Friday 8th September 2023

Wow, what a fabulous start to the school year!  We wanted to wish you a big welcome to Y2, we can’t wait to teach all the exciting topics we have planned.  The week started off with a whole school assembly and communal davening in the shul. It was so lovely to see all the children alongside their new teachers.

In English, we began the week with lots of discussions to introduce them to our new classroom in order for them to familiarise themselves.  We started off with a classroom discussion about school & classroom expectations. We discussed them and why we have these particular expectations.  The children then wrote and illustrated an expectation of their own choosing.  Then we created an ‘All about me’ factsheet.  This was a way of us getting to know a little bit more about the children.  The children enjoyed hearing the story 'Dear Teacher', a book in which a child sends a series of letters to his teacher explaining why he will be unable to get to school on time. They wrote their own letters choosing between writing about something real that happened in the holidays, or using their imaginations to write about an adventure they might have gone on.  They all did so well writing in their new books. Later in the week, the children created their own goals for the new year, which we linked to Rosh Hashanah.  We will look back at these at the end of the year to see if any of them were achieved.

In maths, the children reviewed and focused on ordering numbers to 50.  They had to look at the tens and ones to decide how to order several numbers.  Then they practised writing and drawing 2-digit numbers and focusing on their tens and ones.  The children had to be able to explain how they know 42 is bigger than 24.  They would explain by saying ‘I know 42 has 4 tens and 2 ones’, whereas 24 had ‘two tens and four ones.’  Lastly, we reviewed number bonds.

In history, the children found out that they are going to be learning all about the Great Fire of London.  We completed a KWL grid.  The children wrote what they knew about the topic and then what questions they had about the topic.  These questions will hopefully be answered as we work through our topic.  

In art, the children were given half a picture of their face from a photograph and then they had to complete the other half themselves.  The children really enjoyed this and put in a lot of effort and concentration.

Important reminder:

• Please make sure you leave your child’s reading book in their bag daily so the team can hear your children during the week.  We don’t want them to miss out on being read with.
• PE days will be Tuesday & Thursday - the children should come ready dressed in PE kits from this Thursday.
• Homework will be set on Google Classroom.  This is set on a Friday and will be one piece of maths and one piece of English work.  This will begin after the Chaggim.
• Reading books will be changed three times a week, if they are finished, on Monday, Wednesday & Friday.  
• Forest School will begin next half term and we will remind you nearer the time.
• Meet the Teacher evening is on Wednesday 13th September.
• All communications should be sent via year2@keremschool.co.uk 
• Please could you send in any clean 'junk' for modelling for example, kitchen rolls, cereal boxes, yoghurt pots, small plastic bottles.  Please do not send toilet roll tubes.

We are so impressed with the children’s attitude to Y2.  Keep up the hard work and positive attitudes!

Shabbat Shalom,

The Year 2 Team

Thank you parents and children for a wonderful year! Have a look at our photos from Southend.
 

Have the best summer!
 

Best wishes,

Miss Mansoor, Ms Rose and Mrs Sassoon

7.7.23 Jewish Studies – Parashat Pinchas

We have had an exciting and busy final week with our Jewish studies learning.

Hebrew reading – the children have been working hard on their relevant reading rules according to their levels. They have all made fantastic progress this year and I am so proud!

Well done to the children who passed their Aleph Champ book this week.

**Please ensure your child’s Hebrew reading folder is in their bag on Tuesday, as we will be collecting in all the Aleph champ books for the holidays. **

Please encourage your child to look at different Hebrew texts over the summer break to keep up your child’s Hebrew reading level.

General knowledge – we learnt that it is the 3 weeks now. The saddest time in the Jewish calendar and at this time, we are not allowed to do certain things – haircuts, weddings, live music and bar/bat mitzvahs.

We are almost finished our brachot project – this week we learnt about the foods for Ha’etz and Ha’adama.  

Parasha – In this week’s Parsha portion we learnt that Moshe asks Hashem to appoint a new leader. Hashem chooses Yehoshua, because he is a good person and therefore a good leader to take Bnei Yisrael into Eretz Yisrael. Yehoshua was one of the spies who didn’t bring back bad reports about Eretz Yisrael, and this was his reward.

Middah of the week: Being a leader.

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,

Ms Rose

Friday 7th July 2023

We had a fabulous last week in Y2.  We had many rehearsals which culminated in the most amazing presentation on Wednesday.  The children made us really proud, speaking with such confidence, expression and intonation.  They rose to the challenge of speaking and singing in front of a large audience and we could not have been more proud and happy for them.

In English, the children focused on learning about instructions, why we have them and the importance of writing them in the correct order.  They sequenced instructions and wrote detailed instructions, remembering to use imperative (bossy) verbs as well as time conjunctions.

In maths, we continued to look at 2D and 3D shapes, sorting and grouping them as well as making repeating patterns and continuing the pattern.  We created block diagrams to collect information and review some clock work.

In geography, we worked on our geographical vocabulary for the seaside and matched words and definitions and wrote some of our own definitions.  

In computing, the children recreated their cleaning robots to see if they could improve them and make them more efficient. They enjoyed seeing if they could knock pom poms off the boards and making the robots move efficiently to clean up as quickly as possible.

In creative writing, the children finished off their Mr Majekia stories. The children have put a huge amount of thought and work into these stories and were rightly very proud of their work.

Reminders: 

• Have a wonderful weekend!

Shabbat Shalom from the Y2 Team!

30.6.23 Jewish Studies – Parashat Chukat-Balak.

We have had a wonderful week of learning.

Hebrew reading – The children have each been working at their own levels through the various vowels and reading rules.

Well done to all the children who have moved on to the next Aleph Champ book! There are a number of children very close to the end of their books, please kindly support your child with hearing them read as many times as possible each week.

General Knowledge – We have continued our work on Brachot. We have learnt the bracha before bread (of any form) and learnt the bracha of Mezonot, which is said before items made from grains.

Parasha- Parashat Chukat-Balak.

Hashem gives Beneh Yisrael different kinds of laws that they must keep. For some of these laws, we understand the reasons (not hurting each other). For some of these laws, Hashem gives us the reasons and for some of these laws, no reason is given (eating Kosher.)

King Balak wants to weaken Beneh Yisrael so that he can beat them. He invites Bilaam, a prophet, to curse Beneh Yisrael, because he knows and understands the power of words. Bilaam tries to curse Beneh Yisrael three times and only succeeds in blessing them - the third time with Ma Tovu.

Middah of the week:  the power of words.

We all came up with ways we will be careful with our speech.

Some examples were… “I won’t boast in front of others.” “I won’t say rude things to others.” “I’ll try not to shout at others when I’m frustrated.” “I will say please and thank you.”

Script writing – we have continued going over our letters.

Gematriah – we have begun learning our Gematriah numbers.

Wishing you a lovely weekend and a Shabbat Shalom,

Ms Rose

Friday 30th June 2023

In English, the children studied a new book ‘Katie Morag and her two grandmas’.  The children loved listening to this story set on the Isle of Struay.  We began writing a character description of all three main characters.  The children worked as a group to write their descriptions on large sugar paper.  For the rest of the week we made links with geography.  First we identified places on a map of Struary and had to mark important places.  Then we looked at human and physical features.  The children were able to identify these well.  The children then learnt about coordinates and investigated different points of interest on the map.  Later in the week the children created their own maps, including a key and points of interest.

In maths, we looked at 2D and 3D shapes.  We learnt about sorting shapes and we did this practicalling in the dinning room.  The children were able to identify the way the shapes had been sorted.  We then looked closely at 3D shapes and investigated the number of faces, edges and vertices.

In science, the children made observations on their broad beans and cress seeds to see how they were growing.  The children were able to identify that the hydroponics had not grown very much and that only two of the beans had grown roots.  On the other hand all of our cress seeds had grown.  The children made observations and wrote explanations as to why the beans hadn’t grown.  After that, the children tasted some of the cress seeds.

In geography, we will continue with our study of St Ives and the children will decide which places other tourists should visit and how to get their, using maps.

In computing, the children created a cleaning robot! They added arms to the Vex robots and used them to sweep poms that has been placed all over the fields. THe children enjoyed the challenge of moving the poms off the field, with out the Vex falling off. 

In creative writing, the children continued writing their Mr Majeika stories. They have added in excellent detail, thinking about how their characters feel, move and speak. Next week they will be finishing these stories.

In phonics, we learnt the following sounds and spelled the words below:

• Please learn lines and song for the presentation next Wednesday.

Shabbat Shalom from the Y2 Team!

23.6.23 Jewish Studies - Parashat Korach

Hebrew reading – we have continued working through the reading rules in our books and working on improving the fluency of our reading.

Well done to the children who passed onto the next colour level! Keep up the great work!

Parasha – Korach - Korach is jealous that Moshe and Aharon have been chosen to be the leaders of Beneh Yisrael. He feels that he should have been a leader as well. Some people agree with Korach, and his followers cause a big argument and a quarrel among Beneh Yisrael. Hashem is angry with Korach and his followers for causing the argument. Hashem punishes them by making them disappear completely. The Beneh Yisrael continue to complain, Hashem is angry and puts them through a test to show that he has chosen Moshe and Aharon as leaders. The leader of each Shevet has to bring a stick. The one whose stick blossoms is the one who has been chosen to lead. Aharon’s stick is the one which blossom.

Middah of the week: Avoiding arguments.

General knowledge - We learnt about the bracha before wine/grape juice and talked about the different times we would need to say this bracha – weddings, shabbat and chagim kiddush, brit milah, seder night etc..

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,

Ms Rose

Friday 23rd June 2023

This week the children enjoyed taking part in a lap race in order to raise money for the Royal Free Hospital.  During their PE lesson, this week, the children had to try and run as many laps as possible in a given time.  The children had a fabulous time and were able to run many laps around the track in the time given.  Well done for raising so much money!

We are really pleased to invite you to hear about our exciting and innovative computing and coding curriculum. Please join us for an interactive showcase on Monday 26th,Tuesday 27th or Wednesday 28th June, in which Ms Vinokur will show you what the children have been doing in computing classes this year. You will have the opportunity to engage with some of the robots, programs and devices that we use to develop their computational thinking and technology skills. Please sign up using this link

In English, we have been planning and writing our own versions of The Flat Stanley story.  We started the week by breaking down and planning our own version of the story.  The children decided whether to keep the main character the same or change it completely.  They also had to think of at least three things that could happen in the middle of the story.  The children then wrote a detailed beginning, including details of the characters and setting.  After that, they set about writing a very detailed middle of the story and then the ending.  The children wrote incredible whole stories to be proud of.

In maths, the children learnt how to read a clock to 5 minute intervals.  We broke down the week into learning past times, from 5 minutes past to half past times and then the children learnt about to the hour times.  This is where the children have to count on the minutes to the next hour.

For example: 4:05 would be recorded, 5 minutes past 4.   5:40 would be recorded 20 minutes to 6.  

