This term our topic is “Movers and Shakers”. Throughout this topic, we will learn about significant people from the past and how they have changed the views of people in the modern day.
Other helpful documents
Movers and Shakers Home Learning Tasks
Movers and Shakers Vocabulary Mat
(Please refer to the Downloadable Resources Page for PDF copies of all highlighted/underlined documents)
Although this topic is mainly historical, we will look at several historical landmarks and places as well as their significance in history and in the present day.
This project teaches children about historically significant people who have had a major impact on the world. They will learn to use timelines, stories and historical sources to find out about the people featured and use historical models to explore their significance. Significant people we will learn about are: Rosa Parks; Henry VIII, Martin Luther King; Neil Armstrong and many more.
Reading
Our Class Text and Comprehension
Over the course of both terms, we will be exploring and reading “Little People, Big Dreams: Rosa Parks” and “Little People, Big Dreams: Treasuries”. Both of these books cover the lives of Rosa Parks and other significant people. Rosa Parks takes us through a fictional story based on her real life.
In term 2 we will look at Christmas texts including poems to aid our key stage Nativity.
Independent Reading
In class, we will continue to use the Accelerated Reader program. For further information about this, please view a Parent's Guide to Accelerated Reader. (https://help.renlearn.co.uk/AR/ARParentGuide) If you need your child's AR password, please contact me (Miss Lett).
Writing
Over the course of the term, we will be writing: biographies; newspaper reports; persuasive posters; and speeches. These pieces of writing are all non-fiction and we will be using factual information to create these.
Biographies are always a good start to a new year as this really helps children focus on capital letters for important headings. Biographies about significant individuals will help children understand what factual means and how we can use it in our writing.
After writing a biography, we will write a newspaper report. Again, like biographies, factual information is used and highlighting where capital letters and full stops go will be key.
Furthermore, we will be writing persuasive posters. This will cover learning new language about how we persuade in our writing and children will learn a new range of writing techniques including a question mark for rhetorical questions.
We will produce a speech based on a famous, historical individual and their movement in history.
For more information, check out our sequential writing document.
Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling
Punctuation
This term we will practise and embed how to use full stops and capital letters accurately. We will also try some question marks and how we use them for different purposes. Alongside these two important pieces of punctuation, we will continually read aloud our work to ensure they make sense and understand what we need to punctuate the sentences with.
Grammar
Over the next two terms, we will look at nouns and which ones may require capital letter. Once children have a secure knowledge of nouns, we will look at noun phrases and how we can use these in our writing. Children will learn about the four different sentence types (statements, commands, questions and exclamations) and how we use the correct punctuation for those sentence types. We will look at present and past tense and how we use the correct tense correctly in our writing.
Spellings
During our spelling lessons this term, we will look at -ing and -ed words which links to our tense grammar lessons. Linking to our phonics work, we will look at a variety of diagraphs and trigraphs to help aid our phonics knowledge.
In addition to these weekly spelling rules, we will continue to learn and spell words from the Year 2 spelling list. For an overview of these spellings, please view the Spelling word list for Year 2
Following the White Rose Maths scheme, Year 2 will cover two main blocks of learning over the course of the spring term: number (place value and addition and subtraction);and geometry (shape). As part of the White Rose Maths scheme, each block is broken down into a series of small learning steps. Combined, these small learning steps then cover all the curriculum content your child needs to know in small related chunks.
This term’s small learning steps for each block
| Maths area of learning | Block | Small Learning Steps |
| Number | Place Value | Numbers to 20; counting to 100; recognise tens and ones; partition numbers to 100; use a place value chart; write numbers as words; tens and ones on a number line; estimate numbers on a number line; compare objects; and compare numbers. |
| Number | Addition and subtraction | Bonds to 10; fact families; using related facts; bonds to 100; add and subtract 1s; add by making 10; add three 1 digit numbers; add to the next 10; add across a 10; subtract across 10; subtract from a 10; subtract a 1 digit number from a 2 digit number; subtract 2 digit numbers from a 2 digit number; add two 2 digit numbers; mixed addition and subtraction; compare number sentences; and missing number problems. |
| Geometry | Shape | Recognise 2d and 3d shapes, count sides on 2d shapes, count vertices on 2d shapes; draw 2d shapes; lines of symmetry; sort 2d shapes; count faces on 3d shapes; count edges on 3d shapes; sort 3d shapes; and make patterns with shapes. |
One of the most important things for your child to have mastered and maintain is their knowledge of times tables.
