Year 2 Summer 2020-21
Is it dead or alive?
We started our new Science unit about living things and their habitats by looking at whether something is still living, it has once lived or it has never lived. First we discussed how we would know if something was alive and referred to MRS GREN. We then used this knowledge to sort a range of items and explain why we had grouped them in that way.
The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch
Year 2 have loved exploring the book 'The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch' by David and Ronda Armitage. In this lesson we were sequencing the events in the story to familiarise ourselves with all the details before we attempt to rewrite it.
Arcimboldo's Representations!
Building on our awareness of Arcimboldo’s work we looked at his portraits which resembled the four different elements: earth, air, fire and water. We looked closely at each piece to identify the images he had used to represent the elements. We then used a selection of images to create a class collage similar to Arcimboldo’s ‘Four Seasons’ portrait but using the four elements instead. First we outlined a silhouette of a person’s face and split the face approximately into four sections. Then we carefully cut out pictures that we could overlap to create a collage effect. We had to carefully consider which images to use to represent the elements but also where to use them within the portrait to resemble features of a face.
Flora!
To further our knowledge of Arcimboldo’s work we looked at his portrait ‘Flora’. We worked in groups to create our own representation of ‘Flora’. We used a selection of leaves and flower images and carefully considered which colours to use for the features of the face eg: skin, eyes, cheeks and mouth. We also overlapped flowers to create texture for the hair.
Italy Immersion Day
Within our Be Fit, Be Safe, Be Healthy Fortnight each class have been assigned a country from the Euro 2021 football competition and ours was Italy! We spent nearly a whole day learning about the geography of Italy including the weather, landmarks, culture and language. Using the information we had learnt, some of us produced PowerPoints to demonstrate our knowledge whilst others chose to complete a fact-file. To finish the day we 'travelled' 1771km home from Rome by completing different exercises to represent each kilometre.
Sports Day
Well done, Year 2! You showed fantastic resilience and determination throughout our sports afternoon. Despite some challenges and tumbles you all gave it everything and you should be incredibly proud! A special congratulations to those in Pine, our Key Stage One 2021 winners!
Adding Equal Amounts and Using the X Symbol
In Maths we have been looking at adding equal amounts and representing those with different resources. Once we understood what calculations looked like as repeated addition, we then learnt how the 'X' symbol can be used to show repeated addition too!
Finding half!
To begin our fractions unit in Maths, Year 2 investigated different ways to half an object or shape. We knew that if we cut objects in half there needed to be two equal groups so we had lots of fun while we practised doing this!
Microsoft PowerPoint
This term we have been developing our presenting skills on a computer by using Microsoft PowerPoint. We worked in pairs or small groups to design our own PowerPoint, add text and images to it and learn how to present and print it when we were finished.
Local Landmarks
In our Geography lesson this week we learnt how aerial photographs can be used to help cartographers make maps of different places. We realised that aerial photographs are taken from above and provide lots of information about where roads, buildings and other landmarks are. We then looked at aerial photographs from our local cities (Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham) and identified local landmarks. Once we had found them we discussed other features we were able to identify too.
Cheerleading
This week Year 2 have tried a new sport... cheerleading! We all had a fantastic time learning a short routine and shaking our pom poms! Check out the videos -->
Euro Football Competition
With the ongoing European Championships exciting the nation, we ran a whole school football competition where children played as different qualifying teams in their house teams. In Year 2, Portugal (a.ka. Maple) were the winners but most importantly we had a great time keeping active and playing alongside our friends in the sunshine!
Constructing Fire Engines
Within our DT unit this term we have been exploring mechanisms, specifically wheels and axles. In groups we have designed and made a moving fire engine by considering specific design criteria and applying our knowledge of wheels and axles.
Exploring Habitats
As part of our Science unit we have explored our local habitats including a woodland habitat and a field habitat to see what living, once living and never living things we could find. We considered how the living things we found were suited to those habitats.
Outdoor Learning Experience
What a fun afternoon! Year 2 had the best time taking part in a range of activities out on the field. We all tried our hand at archery, den building and fire starting! Following this we took part in activities that could be likened to abseiling, canoeing and rock scrambling. A big thanks to Mal, Marion and Jake who led the session.
Change 4 Life
The Change 4 Life Sunderland team joined Year 2 today to discuss how we can stay fit and healthy. As part of our session we thought about how exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and we took part in a range of games and sports to help get us moving. We had so much fun!
Powershoot Challenge
Year 2 loved taking part in Mr Taylor's whole school Powershoot challenge. Every child went head to head with their peers to try and kick the ball as fast as they could into the goal. It was so much fun!
Cheerleading
