To all our wonderful Highflyer families,

This coming week we will settle even more into Year 2 life as we have used most of our new books now and everyone is becoming more familiar with all the new arrangements, books, where equipment is kept; and even how we line up beautifully and superbly together (as noticed by, and remarked upon by Mrs Greenwood three times this week)!

We have also started looking at our geography topic work and are thinking about 'hot' places by studying the class book 'Handa's Surprise'. Our writing in English is based on this story as we look at the characters and the personalities behind the narrative.

Phonics and Spellings

Just a reminder that phonics is every day and any writing activities are brought together in a 'Jungle Club' booklet.   There is a specific focus each week and the weekly spellings are based on the words being learnt during the week.  Spellings will be given on a Monday to be tested the following Monday. New spellings will, therefore, be stuck into your child's planner on that weekly page so you are able to practice these together at home over the week. In addition, the children will have some opportunities to practice the spellings in school in their own spelling book.  

This week the focus is: Week 2 - Long /e/ + endings to split digraph words.

Reading

Our reading book (for Week 2 and 3) is a traditional tale about 'Chicken Little'. We have started to discuss in depth about plot, characters and settings, making predictions and deductions and studying why authors use different techniques to give enjoyment to the reader. We will also think about what deeper message the author might trying to communicate through a story and learn how books can offer more than just reading the text. Additionally, there will be a 'free choice' book to bring home as well.

Your child will be allocated a number which they will have throughout the year. The books are numbered as well and will be matched to your child's number. Hopefully, you will have seen these now and found what number has been given. Although these class reading books will be going home, please ensure they are brought in everyday to be used for the reading activities. We would be grateful they are kept inside the planner to protect them or in a separate plastic bag to avoid water/food items damaging them.

Maths

In terms of our maths, there will be mastering number and problem solving every week; with our current unit of maths continuing as place value - recognising numbers, reading numbers and writing numbers (1-100). We hope you all found a homework sheet that came home this evening - Friday! These need to be, ideally, handed back in by next Friday. If there are any queries about completion of the questions, please encourage your child to bring their homework before the Friday to speak to either Mr Mason or myself in the classroom.  

Forest School will take place again on Wednesday morning …so don't forget your change of clothes! With Mr Higgingbottom, from Performance Sport, leading our Tag Rugby PE session each Thursday afternoon from 1.30pm.

Wishing you all another lovely week – as the children and I excitedly plan our ‘Class of the Week’ treat announced by Mrs Greenwood in assembly this afternoon … marking a truly incredible start to Year 2! Terrific stuff indeed …

Mrs Winters (and the Highflyer ‘Team’)