This really tested their knowledge of counting in 5s and counting onto the next hour.

In science, the children made cress heads.  The children discussed what is needed in order to grow healthy seeds.  They then used an old yoghurt pot and decorated it with crepe paper and stuck on googly eyes.  Inside the pot they added cotton wool and cress seeds, making sure to make the cotton wool had some water.  Then they wrote up what they did and will keep a record of the growth.

In computing, the children planned a route on the Vex field and used the coder and coding cards to make the Vex robots to follow their routes. The children showed great determination and collaboration to code the Vex and debug their code when the robot did not move as they expected. 

In creative writing, the children began writing their Mr Majeika stories. They wrote excellent beginnings, we are looking forward to seeing what happens next in their stories!

In SPaG, the children learn about the past and present progressive tense.  This is when an action is in progress.  This is where the verb ends in ‘ing’.  An example of this is, she was eating breakfast or she is eating breakfast.  The children were able to write past and present progressive tense sentences from given pictures.

In phonics, we learnt the following sounds and spelled the words below:

• Money for equipment please - many children do not have whiteboard pens and writing pens.

Shabbat Shalom from the Y2 Team!

16.6.23 Jewish Studies – Parashat Shelach Lecha

Wow what a week! It was lovely seeing you all on Wednesday morning for the Chagigat Chumash.

The children did an excellent performance, and it was extremely special having us all learning together in one room.

Thank you all for making it such a special occasion and to Rabbi Fine and Sarah Silkin from Seed for presenting the Chumashim to the children.

Parashat Shelach Lecha -A member of each tribe is chosen to go to Eretz Canaan to spy out the Land so that Bnei Yisrael can prepare to enter it. They return and report that the Land is very beautiful but the people are giants. They bring back huge grapes as proof. They also report that they live in strong castles. Ten of the Meraglim frighten Bnei Yisrael by saying that they will never be strong enough to conquer the Land. Yehoshua and Calev, the other two, say that with Hashem’s help they will be able to conquer it. Bnei Yisrael do not listen to Yehoshua and Calev because they do not have enough trust in Hashem. Bnei Yisrael are severely punished by not being allowed to enter Eretz Cana’an for another forty years.

We need to trust our parents and teachers because they know what is good for us.

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom and a lovely weekend ahead,

Ms Rose

Friday 16th June 2023

What a very special week we’ve had in Y2.  On Tuesday, we had an incredible Sports Day.  The children were so well behaved, cheering on children in different teams.  The children used the skills taught to them by Mr Antony and really gave it their all!  We were so proud of them all.  On Wednesday, was our wonderful Chagigat Chumash.  The children came dressed in their beautiful Shabbat clothes.  The presentation and songs were a testament to the class.  Everyone participated fully and again made us proud.

In English, the children broke down the main parts of the Flat Stanley story and wrote the parts into the different sections, character and setting, character build-up, problem and resolution.  The children could use their knowledge of the story to put the parts into the different sections.  Then they wrote very detailed descriptions of Flat Stanley, including their own justifications for his personality.  For instance, they could say he was thoughtful because when Arthur’s brother was sad for not having a kite, he let Arthur fly him as a kite.

In maths, continued to work with fractions finding of numbers and finding ¾ of a number.  First they learnt to find ¼ and then count three lots of them or times by 3. See the picture below. 

In art, the children made land art.  We continued our topic on natural sculptures and used the resources we collected from last week.  We went into the dining hall so we could spread out our findings and share them.  The children had to create a pattern or picture of something that was natural.  All the children brainstormed the different pictures they could create.  Have a look below at their work.

In science, the children learnt about hydroponics. This is where plants are grown in water instead of soil. The children then made their own hydroponic using a plastic zip lock bag and then planting broad beans. We have them on our window and we will record our observations.

In computing, the children continued to learn about programming and algorithms while using the Vex robots. We took the robots and their boards outside, the boards had different letters on them and the children were challenged to instruct the robots to move around the boards spelling out different words. This was task was tricky and the children are working on developing perseverance, resilience and collaboration, three of our Kerem Characteristics, alongside their computing

In creative writing, the children read a story about Mr Majeika and a lost flying potion. The children then began to plan their own magic teacher story. Some of the stories included disappearing potions, speed potions, and even transforming potions.

In phonics, we learnt the following sounds and spelled the words below:

• Money for equipment please - many children do not have whiteboard pens and writing pens.

Shabbat Shalom from the Y2 Team!

9.6.23 Jewish Studies – Parashat Beha’alotcha

This week we have been focusing all our time of the Chagigat Chumash! The children have been working hard learning their songs and are very excited to receive their Chumashim next week.

Please support your child with practising their line off by heart, with expression. They have also brought home a song to review. Please encourage them to do this over the weekend.

Parashah - Parashat Beha’alotcha

In this week’s Parashat we learnt that Aharon is given the mitzvah of lighting the Menorah in the Mishkan. We looked at some examples of the ways we light lights for Mitzvot – Shabbat, Chanukah etc. Hashem feeds Bnei Yisrael with Man. A miracle food which was sweet, tasty, attractive, and satisfying. Yet despite this, Beneh Yisrael complain that they want proper food and grumble that there is no meat. We should always be happy and satisfied with what we have.

Middah of the week: Being satisfied.

Looking forward to seeing you all on Wednesday!

Shabbat Shalom,

Ms Rose

Friday 9th June 2023

This week has been a wonderful start to our last half term together.  With having some lessons outside, trips to the forest and more.  Take a look below at our fun-packed week.

In English, we started a new story ‘Flat Stanley’.  We started the week by making predictions about looking at the front cover and making predictions.  The children heard the first chapter and loved the idea of how Stanley, the main character, got flat.  The children also discussed questions they would like to ask all the characters in the story.  During the week the children listened to the whole story.  The children then had to create a story map in order to sequence the story from start to finish.   Later in the week the children looked in detail at the break-down of the story because next week we will be planning and writing our own story based on ‘Flat Stanley.’

In maths, our topic was fractions.  They learnt about unit and non-unit fractions.  Unit fractions are only one part eg: ½, ⅓ or ¼.  Non-unit fractions are any fractions with more than one in the numerator, eg: ⅔, 2/4 or ⅗.  They also learnt about equivalent fractions that ½ is the same as 2/4. And then they learned about recognising  ¾.

In geography, the children are going to make comparisons between the seaside of the past and the seaside today.  The children were put into small groups to discuss comparisons and then create a presentation to give to the other children in class.

In art, the children discussed natural sculptures.  We talked about different types of materials and animals that are found in nature and talked about what they could not collect.  Then we went on a woodland walk in order to collect materials for our artwork next week.  The children went to the park and then to the forest school area to collect materials.  The children really enjoyed this and enjoyed some warm weather.

In science, the children learnt about the different ways of seed dispersal.  We learnt the term BEEFFS to help us remember the different ways of dispersal, Blowing, Eating, Exploding, Floating, Falling and Sticking.  The children discussed how some seeds are designed to stick to the fur of animals using a burr.  The children then made a clay burr which has tiny hooks in order to stick onto the animal’s fur.

In computing, we started a new unit using Vex robots. The children were introduced to the robots and began to experiment with the different movements the robots can make. They worked out how to make the robots move to different points and drew shapes with the robots. 

In creative writing, the children worked on ‘zooming in’ on important moments. They took one event from their holidays and described it in great detail. They used their senses to add more interest and some children started to experiment with using different length sentences to add effect. 

In SPaG the children reviewed past and present tense.   They looked at the verb within the sentence in order to identify if the sentence was in the past or present.

In phonics, we learnt the following sounds and spelled the words below:

• Money for equipment please - many children do not have whiteboard pens and writing pens.
• Sports Day on Tuesday - come in PE kits.  We will be meeting on site at 9am.  Weather dependent please make sure your child has water, sunscreen and sun hats.  The current weather forecast is for sun.

Shabbat Shalom from the Y2 Team!

Thursday 25th May 2023

In English, the children wrote a recount of their weekend, focussing on their use of time conjunctions and joining sentences with different connectives.  They also read a story and answered questions about it.  They had to pay particular attention to going back to the text to find answers they didn’t know.  Later in the week, we used different sentence types to match a picture.  These will ensure our future work is up levelled by being able to use a variety of sentence styles. 

In maths, we continued to focus on money.  The children worked on their problem solving skills to find change, adding totals and solving 2-step problems involving addition and subtraction.  

In art, the children started a new topic on ‘natural sculptures’.  The children looked at different items that are found in nature and then we went over to the park to collect some natural items and take them back to make observational drawings.  The children really focused on including detail in their work.

In science, the children learned about seed dispersal and how this happens in a variety of ways. The children listened to ‘The Tiny Seed’ by Eric Carle and ‘The Travelling Seed’ & ‘Bees Like Flowers’ by Rebecca Bielawski. Then they made a helicopter seed, such as a sycamore seed. The children had so much fun making them and testing out which sized seed travelled the fastest.

In creative writing, the children wrote their Horrid Henry stories. He had lots of exciting adventures and got up to no good! 

In phonics, we learnt the following sounds and spelled the words below:

• Money for equipment please. 

Please see the newly added section on spellings, in the Y2 blog main page.  In this section you will see ideas to help your child learn spellings.  You will find appropriate words to practise in the previous blogs if you wish to do so.

19.5.23 Jewish Studies – Parashat Bamidbar.

This week we have been learning all about Shavuot, focusing on the Minhagim (customs). One of the customs is reading Megillat Reut, which we learnt the story of in detail. We also learnt why we have milky foods. The children all enjoyed designing their own cheesecake.

In this week’s Parasha we learnt that Hashem tells Moshe to count the men of Beneh Yisrael who are twenty years and over, so that if they have to fight, they will know how many soldiers there are. Hashem tells Beneh Yisrael that when they camp around the Mishkan and go on their journeys, it must be in a special order. Each Shevet (tribe) has its own flag with a symbol on it to indicate its unique character. The flags indicate who each Shevet is, its place round the Mishkan and how they are organised for travelling and battle.

The children all enjoyed designing their own flag for their family.

Middah of the week: Everyone’s place is unique to them.

Well done to all the children who passed their Aleph champ levels this week – keep up the great work!

Shabbat Shalom,

Ms Rose

Friday 19th May 2023

This week we were lucky enough to have a first aid session.  The first aider taught the children how to clean a small wound and how to apply a plaster.  They learnt how to dial 999 and ask for which service needed for example, ambulance, and be able to say what happened and where you are.  We discussed the importance of the children to learn their address as this is something they will need to say in case of emergency.  They also learnt to identify if someone is choking.  The signs were looking at the colour of their face, someone unable to talk and hands around their throat. They learnt to help remove the obstruction in the airway, by turning them around, having them bent over a little and then hitting the backs of their shoulder blades with their hands.  We finished off the session with a story about a child that was choking and what to do.  The children behaved very well in the session.

