Welcome to Year 2

Chestnut Class & Cherry Class 

We are really looking forward to a fantastic year ahead and getting to know both you and your children. Year 2 is an exciting year, full of new opportunities, challenges and experiences as children continue to develop their independence confidence and love of learning in upper Key Stage 1. 

We have a busy and engaging curriculum planned, with many exciting topics, practical learning opportunities and memorable experiences throughout the year.

We are committed to helping every child feel safe, happy and successful and we place great importance on building positive relationships with both children and families. We believe that working together is the best way to support children to achieve their full potential, so please do come and speak to us if you have any questions, concerns or information that may help us support your child. We are always happy to help.

We look forward to celebrating your child's achievements and making this a successful and enjoyable year for everyone.

Meet the Team

Keeping in Touch

How we communicate:

• Class Dojo will be used to share class updates, reminders and celebrations.
• Important whole-school information will be sent via e mail/ Arbor.
• Teachers can be contacted via email using the addresses listed above.
• Please contact the school office regarding absences, appointments or changes to collection arrangements.

We aim to respond to messages as promptly as possible. If a matter is urgent, please contact the school office directly.

Thank you for working in partnership with us. We greatly value the support of our Year 2 families.

Learning in Year 2

At Elburton Primary School, we follow a carefully planned and ambitious curriculum that is fully aligned with the National Curriculum. Our curriculum has been designed to ensure that children build knowledge and skills progressively as they move through the school, helping them to know more, remember more and achieve more.

The Long-Term Overview provides an outline of the learning that children will experience throughout the year across all curriculum subjects. Each topic has been carefully selected and sequenced to build upon previous learning, make meaningful links across subjects and deepen children’s understanding of the world around them.

We encourage parents to explore the overview to gain an understanding of the exciting learning opportunities planned for Year 1 and how these fit within our wider whole-school curriculum journey. Throughout the year, children will revisit key knowledge and concepts to strengthen their understanding and support long-term memory.

Year 2 Expectations

What Are We Learning This Term?

Our Termly Overview gives an outline of the exciting learning your child will be exploring this term. It highlights the key topics, texts and curriculum areas that will be taught, helping you understand what your child is learning in school and how you can support them at home.

The overview forms part of our carefully planned curriculum and shows how new learning builds on previous knowledge while preparing children for future llearning. We encourage families to take a look and use it as a starting point for talking about learning together at home.

PE Information

Reading

Your child is continuing to learn to read with Read Write Inc. Phonics, a very popular and successful literacy programme. Your child will learn to read in a very simple way.

They will learn to:

1. Read letters by their ‘sounds’

2. Blend these sounds into words

3. Read the words in a story

How will my child learn to read?

First, your child will learn to read:

Set 1 Speed Sounds: these are sounds written with one letter:
m a  s  d  t  i  n  p  g  o  c  k  u  b  f  e  l  h  r  j  v y  w  z  x and sounds written with two letters • (your child will call these ‘special friends’): sh  th ch qu  ng  nk ck

Words containing these sounds, by sound-blending,

e.g. m–a–t mat, c–a–t cat, g–o–t got, f–i–sh fish, s–p–o–t  spot, b–e–s–t  best, s–p–l–a–sh splash

Ditty Sheets, Red, Green and Purple Storybooks.

Second, he or she will learn to read:

Set 2 Speed Sounds: ay ee igh ow oo  oo  ar  or air  ir  ou oy

Words containing these sounds

Pink, Orange and Yellow Storybooks.

Third, he or she will learn to read:

Set 3 Speed Sounds: ea oi a-e i-e o-e u-e  aw are  ur  er  ow  ai  oa  ew  ire  ear ure

Words containing these sounds

Blue and Grey Storybooks.

Accelerated Reader

Children will move on to Accelerated Reader when they have completed the RWI programme.

What is Accelerated Reader?

The Accelerated Reader (AR) Program is designed to enhance your child's reading skills and vocabulary by using computerised quizzes and book bands to match their reading level with suitable, challenging books.

How Does It Work?

• Determining Reading Level: At the start of each term, your child will take the Star Reading Test to determine their Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). This ZPD helps us select books that are appropriate for their current reading ability while also providing a challenge.

• Selecting Books: Children will choose books from the library that fall within their ZPD. After finishing a book (read at least twice), they will take a short electronic quiz to assess their comprehension.

• Monitoring Progress: Teachers will monitor individual progress to ensure that each child is reading books that are challenging enough and meeting their needs.

• Advancement and Awards: Children need to read 3 books and pass the quizzes (80% and above) within the same book band before moving up to the next level.

To support your child, please:

• Encourage your child to read at home regularly, ideally at least five times each week.
• Sign their reading record each time they read.
• Discuss books together by exploring characters, themes, vocabulary, plot developments and the author's choices. When reading with children ask them where else they may have come across something similar, help them to make connections with other subjects, skills and experiences. Take the opportunity to problem solve by asking them questions such as: “What would happen if?" "How would you respond if?" "What would you do in that situation?"
• Challenge your child to use words such as; but, because, therefore, however or alternatively to extend their thinking and help them to think beyond what they are being told.
• Continue reading aloud to your child occasionally and share a range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry.

Spelling

Spelling is taught through dedicated daily Read Write Inc spelling lessons and is also embedded across the curriculum, helping children apply their knowledge in their reading and writing. Regular practice, discussion and feedback supports pupils as they prepare for the end of Key Stage 1 and the transition to KS2. 

In year 2, we will introduce a new spelling rule every Monday in school and practise it throughout the week. These weekly spellings will be sent home on a Friday for the children to practise (at least 3 times a week) and will be tested the following Friday.

Maths

Celebrating Success

At Elburton, we believe that recognising effort, achievement and positive behaviour helps children grow in confidence and develop a love of learning.

Throughout the week, children are celebrated through:

• Positive praise for demonstrating our school values and learning behaviours.
• Class Dojo points awarded for effort, resilience, kindness, independence and following the Elburton Charter.
• Sharing outstanding work and achievements with classmates and other members of staff.
• Opportunities to celebrate successes in class and during whole-school assemblies.

Each Friday, we celebrate a Star Learner.

This award recognises a child who has shown something special during the week, whether that is:

• A positive attitude towards learning
• Excellent behaviour and role-modelling
• Outstanding effort or perseverance
• Kindness and respect towards others
• Significant progress or achievement
• Living out our Elburton Charter values

We love celebrating the successes of every child and helping them to feel proud of their achievements, both in and out of school.

E-Safety

E-safety is very important for all children, including those in Year 2. As children begin to use tablets, computers, games and the internet more independently, it is important that they learn how to stay safe online. At school, we teach children how to use technology in a safe, sensible and respectful way. We encourage them to think carefully about what they do online, be kind to others and always tell a trusted adult if something worries or upsets them. Keeping children safe online is a partnership between home and school. Regular conversations about internet use, online games, videos and apps can help children develop good habits and make safe choices when using technology.

Below, you will find a range of helpful resources to support your child’s online safety. These resources include advice on online gaming, using apps safely, setting parental controls, managing screen time and helping children understand how to stay safe when using the internet.

Useful Learning Links

Other useful websites