Our Calculation Policy: addition and subtraction
Our Calculation Policy: multiplication and division
In term 1 our topic is “Human Survival”. Throughout this topic we will find out about human life and how we live.
Uses of Materials Lesson Overview
| Lesson | Learning focus |
| 1 | Human life cycle |
| 2 | Human needs |
| 3 | Healthy lifestyle |
| 4 | Bodily hygiene |
| 5 | Handwashing |
| 6 | How germs spread |
In term 2 our topic is “Habitats”. Throughout this topic we will learn about habitats and what a habitat needs to provide. Children will explore local habitats to identify and name living things and begin to understand how they depend on one another for food and shelter.
| Lesson | Learning focus |
| 1 | Exploring habitats |
| 2 | Living and non-living things |
| 3 | Identifying animals and plants |
| 4 | Animal shelter |
| 5 | Food chains |
| 6 | Animal adaptations |
| 7 | Camouflage experiment |
To find out more, view our Knowledge Organiser, Glossary and Vocabulary Mat.
Art: Mix It and Still Life
Our first art topic for term 1 is “Mix it”. Throughout this topic, children will learn all about the foundations of colour and mixing colours.
Our second art topic for term 1 is “Still life”. This project involves teaching children how to use a variety of sketching, drawing and shading techniques when creating their own artwork on an inanimate object.
To find out more, view our two Knowledge Organiser.
Design and Technology: Remarkable Recipes
Alongside art, this term we are lucky enough to have DT. This project teaches children about sources of food and tools used for food preparation. They also discover why some foods are cooked and learn to read a simple recipe. The children choose and make a new school meal that fulfils specific design criteria.
To find out more, view our Knowledge Organiser.
Coding
In term 1 we are looking at coding. Coding is essentially giving a machine an action which it should perform.
We will be covering the following:
- Algorithms
- Collision detection
- Timer/ objects/ buttons.
To find out more, view our Knowledge Organiser.
Online Safety
In term 2 we are learning about how to stay safe online. This will include what information is safe to share online; email communication and what a digital footprint is.
To find out more, view our Knowledge Organiser.
Term 1: Hinduism - Navratri
Navratri is celebrated for nine nights and 10 days. Hindus worship a different form of the mother goddess Durga every day, including Lakshmi (the goddess of good fortune and wealth) and Saraswati (the goddess of wisdom). Navratri is a time for new, colourful clothes, good food, dancing and families. However, it is also a time to fast, worship the goddesses quietly and take part in puja ceremonies every day. Navratri is also celebrated as a harvest festival. Many Hindus plant nine different grains at the beginning of the festival to celebrate a good harvest. We will be learning about all of these elements in Navratri festivals.
Term 2: Christianity – Christmas
Christmas is a Christian festival that marks the birth of Jesus Christ, over 2000 years ago. It is celebrated by billions of people around the world. We will be learning about the new baby visit; exploring joy; Christmas celebrations; and advent.
Term 1: Being Me in my World
In this Puzzle, the child will explore new beginnings having just joined their new classes. They will discuss things that are coming up in the year ahead and any fears they may have. Children will learn about different roles and responsibilities as well as different rewards and consequences they my face in life.
Term 2: Celebrating Difference.
In this unit, children will learn how to understand differences between themselves and others. They will explore how differences aren’t just physical but also through people’s thoughts and values in life. Children will be taught how to accept other’s views and that everyone is equal in society.
To Find out more, view our Jigsaw knowledge and skills progression: Being Me In My World - Ages 6-7
Following the GetSet4PE scheme of learning, our Physical Education (PE) lessons for term 1 and 2 will focus on: health related fitness, invasion, and sports hall activities. Children will wear their PE kit into school on the days they have PE.
Health Related Fitness
Health Related Fitness (known as HRF), is a PE unit that does not require many resources. It focuses heavily on cardiovascular endurance; muscular endurance; muscular strength; flexibility; and body composition. These skills are all key in other areas of physical education, so having a whole unit on it is fantastic as it supports other areas of PE throughout the year.
Invasion
Pupils develop their understanding of invasion games and the principles of defending and attacking. They use and develop skills such as sending and receiving with both feet and hands, as well as dribbling with both feet and hands. They have the opportunity to play uneven and even sided games. They learn how to score points in these types of games and learn to play to the rules. We will apply these skills to netball for this term.
Sports Hall Activities
For rainier days, using the sports hall is perfect! We will use a range of equipment to help aid with various elements of physical education such as agility; speed; strength; and balance. Many different apparatus and pieces of PE equipment can be used for these lessons.