In English, our topic was shape poetry.  We started the week off by learning about similes and alliteration.  They learnt how to identify them and also create them.  They learnt the features of a shape poem and heard many examples. The children then brainstormed summer and used descriptive words and phases as well as creating similes and alliteration.  They wrote wonderful shape poems about the summer and then chose their own shape poem to write about.  

In maths, our focus was money.  The children leant to make the same value with different coins.  They compared values, calculated with money using addition and subtraction knowledge and finding change.  

In geography, we continued with the topic on the seaside.  We looked at several different beaches and seaside towns, discussing the features.  They came up with a very extensive list and then they were introduced to the terms, human and physical features.  The children were able to sort the features into the two categories.

In art, the children started a new topic on ‘natural sculptures’.  The children investigated what a sculpture is and what they can be made of.  We discussed what things we would find in nature.  The children looked at many different examples and then created their own mini models of things found in nature.  Children made trees, hedgehogs, flowers and squirrels.  They used clay tools to scratch in designs and to add detail.

In science, we started a new topic on plants.  We looked at different flowering plants and trees.  We discussed what makes them alive and grow.  We talked about the different parts of a flower and tree.  We then went over to the park to draw a tree and label the parts and then looked closely at a leaf and drew it in detail.

In computing, the children reviewed what they have learned using the app Freeform. They chose one artist that they had been inspired by and created their own piece of art. The children had a gallery at the end of the lesson and were able to see each other's work.

In creative writing, the children planned their own Horrid Henry stories. They created new characters, some of them using their own names, planned where their story would take place, and what would happen at the beginning, middle and end.

In SPaG the children learnt about command sentences.  They then were given a picture that they had to write the four different sentence types about the picture.  These are statements, commands, questions and exclamations. 

In phonics, we learnt the following sounds and spelled the words below:

• Money for equipment please. 
• Please see the newly added section on spellings, in the Y2 blog main page.  In this section you will see ideas to help your child learn spellings.  You will find appropriate words to practise in the previous blogs if you wish to do so.

12.5.23 Jewish Studies – Parashat Behar Bechukotai

Hebrew reading – The children have each been working hard on their relevant Hebrew reading rules. Well done to the children who passed their Aleph Champ books this week – keep up the great work.

Please ensure you are reading with your child regularly from their Hebrew reading book and signing their progress at home. Please note, there will be no 1:1 reading support next week as Miss Goodkin will be on the residential trip, however your children will still have their regular reading lessons.

Chagim - Lag B’Omer – Last Monday night and Tuesday we celebrated Lag B'Omer.

Lag B’Omer is a special day of friendship and celebration.  Rabbi Akiva, a great Torah scholar, had many students, but they were not careful in their friendship with one another, and they became ill (which is why we couldn’t do various things in the Omer). Now that Lag B’Omer has come, we are allowed to do these things (haircuts, weddings, live music). We celebrate Lag B’Omer by having bonfires, listening to music and doing fun things.

We all particularly enjoyed our ice cream treat during the day!

Parasha – We have a special rest day every seven days called Shabbat. The land in Eretz Yisrael has a special rest year every seven years called Shemittah. Farmers are busy working on the land, growing food for us to eat. During the Shemittah year not only does the land have a rest but farmers have a rest so that they can spend more time with their families and learn Torah, just as we do every Shabbat.

Middah of the week – Emunah – trusting in Hashem that He will provide for us.

Wishing you all a lovely Shabbat,

Ms Rose

Friday 12th May 2023

This week the children had a unique opportunity to participate in a very exciting environmental workshop where they learnt about renewable energy, environmental issues and biodiversity through practical working stations.  On Wednesday we went out into the playground and took part in four different activities to do with sustainable energy.  The children were engaged and able to ask many questions about each activity whilst also giving their own knowledge about the subject.  The children planted their own seeds, created a bug house and a windmill as we did many other practical activities.  They were buzzing from all the excitement and interest and were still talking about it at the end of the day.  

In English, we recapped the story ‘The Day the Crayons Quit’ but we changed it and had to imagine our pencil box equipment would be quitting.  The children brainstormed why they might quit and wrote speech bubbles to describe why the different equipment was quitting.  Then the children wrote their own stories about their stationary quitting.

In maths, the children reviewed subtraction of two 2-digit numbers when they cross the ten. For example: 52 - 38 =.  We then reviewed multiplication and division calculations but focused on solving reasoning and problem solving questions.  The children grew in confidence within these lessons and many more children were attempting the worded problems.

In geography, we looked at seaside holidays from the past and what they were like.  The children learnt about bathing machines where people could change into their bathing suits and then be pulled into the sea by horses in order to preserve their modesty.  The children saw pictures from the 1850s until present day and how they differed.  They were able to discuss the similarities and differences between now and then at the beach.

In science, the children were asked the questions ‘Can you make the strongest paper bridge?’ We looked at different types of bridges, beam, truss and suspension bridges and noticed that triangles were often used in order to strengthen bridges. The children were then split into groups and had to design and then make their bridges.  We will be continuing this next week.

In computing, the children continued creating their own works of art using the Freeform app. They have been inspired by impressionist paintings and have been attempting to recreate these techniques.

In SPaG the children review how to write questions and exclamation sentences.  We looked at the difference, one being that exclamation sentences normally start with ‘what’ or ‘how’, although these are question words, exclamation sentences do not need an answer.  The children were given a picture and then had to write these two different types of sentences to match the picture.

In phonics, we learnt the following sounds and spelled the words below:

• If you would like to learn more tables, have a look at Doodle Maths. 
• Money for equipment please. 
• Please see the newly added section on spellings, in the Y2 blog main page.  In this section you will see ideas to help your child learn spellings.  You will find appropriate words to practise in the previous blogs if you wish to do so.

5.5.23 Jewish Studies – Parashat Emor

We have had a really exciting week in Jewish Studies.

Coronation – We learnt that there is a special Tefillah said in Shul on Shabbat morning, especially for the Royal family. We also discussed the importance of the King within Judaism and how we are very lucky to have a king so respectful of the Jewish people. The children were particularly interested to learn about how The Chief Rabbi was going to be participating in the coronation – by having a sleepover at the King’s home!

Wishing a huge Mazal tov to King Charles on his upcoming coronation!

Hebrew reading – This week our reading was focused on the Tefillah for the Royal family said on Shabbat.

Well done to the children who have moved onto the next Aleph Champ book!

Parasha – Parashat Emor

In this week’s Parasha we learn about the different Chagim (festivals), and what we do on them. We learnt about the Shalosh Regalim (3 foot festivals) that the Jewish people would travel to the Bet Hamikdash for – Pesach, Shavuot and Succot.

There are different symbols associated with each of the festivals e.g. Pesach – Matzot; Shavuot – Sefer Torah;  Rosh Hashanah – Shofar; Yom Kippur - non leather shoes, Sukkot - Succah and Arba ‘ah Minim.

The children all drew a symbol of a Chag and they had to make a tally for how many of their classmates managed to guess it correctly!

Middah of the week – Keeping the Chagim.

Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom and an enjoyable weekend,

Ms Rose

Friday 5th May 2023

In English, the children completed a comprehension of a story. They learnt about the King’s Coronation. We discussed what it meant, what would happen on the day and how it will be celebrated. After this, the children discussed what they would do if they could be King for the day. The children had some fantastic answers.  We also listened to some of the music that will be played during the coronation ceremony and made commemorative bookmarks.

In maths, the children reviewed addition of two 2-digit numbers where the ones cross over the ten. For example 47 + 36 =. We counted in 3s and then looked at subtraction of two 2-digit numbers when they cross the ten. For example: 52 - 38 =.

In geography, we started a new topic on the seaside. We discussed what we would see at the seaside, including specific things we would only see there. Then we went onto discuss which of these features were human or a physical feature.

In art, the children had a drawing they had to look closely at to study. We discussed what they saw and then they had to replicate what they saw. The children sketched out the outline first and then introduced the colour. The work was excellent.

In computing, the children continued learning how to draw using the Freeform app. They looked at Mondrian pictures and produced their own Mondrian style art work. They then moved on to look at Monet paintings and started to create their own impressionist art work.

In phonics, we learnt the following sounds and spelled the words below:

• We are pleased to inform you that on Wednesday 10th May the children will be participating in a fun and exciting environmental workshop where they will learn about renewable energy, environmental issues and biodiversity. Please could children bring materials for building bug houses on Tuesday or Wednesday. Ideally dried leaves, twigs, corks, string, pine cones or anything that is natural and small to create warm, dry spaces for wildlife. Thank you.
• If you would like to learn more tables, have a look at Doodle Maths. 
• Money for equipment please. 
• Please see the newly added section on spellings, in the Y2 blog main page.  In this section you will see ideas to help your child learn spellings.  You will find appropriate words to practise in the previous blogs if you wish to do so.

28.4.23 Jewish Studies – Parashat Acharei Mot – Kedoshim.

This week in JS we have been preparing for Yom Ha’atzmaut. We have been learning to read and sing the Hatikvah and have been doing lots of reading activities surrounding it.

We also looked at the key features of the Semel of Yerushalim and created our own Semel that identifies us as an individual.

Parasha: Although Beneh Yisrael lived in Egypt for many years they tried to be careful not to copy the actions and behaviour of the Egyptians. The Egyptians behaved in a way which Hashem would not be pleased for Beneh Yisrael to copy. For example, they worshipped idols. When Hashem took Beneh Yisrael out of Egypt he reminded Beneh Yisrael not to copy the bad behaviour of the Egyptians.

The children acted out different scenarios of types of behaviours and discussed how we would each react and what we could do to avoid the scenarios.

Middah of the week: not copying bad behaviour.

Well done to all the children who have passed onto their next Aleph Champ book! Keep up the great work!

Shabbat Shalom,

Ms Rose

Friday 28th April 2023

This week we had a wonderful celebration for Yom Ha’atzmaut.  We started off with a whole school Tefillah in the Shul.  We followed this by learning four Israeli dances.  We came back to class and made a part of the Israeli semel or emblem. We decorated each piece which will be put together to great one giant semel.  After break, we made our very own El Al planes.  The children put in a lot of effort to make them stand out.  Later in the day we had army training, a whole school show and finished off with a flag walk.  The children had lots of fun!

In English, the children have read a new book called ‘The Apple Tree’s Discovery’. This book had a cross curricular link to Jewish Studies. The book was based around a little apple tree that wanted to be like the beautiful oak trees as they looked like they had stars at the end of their branches. The apple tree kept talking to Hashem about wanting stars and was told to be patient. The apple tree wasn’t satisfied with giving shelter from the hot sun, providing a place where birds can sit or giving people its fruit. Eventually, the apples fell and split open to see a star in the middle of its fruit so the apple tree realised he had what he wanted all along. The themes we focused on were what makes us special, noticing the good in ourselves and other people and learning about gratitude. They focused on writing in full sentences and using conjunctions.

