Year 2 Emerald Class

Miss Davies	Mrs Moth	Miss Goodfellow	Mrs Quinn	Miss Salmon
Class Teacher	Teaching Assistant	Teaching Assistant	Teaching Assistant	High Level Teaching Assistant (PM)

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from Year 2! Our young learners have been hard at work mastering an essential life skill: tying their shoelaces.

Over the past few weeks, we have been guiding the students through fun and engaging activities designed to make learning this skill enjoyable.

We encourage you to continue supporting your child at home by practicing this skill together. Celebrate their progress and remind them that practice makes perfect. Tying shoelaces may seem like a small achievement, but it’s a big step in their journey of growing up.

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In our recent Year 2 science class, we conducted an engaging experiment to help children understand the concept of germs and the importance of hand hygiene. Here’s a brief overview of the activity:

1. Introduction to Germs:
   • We used glitter to represent germs. Each child received a small amount of gel on their hands, followed by a sprinkle of glitter.
2. Hands-On Learning:
   • The children rubbed their hands together, spreading the “germs” (glitter) around. They then shook hands and high-fived.
   • This visual demonstration helped them see how easily germs can spread through contact.
3. Observations:
   • The children noticed how the glitter transferred from their hands to their classmates’ hands, illustrating the spread of germs.
4. Proper Handwashing Technique:
   • We demonstrated the correct way to wash hands using soap, warm water, and a 20-second washing routine.
   • The children practiced washing their hands, ensuring they understood how to effectively remove germs.

This experiment was a fun and educational way to emphasize the importance of hygiene and how proper handwashing can prevent the spread of germs. The children enjoyed the hands-on activity and learnt valuable lessons about staying healthy.

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During Science week, our Year 2 students embarked on an exciting journey into the world of everyday materials! Following the White Rose Science Curriculum, our young scientists explored the properties and uses of various materials they encounter daily. From investigating the strength of different fabrics to discovering the best materials for building a waterproof umbrella for Ted, our students engaged in hands-on experiments and collaborative work.

Throughout the week, the children demonstrated curiosity and creativity, asking insightful questions and making thoughtful observations. They learnt how materials can be changed by bending, starching, twisting and squashing.

Our classrooms buzzed with excitement as students shared their findings and worked together to solve problems. This immersive experience not only enhanced their understanding of science but also fostered teamwork and critical thinking skills.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 2 scientists and their enthusiasm for learning. 

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Emerald Class participated in the Scholastic Bugtastic Facts and Drawings workshop with renowned author and illustrator David O’Connell. This engaging workshop was provided for the children in celebration of World Book Day. The children thoroughly enjoyed working with David to create bug illustrations. They even went on to develop their own illustrations and ideas for bugs featured in the book.

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Our students recently embarked on an exciting exploration of our school garden to observe and learn about the woodland habitat. During this hands-on science activity, they discovered a variety of plants, animals, and other natural elements that make up the woodland habitat.

Students asked lots of great questions –

Harmony-Rose - How do birds make their nests?

Student voice –

Deacon – I enjoyed seeing the bird fly in and out of the bird box.

Harley – I saw a fish.

Eleanore – I saw a squirrel.

Tabs – I loved seeing the holly. I have never seen this before.

Zeynap – I liked seeing the mushroom.  

Jacob – I enjoyed seeing all the different things we could check off of our list. Finding them was fun.