To Find out more, view our Physical Education knowledge Organiser
Term 1: How Does Music Help Us to Make Friends?
In term 1, we will be learning all about pulse, rhythm and pitch. Music has a pulse, a steady beat. Music is also made up of long and short and high and low sounds, called ‘rhythm’ and ‘pitch’. These elements combine when we sing and play. As you listen to, sing, play and dance to the music in this unit, explore these elements of music and how they work together. These musical elements will be explored through using our voices, bodies and musical instruments.
Term 2: How Does Music Teach Us About the Past?
In term 2, we will be looking at playing together. Children will learn about orchestras and the importance of listening to one another to create an amazing piece of music. We will look at how working together as a class can create something just as good and if not better than working alone!
Following the Charanga Musical School scheme of learning, these units are organised into 3 main parts:
- Listen and Appraise the songs.
- Musical Activities - learn and/or build on our knowledge and understanding about the interrelated dimensions of music.
- Perform the Song - perform and share our learning as we progress through the unit of work.
To Find out more, view our Charanga Music Knowledge Organiser Year 2
| Darwin Class Term 1 and 2 Resources | |
| Topic | |
 |
Movers and Shakers Organiser |
|
Home Learning Workbook |
|
Vocabulary Mat |
| Geography | |
|
Lets Explore the World Organiser |
|
Lets Explore the World Vocabulary Mat |
| English, Reading, Writing and Spelling | |
|
Rosa Parks Knowledge Organiser |
|
Darwin Sequential Reading Curriculum |
|
Darwin Sequential Writing Curriculum |
|
Spelling Word List for Year 2 |
| Maths | |
|
Our Calculation Policy: addition and subtraction |
|
Our Calculation Policy: multiplication and division |
| Science | |
|
Human Survival Organiser (T1) |
|
Human Survival Glossary (T1) |
|
Human Survival Vocabulary Mat (T1) |
|
Habitats Organiser (T2) |
|
Habitats Glossary (T2) |
|
Habitats Vocabulary Mat (T2) |
| Art & Design | |
|
Mix It Knowledge Organiser |
|
Still Life Knowledge Organiser |
|
Remarkable Recipes Knowledge Organiser |
| Computing | |
|
Coding Knowledge Organiser |
|
Online Safety Knowledge Organiser |
| Religious Education | |
|
World Festivals and Celebrations Calendar |
|
Hinduism – Navratri Glossary |
|
Christianity – Christmas Glossary |
| PSHE | |
|
Jigsaw Skills and Knowledge Progression for ages 6-7 |
| Physical Education | |
|
Year 2 GetSet4PE Knowledge Organiser |
| Music | |
|
Term 1 - Pulse, Rhythm and Pitch - Organiser |
|
Term 2 -Playing in an Orchestra - Organiser |
This term our topic is “Coastline”. Throughout this topic, we will learn about the human and physical features of the coastal regions across the United Kingdom, including a detailed case study about Whitby, in Yorkshire.
To find out more, view our Coastine Knowledge Organiser.
Other helpful documents
Coastline Optional Home Learning Tasks
(Please refer to the Downloadable Resources Page for PDF copies of all highlighted/underlined documents)
From a geographical perspective, we will learn about the oceans and seas that surround the United Kingdom; use maps, globes and atlases; learn about the world’s seas and oceans; learn about human and physical features of the coast; learn to use locational language; understand compass directions; discover physical processes such as erosion; and physical changes over time.
Although our topic is mainly a geography focus, we will be looking at two historical aspects around coasts and they are: jobs in the past and significant people – Captain Cook.
Reading
Our Class Text and Comprehension
In term 3, our reading comprehension lessons will be based upon our class text, “Katie Morag and the New Pier” by Mairi Hedderwick. Throughout this fiction text, we will join Katie Morag and her family explore the new pier that has been built in their coastal town. Everyone is ecstatic about the pier other than one face on the island who doesn’t seem so keen…
In term 4, our reading comprehension will be based upon another fiction text called “The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch” by Ronda and David Armitage. This story is about a lighthouse keeper called Mr Grinling. He lives in a beautiful white cottage on top of cliffs that are extremely high. He enjoys tucking in to his delicious lunch that his wife makes for him, but he’s not the only one who enjoys his lunch. The seagulls do too!
In term 4, we will also be looking at poems based around Easter for our class assembly.
To find out more about this text, view our Katie Morag and the New Pier Knowledge Organiser.