In maths, the children learnt about movements and turns. This language helped them move from one place to another. We focused on ½, ¼, ¾ turns as well as clockwise and anti clockwise.  Then we moved onto patterns with shapes, trying to work out what the next shape would be in the pattern. Then the children made their own patterns and challenged themselves to use ¼ turns in their patterns. The children also followed some instructions to move around the classroom.

In science, the children learnt about how to change a material.  We investigated how to change materials using heat or cold.  We took some chocolate, cheese, wax crayons and ice to see what happens if we apply heat or cold to the material.  The children also learnt about reversible and irreversible changes.  The children understood that chocolate has a reversible change depending on if heat or cold is applied but bread, once toasted, has an irreversible change as it can not turn back to bread.

In history the children learnt about Mary Seacole. They learn about how difficult it was for her to raise funds to get better equipment to treat the soldiers. They then had to write a persuasive letter to the British government to ask for funds and supplies.

In creative writing, the children began to write their adventure stories. They had lots of exciting ideas about where their teddies would be going. 

In computing, the children continued learning how to draw using the Freeform app. They looked at Mondrian pictures and produced their own Mondrian style art work.

In phonics, we learnt the following sounds and spelled the words below:

• Money for equipment please. 
• Please see the newly added section on spellings, in the Y2 blog main page.  In this section you will see ideas to help your child learn spellings.  You will find appropriate words to practise in the previous blogs if you wish to do so.

21^st April 2023 Jewish Studies – Parashat Tazriah-Metzora

Chodesh Tov!

It was lovely seeing so many of you this morning at our Rosh Chodesh activity.

We had a lovely week sharing the exciting things we did over Pesach and at Seder night, the children all enjoyed sharing their experiences and how they each used their Haggadah.

This week we learnt about counting the Sefirat Ha'Omer for 49 days - from the second night of Pesach until Shavuot. We discussed the things we cannot do during the Omer and made our own Omer charts which we look forward to bringing home next week.

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,

Ms Rose

Friday 21st April 2023

We have had a fabulous first week back.  We noticed the children settled very quickly and were ready to work,  We also noticed more children challenging themselves in different areas of the curriculum. May we remind you, many children have run out of equipment, such as whiteboard pens, pens and pencils.  Please send in some money so children can replace their equipment.

In English, the children started a new book called ‘The Day the Crayons Quit’.  We started off the book with a ‘hook’ to entice the children in. I hid all of the pencil pots before they came back to class and then sent them a video of the ‘pens quitting’.  See the attached video the children saw. This week they wrote letters and diary entries as the different characters from the story.  The children remembered the features of a letter and diary in order to write them.  Many of the children used paragraphs and conjunctions in their writing.

In maths, the children learnt about volume and capacity.  We looked at the standard unit of measurement for liquids, millilitres and litres.  The children enjoyed playing games with liquids and understanding that the size of the container does not change the amount of liquid in the container, even though it might look a different height. The children used beakers and measuring cylinders of water to help them answer questions, a little bit of water was split, but the questions were all answered!

In art,  the children painted their Miro style sculptures.  We looked at the colours and colour blocking Miro used to paint his sculptures.  After this the children evaluated their work and wrote ideas about how they could improve their work.

In history, the children learnt about Mary Seacole. She was a nurse that also went to the Crimea to help the sick soldiers. The children then wrote a fact file about her and her life.

In SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar), the children focused on full stops, questions marks and exclamation marks.  They had to decide what punctuation the sentences needed and then with a given picture they had to write different sentences using the different punctuation marks.  And the children learnt about words and sentences using contracted apostrophes.  

In creative writing, we showed the children the book ‘Spencer the bear who was always there’. However, all the pages had fallen out! The children planned their own teddy bear adventure stories to start writing next week. These will fill the pages of the book once they are finished.

In computing, we reviewed the coding that the children had learned last term and started a new unit of work on graphic modelling. The children experimented with an app called Freeform, making squiggle pictures.

Reminders:

• Money for equipment please. 
• Please see the newly added section on spellings, in the Y2 blog main page.  In this section you will see ideas to help your child learn spellings.  You will find appropriate words to practise in the previous blogs if you wish to do so.
• Please send a photo of your child's favourite teddy bear (or the one they have chosen to write about) to the year 2 email account

Wednesday 29th March 2023

This week we had a wonderful time on our school trip to the Barbican Centre for the Orchestral Olympics by the London Symphonic Orchestra. We went by coach and sat in the auditorium ready for the concert. The children heard classical music written by many famous composers from around the world.  The songs were all chosen as they were linked to the Olympics or movement in some way.  Some of the songs were taught to the children and they danced and sang along to the songs.  It was an incredible experience that we feel the children will remember for a long time.

We also had a wonderful Seder led by Ms D Rose.  The children enjoyed searching for the last chametz before we began.  During the Seder the children were able to answer questions and join in with the songs.  They particularly enjoyed eating the matzah, and dipping into the charoset and eating their ‘chocolate eggs’.  It was a fantastic experience, see below some photos from the Seder.

We would like to wish you all a Pesach sameach and a wonderful break!  We are very much looking forward to next term.  See you soon!

The Year 2 Team

24.3.23 Jewish Studies – Parashat Vayikra.

This week we have been learning all about Pesach and creating our beautiful Haggadot.

We have learnt about the stages of the Seder, the Seder plate and what we do at each step. The children have all been enjoying learning and practicing all the songs surrounding the Seder night.

Please be in touch with me via email if your child will be leaving school earlier than Tuesday, as I will be sending them home with their Haggadot then.

I will be uploading to Google classroom some fun additional things you can print at home for your child to complete, should you wish.

Please continue reading with your child over the Pesach break.

Wishing you a Chag Sameach & Shabbat Shalom,

Ms Rose

Friday 24th March 2023

In English, the children had a poetry week.  We discussed features of a poem and then read many different poems.  The children chose a poem to perform to the class and they remembered to perform them with expression and intonation.  We then focused on riddle poetry and the children then wrote their own poems.

In maths, the children have learnt about mass.  The children compared mass by using bucket balances and measured the weight of objects in the classroom compared to blocks.  We then looked at measuring in grams and kilograms.

In history, we reviewed what we have learnt about Florence Nightingale.  The children got to discuss her life and what led her to change the course of nursing.  The children remember the facts they had learnt extremely well.

In science, the children investigated ‘Which is the strongest paper?’.  They chose different types of paper to investigate and then set about measuring how much weight each paper could hold.  The children really enjoyed this and predicted that the thicker paper, the more weight it would be able to hold.

In forest school, the children had a wonderful last session. They enjoyed a range of tree themed activities including making a tree dream catcher and crown out of willow, painting using sticks, and using clay to make tree faces. Some children worked together to use ropes to make a zip line, and a swing. 

In computing, the children enjoyed using all their new scratch skills to make a scene with sprites that move, talk, grow, shrink, and disappear.

In phonics:  The children reviewed past sounds.  Below are words that you can practise at home in order for your children to practise and learn.  Have a look in the new section Spelling Practice Ideas on the blog, this will help you with ways to learn practice spellings.

Reminders:

• Please see the newly added section on spellings, in the Y2 blog main page.  In this section you will see ideas to help your child learn spellings.  You will find appropriate words to practise in the previous blogs if you wish to do so.
• Money for equipment please. 

17.3.23 Parashat Vayakhel Pekudei

Chagim: This week we have been busy getting ready for Pesach.

We have learnt that there are 14 stages of the Seder and started to learn about what happens at each of the different stages. We have also been learning a song to remember them.

Parasha – This week we complete Sefer Shemot – book 2 and in Shul on Shabbat we say Chazak Chazak V’nitchazek!!

Story focus: All of Bnei Yisrael have had a share in building the Mishkan. They have given their treasured possessions and used their skills and talents to construct the building, shape the objects and weave and embroider the coverings. Bnei Yisrael bring all the parts to Moshe who checks them and sees that they have worked together to make everything exactly as Hashem commanded.

Middah of the week – working together.

Script writing - We have been reviewing some of the more tricky script letters.

Hebrew Reading – We have continued reviewing the reading rules from our relevant books.

Please continue encouraging your child to read as often as possible during the week at home.

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom

Ms Rose

Friday 17th March 2023

This week we had a really good time learning lots of new things.  The children particularly enjoyed the British sign language lesson.  One child spoke of their own experience in their house which the children really enjoyed listening to.  They then learnt different greetings and the alphabet which they enjoyed practising.

In English, the children started to plan their non-chronological reports.  They chose a nocturnal animal to read about and then decided which sub-headings they would like to include in their reports.  Once this was done they read information packs about their chosen animal and wrote notes for each of their sub-headings.  They also used the ipads and scanned a QR code in order to find out more information about their animal.  When this was completed they wrote up their non-chronological reports, including opening sentences, sub-headings, pictures & captions and closing sentences.

In maths, the children worked on times and dividing by 2, 5 & 10.  The children’s skills and quickness have been improving in these calculations.  Then they had to solve different worded problems involving these objectives.  We also played our first loop game, where the children have cards with an answer and a question.  Each child had to listen out for the calculation and work out the answer to see if they had it, if they did, the child shouted the answer out and then asked the next question.  This continued around the room in a very random order.

In history, we learnt and compared nursing to now and in Florence Nightingale’s time.  The children were able to identify how things have changed for the better in regards to nursing over the years.  They then role-played different scenarios about how doctors and nurses might handle a patient in Victorian times and now.  The children role-play very well.

In science, the children investigated what happened to different papers when they are waterproofed.  The children were able to give answers and explain their reasoning clearly.  Recording this in their books as well as their findings.

In forest school, the children played the ‘Lily Pad’ Game. They were divided into two groups and tasked to find a way to get everyone across the river.  Each team found a different way to cross the river and work hard and collaboratively.  The children thoroughly enjoyed the task.

In computing, the children research nocturnal animals which was a direct link to our English lessons.

In phonics:

We reviewed past sounds.  Have a look back at our previous blogs.

We have noticed that when playing ball games in the playground, many of the children are finding it hard to regulate their emotions, and as such their responses to both winning and losing a game are disproportionate for the school playground. Unfortunately, this was causing lots of upset and delayed learning as the start of many lessons after break time was spent dealing with the fallout from these games. As such, the children have not had balls this week and we have been encouraging other games. However, we would like the children to get back to playing ball games as soon as possible and are using our PSHE lessons and other times to actively teach the children how to play and react appropriately. We hope that this will lead to more positive playtimes for everyone. It would be great if you were able to support us by talking to your child about this at home and helping them to manage their responses if you see extreme reactions to playing games at home.

Reminders:

• Money for equipment please. 
• Please ensure that children are appropriately dressed for Forest School. 

Friday 10th March 2023

This was a fantastic week!  We had an amazing day on Purim starting off with our Megillah hearing in the shul followed by Purim activities in class.  After that we had a Zumbathon.  Lots of the children loved getting involved in this and followed along with the instructor extremely well.  After lunch, including a hamantaschen dessert, we rounded off the day with a Purim parade.  Have a look at some of the pictures of the day below.

