experiences, which incorporate touch and movement in the learning of spelling. Recent research highlights the benefits of touch and movement in learning experiences, to aid in retention of new concepts. Experimenting and applying new spelling strategies allows our boys to build a strong understanding of spelling rules. You can support your son at home with his spelling by ensuring he is engaging daily with his spelling words each week on Seesaw. As an extra challenge, your son can engage in the range of spelling activities from our spelling matrix in the front of his home spelling book.
All classes are enjoying engaging in the shared reading of Roald Dahl’s, George’s Marvellous Medicine.
We have been using the book in a variety of creative ways in the classroom; from identifying adjectives, conjunctions and noun groups to using it as an inspiration for our procedural writing, where the boys designed and created their own marvellous medicine. All the boys have enjoyed the story so much that Mrs. Bruscino has shown the boys where the Roald Dahl books live in the Library.
Mandarin
This term, Year 2 boys embark on their inquiry journey with UOI “How the World Works?” by exploring Chinese vocabulary related to seasons (with months) and weather after discovering some scientific principles with underlying patterns. They are also equipped with the knowledge and skills on how to organise themselves to be principled independent learners using Seesaw and Quizlet with a growth mindset. These online learning tools have helped to support them to become flexible thinkers in using resources to master effective strategies for problem solving.