For further information about the reading skills we will focus upon this term, please view “Darwin Sequential Reading Curriculum”
Independent Reading
In class, we will continue to use the Accelerated Reader program. For further information about this, please view a Parent's Guide to Accelerated Reader.(https://help.renlearn.co.uk/AR/ARParentGuide) If you need your child's AR password, please contact me (Miss Lett).
Writing
Over the course of the term, we will be writing a description; adventure narratives; non-chronological reports; and persuasive writing.
Firstly, we will write a coastal themed description. Writing descriptions are always a great way to use amazing adjectives, noun phrases and a range of punctuation to set the scene. We will also focus on using the past tense consistently.
We will also write an adventure narrative which teaches children all about how to structure a story whilst using amazing vocabulary to keep everyone on their toes. Our adventure narrative will be written in first person about a sea rescue.
Furthermore, we will be writing a non-chronological report about Whitby in Yorkshire. We will be learning how to organize information into sections with sub-headings and using commas in a list.
In term 4, we will have a go at rewriting the story of, “The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch” and write a newspaper report about a lost lunch! We will use story maps to help us.
Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling
Punctuation
This term we will learn to use a comma in a list; identify where full stops and capital letters go; and will learn to use apostrophes for contraction.
Grammar
Over the next two terms, we will learn to continue to work on adjectives and nouns; introduce verbs in context; distinguish the difference between facts and fiction; use conjunctions to join sentences; introduce “ly” words; independently; and irregular past tense verbs. We will have a big focus on reading back our work to ensure it makes sense grammatically. We will also look at expanded noun phrases and prepositions to expand our work.
Spellings
During our spelling lessons this term, we revisit “-ing” and “-er” words; talk about syllables; spell words ending in “y”; continue to build on “wh” words; spell the days of the week accurately; common expectation words; numbers one to ten; practise plurals with “s” and “-es”; introduce third person verbs such as: he sings, she plays; and revise “split diagraphs”.
To view our weekly breakdown of our spellings, please view our Term 3 and Term 4 Homework Grid.
In addition to these weekly spelling rules, we will continue to learn and spell words from the Year 2 spelling list. For an overview of these spellings, please view the Spelling word list for Year 2
Following the White Rose Maths scheme, Year 2 will cover four main blocks of learning over the course of the spring term: number (including the four operations); statistics; geometry; and measurement. As part of the White Rose Maths scheme, each block is broken down into a series of small learning steps. Combined, these small learning steps then cover all the curriculum content your child needs to know in small related chunks.
This term’s small learning steps for each block
| Maths area of learning | Block | Small Learning Steps |
| Number | Place Value | |
| Number | Addition and subtraction | |
| Number | Multiplication and division | Recognise equal groups; make equal groups; add equal groups; introduce the multiplication symbol; multiplication sentences; using arrays; make equal groups – grouping; make equal groups - sharing; the 2 times tables; doubling and halving; odd and even numbers; the 10 times tables; divide by 10; the 5 times tables; and divide by 5. |
| Statistics | ||
| Geometry | Shape | |
| Geometry | Position and direction | |
| Measurement | Money | Count money in pence; count money in pounds; choose notes and coins; make the same amount; compare amounts of money; calculate with money; make a pound; find change; and two step problems. |
| Measurement | Length and height | Measure in centimetres; measure in metres; order length and height; and four operations with length and height. |
| Measurement | Mass, capacity and temperature | Compare mass; measure in grams; measure in kilograms; four operations with mass; compare volume; measure in millimetres; measure in metres; four operations with volume and capacity; and temperature. |
| Measurement | Time |
One of the most important things for your child to have mastered and maintain is their knowledge of times tables. For an overview of our weekly times tables focus, please view our Term 3 and Term 4 Homework Grid.
Our Calculation Policy: addition and subtraction
Our Calculation Policy: multiplication and division
In term 3 our topic is “Uses of Material”. Throughout this topic we will find out about different materials, how they move and if they change shape. We will learn to make predictions, carry out experiments and then draw or write up the results.
Uses of Materials Lesson Overview
| Lesson | Learning focus |
| 1 | Exploring every day materials |
| 2 | Shaping materials |
| 3 | Bending, stretching, twisting and squashing |
| 4 | Linking properties to uses |
| 5 | Testing paper |
| 6 | The problem with material |
To find out more, view our Use of Material Knowledge Organiser, Glossary and Vocabulary Mat.