Next we had our school trip.  The weather did not alter our plans.  The children got to the museum and were greeted by ‘Florence Nightingale’ who talked us through her life and how she became a founding creator of nursing as we know it today.  The children were able to answer all the questions she asked about her life.

In English, the children continued  learning about non-chronological reports.  They began to think about a nocturnal they would like to create a report about and also the sub-heading they want to include.  Later in the week they wrote a recount of the class trip, paying attention to time conjunctions and other connecting words to uplevel their writing.

In maths, the children worked on dividing by 2 and completed different stretches and challenges linked to this.  They then went onto doubles and halves.  The children really had to think about how to answer the challenge questions using because.

In history, we learnt about Florence Nightingale in her later life and what she did once she returned from the war.  We learnt that she came back with Scutari fever and was bedridden for 11 years.  This did not stop her from setting up the Nightingale School of Nursing and writing several books about nursing.  As well as the many awards she was given for her service to the country.

In science, the children investigated what happened to different papers when they are waterproofed.  The children were able to give answers and explain their reasoning clearly.  Recording this in their books as well as their findings.

In Forest School, the children were not deterred by the rain! They played a game under the shelter and heard a story about how the birds got their colours. They then enjoyed some powder paint throwing, jumping in puddles and collecting rain water, digging holes, and using the ropes to build structures. On the way back from Forest School we chanted ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ as the children jumped through the puddles.

In computing, the children collected information about nocturnal animals to support them in writing their non-chronological reports over the next few weeks.

Reminders:

• Money for equipment please. 
• Please ensure that children are appropriately dressed for Forest School. 

Friday 3rd March 2023

We had a great week this week!

In English, the children started a new topic learning about non-chronological reports.  The children learnt about the features, such as photos, captions, heading, sub-headings, information.  They understood the importance of sub-heading and clear information as well as how to write a caption.  Later in the week we compared facts and opinions.

In maths, the children have been learning about division.  We have been practising using the different skills of grouping and sharing using counters and jottings to work out the calculations.  The children were also practising quick-fire multiplication questions.

In history, we had two lessons in preparation for our class trip to the Florence Nightingale museum.  We learnt about how Florence read about the war going on in the Crimea and wanted to help the sick soldiers and what the conditions were like when she arrived at the Scutari hospital.  The children wrote a diary entry pretending to be Florence, describing the conditions in the hospital and how she felt.  In the second lesson, we focused on the conditions and what she did to improve them.

In art, the children learned more about magical realism and how different shapes, lines and colours were used to draw people and images.  In the later years Miro’s artwork became more surrealist and things became abstract.

In Forest School, the children continued learning about how to calm their bodies and minds. They tried a new mindfulness technique called the welly boot stomp. They played the giant, wizard, elf game again and then listened to a story about the weather. They then took part in a range of different activities. Some children made a giant catapult, others made weathervanes and even swings. 

In computing, the children continued their work on Scratch Junior, this week they experimented with the loop block. 

In phonics, the children learnt the following sounds:

Reminders:

• E-Safety evening event for parents on the 9th of March at 7pm. 
• Money for equipment please. 

24.2.23 Jewish Studies – Parashat Terumah.

Hebrew reading – the children have been progressing beautifully with their reading skills and it is wonderful seeing the children moving through their Aleph Champ books, improving their reading accuracy and fluency.

Parasha - Hashem commands Bnei Yisrael to build a Mishkan - a special place for Him to be close to Bnei Yisrael. Hashem always wants to be close to the Jewish people so throughout the generations we have built Batei Knesset (shul/synagogues). The objects in the Batei Knesset today remind us of the contents of the Mishkan.

Middah of the week: The Bet Knesset is a place to come close to Hashem

Purim – We have begun learning about the 4 Mitzvot of Purim and how they all begin with the Hebrew letter ‘Mem’.

Megillah, Mishte, Matanot La’evyonim, Mishloach Manot.

Wishing you a lovely Shabbat,

Ms Rose

Friday 24th February 2023

We have had an excellent week back.  Have a look below for some of the things we did.

In English, the children wrote a character description of the character ‘The Dark’.  They remembered all the features of a character description.  Then we planned a description of Laszlo.  We took time to really think in detail about the descriptive adjectives we used.  Then they wrote a detailed description of Laszlo including paragraphs and uplevelled their writing using various conjunctions. 

In maths, the children reviewed some addition and subtraction at the beginning of the week and then we moved onto a new topic ‘length and height’.  We used the standard measure of centimetres, cm, and metres, m.  We measured objects in the classroom and then were challenged by an author’s letter to design his characters based on the information given.  Lastly, we ordered lengths and heights, using the more than/less then symbols.

In science, the children had to investigate ‘Hard materials can not absorb water’.  First, they read a letter from ‘The Three Little Pigs’ about helping them to decide what material to build their houses from as they had been subjected to terrible winds and rain.  The children loved this ‘hook’ for the lesson and set about trying to answer it.  The children looked around the school to discuss what materials the buildings were made from.  Then they made predictions about the hypothesis and had to try and work out how we could test this.  The children had very good ideas.  We then used lots of different hard materials to see if they were waterproof or porous.  The children were amazed to observe some hard materials were porous, including granite and sandstone.  

In history, the children learned about who Florence Nightingale was and when she lived.  They learnt details about her life and the times she lived in including what was expected of women during these times.  The children played a game and had to find different clues about her life.

In art, the children’s new topic was about the famous artist Miro.  The children learned about magical realism.  The style in which he created paintings, drawing from memory, items from his life in a sometimes strange and unusual way.  The children had to adapt his famous painting, ‘The farm’ and include meaningful pictures from their lives.

In Forest School, the children were introduced to the sign for calm. They played an exciting game where they had to work as a team to decide whether they were going to be an elf, wizard or giant. Emma told the children a beautiful story about fear, it linked nicely to the story ‘the Dark’. The children then spent some time exploring, making swings, making clay giants or even creating stilts. 

In computing, the children carried on learning to use Scratch Junior. They learned how to make a sprite grow or shrink.

In phonics, the children learnt the following sounds:

Reminders:

• Many children are running out of equipment. Please send your child in with some 50ps (we have change) so they can buy pens, pencils and whiteboard pens

10.2.23 Jewish Studies – Parashat Yitro

Chagim – We had a wonderful trip to Kew Gardens on Tu Bishvat and enjoyed walking around and appreciating all the wonderful nature Hashem has made for us, as well as all the wonderful things trees give us.

Hebrew Reading – The children continued working through their relevant reading rules in their reading groups. We have really been focusing on reading words as a whole (sounding it in our head and then reading the whole word aloud.) Please kindly reinforce this when your child is reading at home.

Well done to all the children who have moved onto their next Aleph champ book!

Script - reviewed all the Aleph Bet script letters.

Parasha – Yitro, Moshe’s father in law sees how hard Moshe works. He suggests to Moshe that he should ‘restructure’ and appoint the elders of the community to support him in answering the Bnei Yisrael’s questions. If each of them were unable to answer a question, it went up the ‘ranks’ until reaching Moshe at the top.

We discussed who we can ask questions to, as well as who we would ask next if that person couldn’t help us – all the way to the Gedolei Hador (the great Rabbi’s of our generation.)

Wishing you a wonderful Shabbat and week ahead!
 

Ms Rose

Friday 10th February 2023

This week we had a fabulous time at Kew Gardens which tied in with Tu Bish’vat and children’s mental health week.  We travelled up by coach and the children had a teacher led session with the staff from Kew, called plant scientists.  They looked at different seeds, matched real seeds and a picture of what they would grow into. They also had to decide whether the seed travelled by air or got stuck to different animals in order to grow things.  They also looked at parts of the plants through the microscope and drew plants.  The children really enjoyed this and later in the year we will be learning more about plants in science.  We then had lunch and the children enjoyed sitting by the cafe in the sun.  Later in the day the children went to the Palm house exhibit and new orchid exhibit. The behaviour was excellent throughout the day.  The children enjoyed seeing all the different plants. Have a look at some of the pictures below.  

We carried on our Children’s Mental Health Week all week by discussing what things make the children calm.  They discussed their favourite songs that help them feel happy and calm and who is a trusted person to discuss their feelings with as well as hugging their pets in PSHE.  Then the children had a meditation and mindfulness session where they made connections with their feelings.  We then had a lovely sessions with Mr Fingerhut making connections through music for our wellbeing.  This was a fantastic week and the children really enjoyed it.

In English, the children used their annotated character designs from last week to create a character description of a character they created.  The children were able to write including many of the features and they challenged themselves to write in paragraphs as well as use conjunctions, such as because, and, but, when and if.

In maths, the children learned how to subtract two 2-digit numbers.  They children enjoyed learning how to exchange a ten for ten ones in order to help them subtract numbers that cross ten.  

An example of this is 71 - 27 =.  They knew that they couldn't take 7 from 1 so they exchanged a ten from 71 in order to have more 1s.  They children picked up this concept with ease using place value charts and counters.

In history, the children discussed our new topic ‘Florence Nightingale’.  They filled out part of our KWL grid.  This is where the children share what they know about the topic, if any and then what they would like to find out about her.  These tasks focused on question writing skills.  Then we learnt different useful vocabulary that will be included in the topic.

In art, the children made mosaic landscape pictures in the style of Metzinger.  The children really enjoyed creating mosaics and thought very hard about what they wanted to include in their pictures.  The children made the sun, trees, trains, parks and more.

In computing, the children began to experiment with Scratch Junior. They learned how to insert characters, backgrounds and how to make the characters move. Some children started to make different objects interact with each other, for example, making a football move between two characters, or programming a character to move over to a basketball, and then both elements move towards a basketball net. 

In phonics, the children learnt the following sounds:

Reminders:

• We have Forest School starting after half term every Thursday.  Please remember to send your child in with appropriate clothing and boots.
• Many children are running out of equipment. Please send your child in with some 50ps (we have change) so they can buy pens, pencils and whiteboard pens

3.2.23 Jewish Studies – Parashat Beshalach

Hebrew reading - This week we have been working hard on our reading levels, learning new and challenging reading rules for each of our books.

Please encourage your child to read as often as possible from their Aleph Champ book – the school ask that every child reads 5 minutes a day every day.

Script writing – Reish and Shin.

Parasha – Bnei Yisrael leave Egypt but they do not know where they are going. Hashem leads them with a column of cloud by day and a column of fire at night. They reach the Yam Suf and cannot cross it. Bnei Yisrael see the Egyptians chasing after them and they cry to Moshe. A brave man leads them through the Yam Suf and the Egyptians drown in the sea. Bnei Yisrael are grateful to Hashem for saving them and they sing Shirat Hayam. Miriam and the women sing with their tambourines which they have brought with them out of Egypt. 

We enjoyed creating our own tambourines to sing and dance with like the Jewish people in this week's Parasha.

Middah of the week – being grateful.

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom

Ms D Rose

Friday 3rd February 2023

In English, the children learned about the features of a character description.  They could identify that they include adjectives to describe what the character looks like, how it behaves, how it moves and how it speaks.  They also wrote a character description of a partner in the class. Beginning with paired talks and then writing their description. Finally, the children created their own characters and annotated descriptive phrases in order to use these for their character description next week

In maths, the children learned how to add two 2-digit numbers. We started with calculations that did not cross ten, for example, 26 + 41 =.  Then they moved on to adding two 2-digit numbers which crossed ten. For example, 46 + 49 =. We used lots of practical resources such as tens and ones blocks as well as tens and ones place value counters.   This will be continued into next week.

In science, the children carried out an investigation to test the absorbency of different papers.  The children had to give a prediction of which paper would be the most absorbent.  The children enjoyed testing the paper with water and pipettes and recorded the results. And then deciding which was the most absorbent.

In geography, the children learnt about the European country, France.  We discussed the population, the famous sites as well as the food eaten in France.  Then the children got to evaluate different French foods, baguettes, cheese and croissants.

In art, the children made their Ethiopian amulets for the Israel project. They used their ideas from their designs made last week. Using modelling clay, chains and clasps they set about making their amulet. See some of the pictures attached.

In computing, the children used the app Puppet Pals to bring their own stories to life. Linked to creative writing the children focused on ensuring their stories had a beginning, middle and end. 

In creative writing, the children read a story about some children who were transported from a playground pirate ship, to a real one! They thought carefully about their own ideas for a story that follows a similar structure and wrote a detailed plan. We look forward to reading about all the different adventures they have planned. 

In phonics, the children learnt the following sounds:

Reminders:

• Many children are running out of equipment. Please send your child in with some 50ps (we have change) so they can buy pens, pencils and whiteboard pens

Friday 27th January 2023

In English, we were planning and writing formal and informal letters.  We wrote a letter to the main character of the book ‘The Dark’ to tell him why he shouldn’t be afraid of the dark and then we wrote letters to the reception children to help them not fear the dark.  The children were able to use many of the features of informal and formal letters to write their own letters.

In Maths, we focused on collecting information or data to put into tally charts and pictograms.  The children were introduced to the topic and then had to gather information to put into different charts and pictograms.  They then had to answer questions about their findings, such as which was the most/least popular or what was the difference between different information recorded.

In science, we began a new topic on materials.  The children reviewed what they had previously learnt about different materials they knew.  They then had to find various materials in the classroom.  They played a game where they had to find an item in class made from the chosen material.  The children really enjoyed moving around the class and finding different materials.  They then had to try and explain which material is used most and why and also which materials were used least.  The children had wonderful ideas and explanations for their choices.

In art, the children designed their own amulet.  We had previously researched information about Ethiopian amulets in computing and used these pictures to design their own amulets.  The children created beautiful designs.

In creative writing, the children wrote character descriptions of their book week characters. They thought carefully about including a range of adjectives and began to experiment with similes. 

In computing, the children continued learning about algorithms, they created their own characters and gave instructions so that a partner could try and replicate their drawing. We discussed how precise their instructions needed to be. Next week we are looking forward to beginning to experiment with the programme Scratch Junior, which will allow them to become familiar with basic coding skills.

In PSHE we discussed what it means to be a good winner, a good loser, a bad winner and a bad loser. The children had lots of ideas about how they could be good winners or losers. 

In phonics, the children learnt the following sounds:

Reminders:

• Google Classroom - may we ask parents to send pictures of their child the correct way up.  It makes it very difficult for me to mark the work as we are unable to turn the pictures.  Thank you very much for your support.
• Many children are running out of equipment. Please send your child in with some 50ps (we have change) so they can buy pens, pencils and whiteboard pens

Friday 20th January 2023

The Y2 children have had a fantastic book week.  We started by introducing the characters we had dressed up as and the children wrote book reviews of their favourite books.  We were lucky to then have Mr Marciano, a Y1 parent, come into class and read from the book he wrote.  The children really enjoyed it and asked many questions.  The next day we had Pippa Goodhart, the author of many of the Winnie the Witch stories.  It was fascinating to hear about how she went about the process of writing a book, always thinking 'what if'.  She gave examples of strange what ifs and explained that she found reading and spelling very difficult but she didn't let that put her off having amazing ideas!  The children split into three groups and went to different locations around the school to listen to different teachers read a story.  And then we had a 'book tasting'.  This consisted of reading a few pages from a variety of genres and then writing if you would recommend them to others.  The children enjoyed reading a variety of books.  Later in the week the children got to read to each other in their houses and go on a book scavenger hunt in the library.  It was a jammed packed week but very enjoyable.

In English, the children learned about formal letters.  They learned about the features and language they would see in a formal letter.  Then they compared a formal letter to an informal letter.  The children were able to identify the different ways they were written and the language and style.  

In maths, we looked at 2D and 3D shapes.  The children learned to find the number of sides and vertices (corners) on 2D shapes as well as creating pictures with these shapes.  During the activities they had to order 2D shapes and then explain where another shape would fit in the order.  They had to spot the odd one out and explain why it was odd.

In geography, the children learnt about hot and cold climates and some of the animals that live in that area.  We looked at the four climate zones on a map.  These are cold, temperate, warm and tropical and where the equator line runs through.  The children then had to identify the different climate zones on a map and include the animals that lived in that area.

In art, the children reviewed what they had learnt about Monet and Van Gogh.  They were able to write a few pieces of information about these artists and include them in their sketchbooks.  After this, we learned all about the artist Metzinger and how he changed the impressionism style of painting, which was called neo impressionism.  He used large brush strokes but left gaps in between his colours.  Often using vivid and strange colours for a landscape.  The children created their own landscape in the style of Metzinger using either small squares, hexagons or triangle paper.  The results were fantastic!

In computing, the children finished researching their amulet for the Israel 75 project. They made a pic collage using their ideas so that they can refer back to them. 

IReminders:

• A polite reminder that we are collecting Tzedakah on Fridays. The charities we are collecting for this year are GIFT and The Royal Free Hospital. 
• Many children are running out of equipment. Please send your child in with some 50ps (we have change) so they can buy pens, pencils and whiteboard pens

Friday 6th January 2023

In English, the children have studied a new book ‘The Dark’ by Lemony Snicket.  The children started off by making predictions by looking at the front cover and then listened to the story.  We followed this up and had a drama lesson where they became the main character and explored his feelings and what he might be thinking.  The children were excellent at becoming a character and speaking from another point of view.  We then wrote a thought bubble including the character’s thoughts and feelings.  The children were able to write the internal dialogue that the character may be having when walking down to the basement at night.

In maths, the children have been learning about time.  We reviewed and learnt all about o’clock, half past, quarter to and quarter past.  The children were able to read these times and set them on mini clocks.  The children loved how interactive the lessons were.  They then went onto solving problems about time. 

In geography, the children learned about journey lines and then plotted a journey around the globe.  They focused on which continents they would go through and which oceans to go over.  

In art, the children remembered some many facts about Van Gogh from last week and then attempted to create their own paintings in the style of Van Gogh's famous ‘Starry Night’ picture.  The children used similar colours and tried to use longer brush strokes, in order to create a similar effect as Van Gogh.  The children’s end results were fantastic and will be displayed in class.

In creative writing, the children read a story about a lost dog. They then wrote their own lost animal stories. Some wrote about pets and others about animals escaping the zoo. We were really impressed with the writing that the children produced. They thought carefully about using interesting vocabulary, about how their characters were feeling and about writing a story with a beginning, middle and end. We will continue to work on writing stories with beginnings, middles and ends over the next few weeks. 

In computing, we combined our very exciting Israel 75 project with using the new iPads. We looked at an image of an Ethiopian Amulet.  We will be exploring this object over the next few weeks. The children discussed what it might be, where it could be from and any questions they had about it. We then found Ethiopia on a map and talked about the climate. Finally the children used child friendly search engine Kiddle (this is a really useful search engine if your child is using the internet to search at home) to look for images of amulets and begin to develop ideas for what their own amulet could include.

In phonics, the children learnt the following sounds:

Reminders:

• We are looking forward to seeing the story scene entries for Book Week next week!
• Many children are running out of equipment. Please send your child in with some 50ps (we have change) so they can buy pens, pencils and whiteboard pens

6.1.23 Jewish Studies – Parashat Vayechi

Welcome back to everyone from the holidays! It is so lovely seeing all the children back in school and to hear about the different ways (and places) they celebrated the festival of Chanukah.

Well done to all the children who kept up their Hebrew reading over the break! I am so proud of you!!

On Friday, during Tefillah the children were very helpful, supporting the Year 1 children with using a Siddur, in preparation for the Year 1 receiving their own Siddurim.

This week we learnt about the Parasha of Vayechi. The children learnt that this is the last Parashah in the Sefer (book) of Beraishit. We learnt the special words that are said in shul on Shabbat after completing Sefer Beraishit– ‘Chazak chazak v’nitchazek’.

Yosef now tells his brothers who he is and asks them to go and tell Yaakov that he is alive and well. He also tells them to bring Yaakov and all their families to Mitzrayim. Yaakov lives in Mitzrayim for many years. When he is old he blesses his children. Yaakov recognises the special qualities and abilities of each of his sons. He blesses them that each one will be successful in whichever direction they go.

We enjoyed looking at the family tree of the Avot (fathers) and Imahot (mothers).

Middah of the week - Recognising that each member of a family is different and special

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom!

Ms Rose

Friday 6th January 2023

Happy New Year and welcome back to all the Year 2 families!  We are looking forward to this new year and new term.  The children have come back to school ready to learn albeit, a little tired.

In English, the children have written news, focussing on punctuation, time conjunctions and conjunctions to join sentences to make them more interesting.  Then they were given a picture in which they had to write a description of the scene using ENP, correct punctuation and conjunctions.  The children worked hard to write descriptive sentences.

In Maths, we have continued with fractions, starting with a review of what was learnt last year.  They learnt to recognise and find ⅓. Then we reviewed finding fractions of numbers for ½, ⅓ & ¼. The children used practical resources and jottings or their times tables in order to solve the calculation.

In geography, the children reviewed the continent and ocean names and listened to songs about them.   The children then had to choose a continent to read and research and then to write about including appropriate pictures.

In art, the children learnt about Van Gogh and how he enjoyed painting landscapes.  They learnt that when he moved to Paris he began to use contrasting vibrant colours as opposed to when he lived in Holland opting to use blacks and browns to portray his mood whilst living there.  The children then had to create one of his landscapes using Van Gogh’s post-impressionism style using long lines when creating the picture.

In creative writing, the children chose one very small part of their holiday and were challenged to write about it in lots of detail. They thought about using interesting phrases and lots of description.

In computing, the children started to learn about algorithms. They learned that an algorithm is a set of instructions. They followed a very unclear algorithm to draw a character. They then drew their own character and wrote an algorithm for someone else to follow. The children drew each other's characters using their algorithms, and were able to see where they needed to be clearer or more detailed.