In term 4 our topic is “Plant Survival”. Throughout this topic we will look at the growth of plants from seeds and bulbs. We will observe the growth of plants firsthand, recording changes over time and identifying what plants need to grow and stay healthy.
| Lesson | Learning focus |
| 1 and 2 | Exploring seasonal plants |
| 3 | Germination investigation |
| 4 | Where do plants like to grow? |
| 5 | What do plants need to grow? |
| 6 | Unusual plants |
To find out more, view our Plant Survival Knowledge Organiser, Glossary and Vocabulary Mat.
Art: Flowerhead
Our art topic for term 3 is “Flowerhead”. Throughout this topic, we will learn about the significant artist - Yayoi Kusama and focus on skills such as: drawing; exploring visual elements; printmaking and; 3d forms.
To find out more, view our Flowerhead Knowledge Organiser.
Design and Technology: Beach Huts
Linking closely to our topic this spring, our unit in DT for term 4 is “Beach Huts”. We will learn about structures with a particular focus on strengthening and joining through various materials.
To find out more, view our Beach Huts Knowledge Organiser.
Effective searching
In term 3 we are looking at how we navigate around the internet and how we can use the internet to help us with our learning or in our day to day life. We will learn how to:
- Understand the internet and searching
- Identify how to search effectively.
To find out more, view our Effective Searching Knowledge Organiser.
Creating pictures
In term 4 we are learning how to use a paint program to look at different styles of art on computers as well as significant artists. We will learn how to:
- Use a paint program to imitate, particularly looking at: impressionism; pointillism; Piet Mondrian; William Morris; and pattern.
- Surrealism and e Collage
Term 3: Sikhism - Anand Karaj
Over the course of this term we will be learning how Sikhs explore love through their weddings, which are known as “Anand Karaj”. First of all we will share our current knowledge of Weddings that we may have celebrated so we can progress our knowledge of weddings in another religion. We will cover: why weddings are special; why we make promises; Sikh weddings; working as one in a team; exploring love; and create invitations to a Sikh wedding.
To find out more, view our Anand Karaj Glossary.
Term 4: Judaism – Hanukkah
Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights. The festival celebrates the victory of Judah Maccabee and his Jewish followers over the Syrian Emperor Antiochus and the miracle of the lamp, which burned for eight days in the regained temple in Jerusalem, even though there was only enough oil for one day's light.
Over the course of the term Darwin will look at the importance of lighting candles; Hanukkah stories; Menorah; Dreidel; Hanukkah tradition; and Exploring Miracles.
Term 3: Dreams and Goals
In this Puzzle, the children explore setting realistic goals and how they can achieve them. They discuss perseverance when they find things difficult as well as recognising their strengths as a learner. The children consider group work and reflect on with whom they work well and with whom they don’t. They also reflect on sharing success with other people.
Term 4: Healthy Me
In this Puzzle, the children learn about healthy food; they talk about having a healthy relationship with food and making healthy choices. The children consider what makes them feel relaxed and stressed. They learn about medicines, how they work and how to use them safely. The children make healthy snacks and discuss why they are good for their bodies.
To Find out more, view our Jigsaw knowledge and skills progression: Being Me In My World - Ages 6-7
Following the GetSet4PE scheme of learning, our Physical Education (PE) lessons for term 3 will focus on multiskills and gymnastics.
Our PE lessons for term 4 will focus on net and wall games (tennis) and invasion games (netball). Our PE lessons will be on Mondays and Wednesdays; children can wear their PE into school on both of these days.
Multiskills
Throughout our multiskills lessons, we will develop an awareness of what our body is capable of; develop speed and stamina; develop strength using our own body weight; develop co-ordination through skipping; perform actions that develop agility; and develop control whilst balancing.
Gymnastics
In this unit we will explore and develop basic gymnastic actions on the floor and using apparatus. They develop gymnastic skills of jumping, rolling, balancing and travelling individually and in combination to create short sequences and movement phrases. Pupils develop an awareness of compositional devices when creating sequences to include the use of shapes, levels and directions. They learn to work safely with and around others and whilst using apparatus. Pupils are given opportunities to provide feedback to others and recognise elements of high quality performance.
Net and Wall
Pupils will develop the basic skills involved in net and wall games. They will develop their understanding of the principles of net and wall games such as using the ready position to defend their space and sending the ball away from an opponent to maximise their chances of scoring. They will learn to play games honestly, abiding by the rules and showing respect towards their opponents and teammates. We will particularly be learning skills specifically for tennis as this is our focus sport.