In PSHE, the children started to think about the different things they enjoy in the playground and how they decide what they are going to play. 

In phonics, the children learnt the following sounds:

Reminders:

• We will be running a competition asking the children to make a story scene in a box for Book Week (16th January).  If the children would like to enter they should make the scene from any book of their choice.  Please see attached for an example of a story scene.
• END OF DAY - please can I remind parents that when you are collecting your child, you or your child must say goodbye to the teacher dismissing the class.  This is so we can check that the children are going home with the correct adult.
• Many children are running out of equipment. Please send your child in with some 50ps (we have change) so they can buy pens, pencils and whiteboard pens

Wishing you all a fantastic Chanukah.  Have a wonderful holiday and we look forward to seeing you all in the new year.

All the best,

The Year 2 Team

9.12.22 Jewish Studies – Parashat Vayishlach

This week we have been gearing up for Chanukah! It was so special seeing the children working together with their parent/s on the lovely Chanukah activity on Tuesday. The finished products were beautiful and it was a really lovely atmosphere throughout.

Chanukah – we have been enjoying learning all about Chanukah. We reviewed the main points and characters in the Chanukah story, as well at the 2 miracles. We enjoyed learning a song about the dreidel (see below).

We have begun making a craft for Chanukah and look forward to bringing them home next week!

Dreidel letter song:

I am Noon, I stand for nes,

Gimmel the great one that took place.

Hey is my initial, it means haya, it was, it happened, on Chanukah,

And as for Shin it stands for shum, it happened there to ha’am.

Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom!
 

Ms Rose

Friday 9th December 2022

We had another fun packed week in Y2, see below what we got up to.

In English, they started the week off by answering questions about the Katie in London story and then they wrote their own questions to ask the characters. Once they were written we hot-seated some children to act in the role of the character and the other children asked them questions.  Then children had to brainstorm ideas for another part of the Katie in London story. The children used their senses to add detail to their new site and then wrote the next part of the story using their planning ideas.

In maths, the children started to learn about fractions.  We started off by learning the terms part and whole, in relation to both objects and numbers.  We then moved onto learning about halves and quarters, stressing the importance of always having equal parts. The children learnt how to find ½ and ¼ of a number with jottings. See the attached picture as an example.

In geography, the children reviewed the seven continents and learnt about the five oceans across the globe.  After this, the children had to find and label the oceans onto a map using an atlas for reference. 

In science, the children focused on looking at the life cycle of a human in more detail.  They had to think about all the stages in our lives and then match them to different things we can do in those stages.  The children worked in pairs and decided which thing could be done in the different stages.  For example, crying was put by the baby.  Buying a home, the children put next to an adult.

In art, we first started off talking about the Chanukah story and the traditions of Chanukah.  Then the children had to make as many dreidels as they could for the Chanukah fair next week as our stall is guess how many driedels there are in the box.
 

Reminders:

• This was our last week of Forest School.  We will restart it in Spring 2.
• Many children are running out of equipment. Please send your child in with some 50ps (we have change) so they can buy pens, pencils and whiteboard pens.
• As the weather is getting colder, please ensure your child has a thick coat and items such as hats, gloves and scarfs. 

Have a wonderful weekend and Shabbat Shalom,

The Year 2 Team

2.12.22 Jewish Studies – Parashat Vayetze

Hebrew Reading – We continued working within our Hebrew reading groups, reviewing, and learning new reading rules.

Please encourage your child to read 5 minutes a day to encourage reading fluency.

Chagim – We enjoyed talking about the different ways we celebrate Chanukah and the delicious foods we eat.

Script – We learnt how to write script letters ‘samech’ and ‘ayin’.

Parasha – Yaakov leaves home and goes to Charan to find himself a wife. On the journey he has a dream in which Malachim (angels) are going up and down a ladder. In his dream Hashem promises him that he will give him Eretz Yisrael and he will have lots of children. 

Yaakov marries Leah and then Rachel and their maids Bilhah and Zilpah. Yaakov now has a large family of four wives, eleven sons and a daughter.

We practised the song of the Shevatim, 12 tribes of Yisrael to help us remember the names.

Looking forward to seeing you all on Tuesday morning for our Chanukah learning session!

Shabbat Shalom

Ms Rose

Friday 2nd December 2022

We had another fun packed week in Y2, see below what we got up to.

In English, the children had to sequence the story of Katie in London and discuss the main points of the story.  Then they used a storyboard to write a recount of the main parts in the story.  Finally the children then had to write a detailed beginning to the Katie in London story, focusing on using adjectives, expanded noun phrases and the correct punctuation.  The children were able to write in great detail.

In maths, the children carried on learning about multiplication.  They focused on using the multiplication symbol and the terms ‘group of and lots of’ in order to work out the answers, as well as using picture clues to help them.  We also looked at the 2 and 5 times tables and answered lots of reasoning and problem solving questions to move the children’s learning on.

In geography, our new topic is continents and oceans.  We looked at the seven different continents in the world and five oceans.  The children knew some of these before learning more details about them.  Then we looked at an atlas and the children had to locate and plot all the continents and oceans onto a map.  The children loved using the maps to help them plot different things. 

In science, the children learnt about different animal life cycles.  They had to read up about different animals and then create the life cycle including pictures, labels and then details about what happened in different stages of the life cycle.

In art, the children were looking at Monet’s landscapes.  The children learnt that he liked to paint the same landscape several times in different seasons and times of days.  The children observed his work and were able to comment what time of year it was and time of day.  The children then looked at one of his pictures of the Houses of Parliament.  They compared two very similar paintings and then painted their own version of the picture using water colours.  Their results were impressive.

In creative writing, the characters read Little Red Riding Hood. They wrote their own Little Red Riding Hood stories focusing on including interesting vocabulary and different sentence starters. Some children chose to change the location of their story, so we had Little Red Riding Hood in the desert, in the jungle and on a farm! 

In forest school the children discussed what makes them feel angry or frustrated. They played a tactical game where they had to build and hide a nest to fill with eggs. The children really enjoyed thinking through the tactics and working closely with their teammates to ensure their success. They then enjoyed a story about a worm and learned lots of facts about worms, including, worms can lift 300 times their body weight. After the story they chose activities including building using ropes and pulleys, making fungi out of clay and a challenging star activity.

Reminders:

• Please make sure your children learn their parts for the Chanukah Show as well as the song.
• Many children are running out of equipment. Please send your child in with some 50ps (we have change) so they can buy pens, pencils and whiteboard pens.
• As the weather is getting colder, please ensure your child has a thick coat and items such as hats, gloves and scarfs. 

Shabbat Shalom,

The Year 2 Team

25.11 Jewish Studies – Parashat Toldot

Hebrew reading – We have been working through each of our reading levels, reviewing and learning the next rules in our book.

Please try and read with your child 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

Parasha - Yaakov and Esav are both very different in their appearance and behaviour but each in his own way treats his parents with great respect. Esav, when asked by Yitzchak to prepare some tasty food for him does so immediately. Yaakov does exactly what his mother tells him to do even though he does not understand why he should dress up as Esav and go to his father for a blessing.

Middah of the week - honouring one's parents.

GK – We learnt about the ways we make Shabbat special – Oneg Shabbat.

The children shared the ways they make Shabbat special in their homes. Some examples were flowers, special cutlery, napkins, special shabbat clothing, shabbat zemirot (songs)

Shabbat Shalom

Ms Rose

Friday 25th November 2022

What a week we’ve had! We had our first Y2 trip with great success!  The children had a fabulous day exploring landmarks in London. They visited the London Eye and enjoyed spotting the sites from Katie in London.  Next, we boarded a river cruise and had a guided tour of the sites along the river.  They were particularly interested to see Tower Bridge and hear that it takes 90 seconds to fully open. They were excited to see the monument to The Great Fire of London and wave at people on all the bridges.  Their behaviour was excellent and we were all proud of them.

On Monday we had a very special opportunity to watch England’s first match in the World Cup against Iran.  There were children that chose to join and watch the match and in all the classrooms there were related activities. The children in Y2 could move freely between Y1&2 choosing the activities that they wanted to complete. We had map designing and building, mindfulness colouring in and finding World Cup countries on a map.

In English, we continued to look at the Katie in London story and focused on a different picture for the children to describe. The children had to use basic punctuation and challenged themselves to use commas in a list when they used expanded noun phrases. The children wrote some very detailed descriptions and then edited and improved them. Finally, copying them into best for a display in class. In creative writing the children wrote recounts of their school trip. They worked on including how they felt and sharing the most interesting parts of their day.

In maths, we have started a new topic on multiplication. The children learned that multiplication is adding the same number, repeatedly.  They were given visual pictures of repeating items. They had to work out the following.

5 equal groups of 3 =

5 lots of 3=

3+3+3+3+3 =15

Some of the children realised that was the same as 5x3=15.

Later, in the week, the children looked at arrays where there is a visual representation of multiplication using dots. The children then had a go at creating their own arrays and then describing it as above. All of this will give them a solid foundation in multiplication.

In history, our last lesson on the Great Fire of London they were writing up all they know about the Great Fire as a recount. The children could recall so many facts and explain what happened in London to rebuild the city.

In forest school, the children played an exciting game where they had to use tactics to build a nest. They enjoyed a range of other activities including den building, nordic braiding and creating clay characters. 

Reminders:

• Many children are running out of equipment. Please send your child in with some 50ps (we have change) so they can buy pens, pencils and whiteboard pens.
• Forest School will be ending at the end of the term and restarting in Spring 2, on 23rd February.

Shabbat Shalom,

The Year 2 Team

18^th November – Parashat Chayei Sara

Hebrew reading – Well done to all the children who passed their Aleph champ books! I am so proud of you all!

Please keep practising your child’s Hebrew reading as often as possible, working on reading the syllables as a whole word.

Parasha - Eliezer prays to Hashem to help him to find the right wife for Yitzchak. People all over the world pray to Hashem for His help when they are in need.

(Illness, famine, drought, poverty, peace etc.)

The children enjoyed sharing their favourite Tefillot and why.

We also learnt the Shabbat song of ‘Yom ze mechubad’.

Middah of the week - Tefillah.

Friday 11th November 2022

This week was Anti-Bullying Week, the theme was celebrating differences.  We started the week with ‘Odd Sock Day’, the children wore odd socks and celebrated differences.  They also designed odd socks to put up on display.  We also watched a video about how we can help the main character.  We discussed situations that have happened in the classroom/playground. Who can we ‘reach out’ to help? We stressed the importance of telling someone and not being a bystander.  We also had an anti-bullying workshop this week. We had an external facilitator come in to speak with the children about different scenarios that can happen and how they can deal with them.  They learnt about the different types of bullying all whilst role-playing and acting out different roles.  The children were able to put themselves into different situations and role-play and act them out.  It was fantastic to see!