Invasion
Pupils develop their understanding of invasion games and the principles of defending and attacking. They use and develop skills such as sending and receiving with both feet and hands, as well as dribbling with both feet and hands. They have the opportunity to play uneven and even sided games. They learn how to score points in these types of games and learn to play to the rules. We will apply these skills to netball for this term.
To Find out more, view our Physical Education knowledge Organiser
Term 3: How Does Music Make the World a Better Place?
This unit of work celebrates a wide range of musical styles that are all focused around the theme.
Term 4: How Does Music Teach Us About Our Neighbourhood?
This unit of work celebrates a wide range of musical styles that are all focused around the theme.
Following the Charanga Musical School scheme of learning, these units are organised into 3 main parts:
- Listen and Appraise the songs.
- Musical Activities - learn and/or build on our knowledge and understanding about the interrelated dimensions of music.
- Perform the Song - perform and share our learning as we progress through the unit of work.
To Find out more, view our Charanga Music Knowledge Organiser Year 2
| Darwin Class Term 3 and 4 Resources (Year 2) | |
| Topic | |
|
Coastline Knowledge Organiser |
|
Home Learning Workbook |
|
Vocabulary Mat |
| English, Reading, Writing and Spelling | |
|
Katie Morag and the New Pier Knowledge Organiser |
|
Darwin Sequential Reading Curriculum |
|
Darwin Sequential Writing Curriculum |
|
Spelling Word List for Year 2 |
| Maths | |
|
Our Calculation Policy: addition and subtraction |
|
Our Calculation Policy: multiplication and division |
| Science | |
|
Use of Material Knowledge Organiser (T3) |
|
Use of Material Glossary (T3) |
|
Use of Material Vocabulary Mat (T3) |
|
Plant Survival Knowledge Organiser (T4) |
|
Plant Survival Glossary (T4) |
|
Plant Survival Vocabulary Mat (T4) |
| Art & Design | |
|
Flowerhead Knowledge Organiser |
|
Beach Huts Knowledge Organiser |
| Computing | |
|
Effective Searching Knowledge Organiser |
|
Creating Pictures Knowledge Organiser - Missing |
| Religious Education | |
|
World Festivals and Celebrations Calendar |
|
Anand Karaj Glossary |
|
Hanukkah Glossary |
| PSHE | |
|
Jigsaw Skills and Knowledge Progression for ages 6-7 |
| Physical Education | |
|
Year 2 GetSet4PE Knowledge Organiser |
| Music | |
|
Year 2 - Charanga Musical School Knowledge Organiser |
This term our topic is “Magnificent Monarchs”. This project teaches children about the English and British monarchy from AD 871 to the present day. Using timelines, information about royal palaces, portraits and other historical sources, children will build up an understanding of the monarchs and then research six of the most significant sovereigns.
Although our topic is mainly a historical focus, we will be looking at where well-known, significant monarchs used to reside.
From a historical perspective, we will learn about the English and British Monarch from 871AD up to the present day. We will focus on timelines of important events that haven taken place across the UK. We will also learn about
- William the Conquer.
- King Henry VIII.
- Elizabeth I.
- Queen Victoria.
- Queen Elizabeth II.
We will also be looking at the significant impact these monarchs have had on the present day.
Our Class Text and Comprehension
In term 5, our reading comprehension lessons will be based upon our class text, “Queen Victoria’s Bathing Machine” by Gloria Whelan. Throughout this fiction text, we will learn about how Queen Victoria loved water but was too embarrassed to make her way to the water as Royalty are too regal to be seen in a swimsuit!
In term 6, we will be looking at Kennings Poems.
To find out more about this text, view our Queen Victoria’s Bathing Machine Knowledge Organiser.
For further information about the reading skills we will focus upon this term, please view “Darwin’s Sequential Reading Curriculum”
Independent Reading
In class, we will continue to use the Accelerated Reader program. For further information about this, please view a Parent's Guide to Accelerated Reader. (https://help.renlearn.co.uk/AR/ARParentGuide) If you need your child's AR password, please contact me (Miss Lett).
Writing
Over the course of the two terms, we will be writing: information leaflets, our own Kennings poems, descriptions of castles; and comic strips.
Firstly, we will write an information leaflet about Hampton Court Palace. The children will focus on their adjectives. and use expanded noun phrases to assist with this.
We will then write our very out kennings poems about famous monarchs. The grammatical focus for this piece will be turning verbs and nouns into compound nouns.
Then we will write a description of a castle using prepositional language and expanded noun phrases.
Finally, we will write comic strips about a particular Monarch and tell a narrative through humorous captions. Our focus will be using facts we have learnt.
Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling
Punctuation
This term we will ensure capital letters and full stops are used frequently in our writing; use a full range of punctuation such as a question mark and an exclamation mark; revise commas in a list; and introduce apostrophes for possession.
Grammar
Over the next two terms, we will learn to identify word classes in sentences; use complex adjectives to describe; revisit the four main sentence types; revisit tenses; use adverbs; and consolidate and use conjunctions independently.
Spellings
During our spelling lessons over the next two terms, we will revisit diagraphs and trigraphs; revisit compound words; introduce ‘k’ for the beginning of words; revisit ph and wh words; and look at pseudo words.
To view our weekly breakdown of our spellings, please view our Term 5 and Term 6 Homework Grid.
In addition to these weekly spelling rules, we will continue to learn and spell words from the Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling list.
For an overview of these spellings, please view the Spelling word list for Term 5 and 6.
Following the White Rose Maths scheme, Year 2 will cover four main blocks of learning over the course of the summer term: number (including the four operations); measure; statistics; and geometry. As part of the White Rose Maths scheme, each block is broken down into a series of small learning steps. Combined, these small learning steps then cover all the curriculum content your child needs to know in small related chunks.
This term’s small learning steps for each block
| Maths area of learning | Block | Small Learning Steps |
| Number | Place Value | |
| Number | Addition and subtraction | |
| Number | Multiplication and division | |
| Number | Fractions | Introduction to parts and wholes; equal and unequal parts; recognise a half; find a half; recognise a quarter; find a quarter; recognise a third; find a third; find the whole; unit fractions; non-unit fractions; recognise the equivalence of a half and two quarters; recognise three-quarters; find three quarters; and count in fractions to a whole. |
| Statistics | Statistics | Make tally charts; tables; block diagrams; draw pictograms; and interpret pictograms. |
| Geometry | Shape | |
| Geometry | Position and direction | Language of position; describe movement; describe turns; describe movements and turns; and shape with patterns. |
| Measurement | Money | |
| Measurement | Length and height | |
| Measurement | Mass, capacity and temperature | |
| Measurement | Time | O’clock and half past; quarter past and quarter to; tell the time past the hour; tell the time to the hour; minutes in an hour; and hours in a day. |
One of the most important things for your child to have mastered and maintain is their knowledge of times tables.
For an overview of our weekly times tables focus, please view our Term 5 and Term 6 Homework Grid.
Our Calculation Policy: addition and subtraction
Our Calculation Policy: multiplication and division
In term 5 and 6 our topic is “Animal Survival”. Throughout this topic we will find out about growth in animals by exploring the life cycles of some familiar animals. They build on learning about the survival of humans by identifying the basic needs of animals for survival, including food, water, air and shelter.
Animal Survival Lesson Overview
| Lesson | Learning focus |
| 1 | Habitats |
| 2 | Invertebrates |
| 3 | Microhabitats |
| 4 | Animal needs |
| 5 | Microhabitat food chains |
| 6 | Human impacts |
| 7 | Life process of reproduction |
| 8 | Life cycles |
| 9 | Exploring and observing insect life cycles |
| 10 | Seasonal changes |
To find out more, view our Animal Surival Knowledge Organiser.
Art: Portraits and Poses
Our art topic for term 5 is “Portraits and Poses”. Throughout this topic, we will learn about portraiture. Children will analyse portraits of Tudor Monarchs and compare these to selfies today. We will create our own portraits.
To find out more, view our Portraits and Poses Knowledge Organiser.
Design and Technology: Cut, Stitch and Join
Our project in term 5 teaches children about fabric home products and the significant British brand Cath Kidston. They learn about sewing patterns and using a running stitch and embellishments before making a sewn bag tag.
To find out more, view our Cut, Stitch and Join Knowledge Organiser.
Making Music
In term 5 we are learning how to make music using a program called ‘2sequence’ on Purple Mash. Children will explore how music can mirror people’s feelings and create a piece of music to match a mood.
Presenting Ideas
In term 6 we are learning how to present ideas using ‘2CreateAstory’; ‘2publish’; and ‘2connect’. Children will get to choose the stimulus and present their information about a topic using one of the programs mentioned above.
To find out more, view our Computing Knowledge Organiser.