In English, we've been studying a new book ‘Katie in London’.  The children made predictions about the story.  They then listened to the story.  We also focused on writing descriptions including expanded noun phrases and using our senses to add lots of detail to the description.  The children then had an opportunity to edit and improve their work and then copy them up into best to add to our display.

In Maths, we have been learning the topic of money.  The children learnt about the different coins we have and added both pence, pound and also pence and pounds together.  The children enjoyed using the plastic coins to add amounts.  Lastly, the children made totals in different ways.  

An example is 53p can be made from 50p + 2p + 1p or 20p + 20p + 10p + 2p + 1p.

In science, the children started a new topic called ‘Animals including Humans’.  We learnt about the different groups that animals can be divided into including, mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles and birds.  We then discussed how some animals look like their parents and others do not.  The children then had to match the babies to the adult.

In history, the children have come to the end of the GFL topic.  In our last lesson we discussed the GFL story and the causes.  They then had to write a recount of the story and include all of the details they had learnt.

In Creative Writing the children were inspired by the weather. They wrote winter poems thinking about rain, wind and snow. The children used excellent vocabulary and thought carefully about different winter images to write some excellent poems, which we will put on display.

At Forest School this week the children continued their exploration of different emotions. This week the focus was on excitement. They talked about different things that made them excited and practised showing that they were listening by looking at the person speaking. The children also enjoyed learning some new knots, and some free play time with a lot of mud.

Reminders:

• Please remember we have our school trip on Wednesday.  All children need to have a mezonot milky/parev packed lunch.
• No glass bottles
• Nut/sesame free lunch in a rucksack - No plastic bags
• Please pay attention to the weather and dress the children accordingly.
• All children must have a coat.

• END OF DAY - please can I remind parents that when you are collecting your child, you or your child must say goodbye to the teacher dismissing the class.  This is so we can check that the children are going home with the correct adult.

• Many children are running out of equipment. Please send your child in with some 50ps (we have change) so they can buy pens, pencils and whiteboard pens

Friday 28th October 2022

What a wonderful full week we’ve had!  We started the week off with a drama session from Perform.  The children were taken to ancient times where they had to battle to help the King.  The children had fun acting out different scenarios and moving around the hall.

In English, they focused on descriptive writing.  We discussed how we describe things to add detail.  They learnt about expanded noun phrases (ENPs), this is where they use two or more describing words, to describe the noun.  An example is: a tall, green tree, the long, flowing river.  They then were given different pictures of a settings that they had to describe using ENPs as a table.  After some time, they got to move to another table and add more ENPs to it.  They also chose their own setting and had to write a description using ENPs.  Later in the week, the children learnt that using our senses, help uplevel a description.  We went out to the playground to help us describe it, taking note of what we saw, heard, felt etc.  Then the children came back to class to write their descriptions.

In Maths, we focused on subtraction using different strategies. The children used 10s frames and counters, numberlines and tens and ones blocks to help them solve the calculations.  We focused on 2-digits subtract a 1-digit number.  We learnt that partitioning the second digit can help when crossing a 10s number.  I will attach a diagram to show you the method.  Later in the week we looked at adding and subtracting 10s from different numbers.

In science, the children learnt more about world habitats, such as deserts, rainforests, oceans and the arctic.  They looked at the environment and the animals that lived there.  Then they had to research about their chosen habitat and write sentences about it, including pictures.  

In history, the children learnt more about Samuel Pepys and how we know a lot about the fire due to the secret diaries he kept.  They learnt that he wrote in code, so his wife wouldn’t know what he had written.  We focused on different sources of information that help us to understand the fire.  They had to choose which source was relevant to us knowing more about the fire and those that had no bearing.

In art, we have started a new topic ‘Landscapes and Cityscapes’.  The first artist we look at in detail was Monet.  They learnt where he lived and looked at how his style of painting changed during his life to become ‘impressionist’.  They looked at his paintings and how he liked to paint in different times of the day and season, the same landscapes.  The children could talk about what they saw in his paintings.  After our discussion, the children had to draw Monet’s garden, paying attention to colours and details.  The results were excellent!

In Forest School, the children continued to talk about their feelings. They played the fox and rabbit from last week again, this week more successfully and were able to reflect on how they could ensure that everyone had a go. Emma told the children a story about a hedgehog with no spikes, and about how he looked inside himself to find his spikes. They then enjoyed a variety of free activities. The children build lifts and playgrounds for teddy bears, built swings, dens and seesaws, enjoyed relaxing in hammocks and used clay to make their own hedgehogs.

In phonics, the children learnt the following sounds:

Reminders:

• END OF DAY - please can I remind parents that when you are collecting your child, you or your child must say goodbye to the teacher dismissing the class.  This is so we can check that the children are going home with the correct adult.

• Many children are running out of equipment. Please send your child in with some 50ps (we have change) so they can buy pens, pencils and whiteboard pens

11.11.22 – Jewish Studies, Parashat Vayera

General Knowledge – This week we learnt about the 3 special Shabbat meals; Friday night, Shabbat lunch and Seudah Shlishit. We learnt about the special foods we need at each of those meals and wrote our own menu for each of the Shabbat meals.

Hebrew Reading – We continued working through the various reading rules in our Aleph champ books. We spent time reviewing some of the similar looking letters. Well done to all the children who passed their Aleph Champ books this week!

Script writing – Chaf and Lamed.

Parasha - Hashem visits Avraham after his Brit Milah for the sole purpose of helping him to feel better. Hashem wants to teach us the importance of visiting and looking after people who are ill.

The children created beautiful Get well soon/Chanukah Sameach cards to be sent with the toys gathered for the Camp Simcha toy appeal.

Middah of week - Bikkur cholim, visiting the sick.

4.11.22 Jewish Studies – Parashat Lech Lecha

In our JS lessons this week we have learnt:

Hebrew Reading – each of the children have been reviewing the reading rules and vowels found in their respective books. The children looked for their reading rules in a Siddur and found other examples of the rules learnt.

Script writing – Tet and Yood.

Parasha – Avram’s name is changed to Avraham when he has his Brit Milah and Sarai’s name is changed to Sarah. Brit Milah is the promise between Hashem and the Jewish people that He is our God and we are His people. A baby boy receives his Jewish name at his Brit Milah. Baby girls are often named in shul on Shabbat.

The children reminded themselves of their Jewish name and shared why they have their Jewish name, if they knew. Please share with your children over the weekend the reasoning behind their Hebrew names. (You can email this to me or write it down on a paper for them to share with their classmates.)

Middah of the week - Knowing and using one’s Jewish name.

General Knowledge – We have begun a project all about Shabbat. This week we learnt that we make Kiddush on a Friday night and Saturday morning/lunch on Shabbat. We also enjoyed talking about the other times we make Kiddush in the Jewish Calendar (Havdalah, Seder night, Kiddush on a lot of the Chagim etc)

We also enjoyed learning a new tune, originating from Iran, for Lecha Dodi as part of The faces of Israel week.

Friday 28th October 2022

What a wonderful full week we’ve had!  Faces of Israel was a fabulous success!  The children enjoyed the assembly at the beginning of the week to launch the week and then really enjoyed all the cross curricular links we made to this topic.

In English, we continued with Traditional stories.  The children looked at using adjectives to describe different objects in the room and then used this idea to write a description of ‘Big Bad Wolf’.  They were doing this in the form of a ‘wanted poster’ in order to capture the wolf.  Then we looked at questions words and had to write questions to ask the wolf.  Once the questions were written, different children came up to the front of the class to be hot seated.  This is where they become a character and answer as the character putting themselves in the shoes of another.  We compared two versions of ‘The Three Little Pigs’ using a Venn diagram to record the similarities and differences.

In Maths, this week the children have been learning to add 3, 1-digit numbers.  They looked for tricks to solve them more efficiently, such as, number bonds, double numbers or near doubles.  They also used their number bond knowledge to jump to the next 10s number.  For example, 43 + ? = 50 or 51 + ? = ?  They used their number bond knowledge on the number system to know what the next 10s number would be. At the end of the week the children learnt about subtraction.

In science, the children learnt about food chains.  They learnt that different animals relied on various plants or other animals to survive.  We used the words producer (plant), consumer (animal) and predator (animal).  They looked at different food chains and watched a short clip to explain the topic.  Then the children had to draw and create their own food chain, labelling with the new language they learnt.

In geography, the children looked in detail at the map on Iran.  They had to locate the capital city and then add it correctly to their blank maps.  They really enjoyed looking at the map and locating various cities which they then recorded onto their own copies.

In art, linking with our ‘Faces of Israel’ project, the children created their own detailed pictures of Persian rugs. They looked at different symbols used in these rugs and used some of their own in the design. They were detailed and precise when drawing them. Have a look at our picture below.  We also listened to Rita, a famous Persian/Israeli singer during our art lesson.

In Forest School, the children were reminded of the Forest School rules through the lovely opening song. They then each shared something that made them feel happy. Emma and Carrie taught the children a great new game called Fox and Rabbits. Have a look at the photos to see them playing it. The children enjoyed a story time about a chameleon before some free play activities. Some children chose to build a shelter, and a playground with rope, they practised their knots and thought about the best places to put the ropes to make their structures secure. We were really impressed at the way that the children collaborated to create their structures. Some children chose to create a leaf picture inspired by some pictures Emma showed them, others used wool and sticks to make spiders and spider webs, and some children got out the drilling tools to make their own beads. 

Thank you for making sure the children were appropriately dressed, and had the right shoes to change into. If possible please send a plastic bag for the children to put any muddy boots or waterproofs in, so that they don’t have to go straight into their school bags.

In phonics, the children learnt the following sounds:

Reminders:

• END OF DAY - please can I remind parents that when you are collecting your child, you or your child must say goodbye to the teacher dismissing the class.  This is so we can check that the children are going home with the correct adult.

• Many children are running out of equipment. Please send your child in with some 50ps (we have change) so they can buy pens, pencils and whiteboard pens

28.10.22 Jewish Studies – Parashat Noach.

In Jewish Studies this week we learnt;

Parashah – Parashat Noach.

Hashem makes Noach take 120 years to the build the Tevah (ark). This was to give the people an opportunity to do Teshuvah (repent). Noach gets on with the job even though people around him are making fun of him.

We learnt the names of Noach’s 3 sons – Shem, Cham and Yafet and the children recreated pictures of the 3 floors of the ark.

Middah - Hashem gives us a chance to do Teshuva.

Hebrew Reading – we are excited to have restarted formal reading lessons. The children have been reviewing the reading rules of their relevant books.

Please kindly support your child with their reading homework as often as possible.

Script writing – Zayin and Chet.

Friday 28th October 2022

What a wonderful full week we’ve had!

In English, the children looked at traditional stories and sequenced ‘The Three Little Pigs’. We looked at the themes and features of all traditional stories. We have also worked on comprehension skills.

In Maths, the children have worked on number bonds to 10 and used our knowledge of these to help us find our number bonds to 100. Therefore, if I know:  4+6=10, I also know 40+60=100. They also started to draw their own number lines to add and subtract numbers.