Term 5: Islam – Jumu’ah
Over the course of this term we will be learning all about Jumu’ah which are Friday prayers. We will learn about the importance of a Friday in Islam and what Islamic people do as part of a Friday ritual. Over the course of the term we will learn about prayers; features of a Mosque; and worship.
To find out more, view our Jumu'ah Knowledge Organiser.
Term 6: Hinduism – Navratri
During term 6 we will learn all about Navratri (which is celebrated for nine nights and ten days) and how Hindus worship other Gods. Our lessons will include Hindu gods; Navratri traditions; and celebration.
To find out more, view our Navratri Knowledge Organiser.
Term 5: Relationships
In this Puzzle, the children will learn about relationships we have with our household family members, extended family members and friends. Children will learn that you can have different types of relationships and these may differ. We will teach the children how to support family and friends if they are feeling sad and will learn what it means to trust one another.
Term 4: Changing Me
In this Puzzle children look at different life cycles in nature including that of humans. They reflect on the changes that occur between baby; toddler; child; teenager; adult; and old -age. Within this, children also discuss how independence, freedoms and responsibility can increase with age. As part of a school’s safeguarding duty, pupils are re-taught the correct words for private parts of the body. They are also reminded that nobody has the right to hurt these parts of the body, including a lesson on inappropriate touch and assertiveness. Children practise a range of strategies for managing feelings and emotions. They are also taught where they can get help if worried or frightened.
Following the GetSet4PE scheme of learning, our Physical Education (PE) lessons for term 5 and 6 our focus will be on cricket and rounders (striking and fielding) and athletics.
PE lessons will be on Mondays and Wednesdays; children can wear their PE into school on both of these days.
Striking and Fielding
In this unit, pupils develop their understanding of the principles of striking and fielding games. They develop the skills of throwing and catching, tracking and retrieving a ball and striking a ball. They begin to self-manage small sided games. Pupils learn how to score points and play to the rules. Pupils will begin to think about how to use skills, strategies and tactics to outwit the opposition appropriate to the situation.
Athletics
In this unit, pupils will develop skills required in athletic activities such as running at different speeds, jumping and throwing. In all athletic based activities, pupils will engage in performing skills and measuring performance, competing to improve on their own score and against others. They are given opportunities to work collaboratively as well as independently. They learn how to improve by identifying areas of strength as well as areas to develop.
Term 5: How Does Music Make Us Happy?
This unit of work focuses on how different types of music makes us happy and how we can listen to music to help us with our emotions. Listening to different styles will enable the children to know what music has been made to make us happy and what music has been made for more of a dramatic effect.
Term 6: How Does Music Teach Us About Looking After Our Planet?
This unit of work helps the children make links between PSHE and science where we discuss how to look after the planet we live on. This unit of music shows how nature can influence different artists with what they produce using nature elements around them.
Following the Charanga Musical School scheme of learning, these units are organised into 3 main parts:
- Listen and Appraise the songs.
- Musical Activities - learn and/or build on our knowledge and understanding about the interrelated dimensions of music.
- Perform the Song - perform and share our learning as we progress through the unit of work.
For more information, please view our Charanga musical school year 2 knowledge organisers
| Darwin Class Term 5 and 6 Resources | |
| Topic | |
|
Magnificent Monarchs Organiser |
|
Home Learning Workbook |
|
Vocabulary Mat |
| English, Reading, Writing and Spelling | |
|
Queen Victoria’s Bathing Machine Knowledge Organiser |
|
Darwin Sequential Reading Curriculum |
|
Darwin Sequential Writing Curriculum |
|
Spelling Word List for Year 2 |
| Maths | |
|
Our Calculation Policy: addition and subtraction |
|
Our Calculation Policy: multiplication and division |
| Science | |
|
Animal Survival Organiser (T5) |
|
Animal Survival Glossary (T5) |
|
Animal Survival Vocabulary Mat (T5) |
| Art & Design | |
|
Portraits and Poses Knowledge Organiser |
|
Stitch and Join Knowledge Organiser |
| Computing | |
|
Making Music Knowledge Organiser |
|
Presenting Ideas Knowledge Organiser |
| Religious Education | |
|
World Festivals and Celebrations Calendar |
|
Islam – Jumu’ah Glossary |
|
Hinduism – Navratri Glossary |
| PSHE | |
|
Jigsaw Skills and Knowledge Progression for ages 6-7 |
| Physical Education | |
|
Year 2 GetSet4PE Knowledge Organiser |
| Music | |
|
Term 5 - How Does Music Make Us Happy - Organiser |
|
Term 6- Looking After Our Planet - Organiser |