Hedgehog Class | St Michael's Church of England First School

Welcome to Hedgehog Class

Hello and welcome to Hedgehog Class!

Hedgehogs are a Year 2 class taught by Mrs Claire Bradshaw and supported by Mrs Jackie Sims.

Mrs Bradshaw

Mrs Bradshaw Mrs Sims

What's it like in Year 2?

Our aim is to develop children holistically to meet physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual needs of every child. We develop our class rules together to encourage ownership of our own learning and learning environment.

In Year 2 we believe that all children have the ability to achieve their aspirations through developing a 'can do' attitude and a growth mind-set through engaging in a stimulating and challenging learning environment.

Our aim within this is for the children to become confident, resilient and self-assured learners who are proud of theirs, and others' achievements.

We have a class 'Proud Cloud' for the children to show off their extra home learning or extra curricular achievements. Alongside this, the children are invited to share what they have achieved through Show and Tell sessions.

Year 2 Curriculum

Yearly Overview

Medium term Overview

Home Learning Timetable during Lockdown

Our Learning

In Year 2 we learn through a variety of approaches.

Phonics, spelling and handwriting:

In Year 2 we learn to read and spell using the Read Write Inc Phonics and reading programme.. This is built on, using the knowledge and understanding taught in EYFS and Year 1. Once the child is secure in all sets of 'special friends', they then progress onto the year 2 spelling patterns as set out in the Government Guidelines. Phonics is is also learned through a Continuous Provision approach, allowing the children to explore and apply their own knowledge independently.

Year 2 also learn to read and spell the recommended Common Exception Words in a variety of ways.

Reading

In Year 2 we love to read! Throughout the day we enjoy 'Drop and Read' sessions which allow us all to sit quietly and get lost in a book - even the adults join in!

Apart from quiet individual reading, Year 2 also learn to read, decode and discuss a text through the Read Write Inc programme and through our Talk4Writing sessions. Understanding a text, giving our opinions on why the author chose particular phrases or language is a big part of the Year 2 curriculum. We learn this through Guided Reading sessions and whole class discussions.

In our classroom we have a quiet reading area with a range of texts, selected for the topics we are learning and the interests of the children in our class.

Writing

In Year 2 we follow the Pie Corbett Talk 4 Writing programme which allows us to 'unpick' model texts and learn to apply the grammar, language and layout to our own writing. We learn a class model text through actions which we practise daily. This supports our learning of the text as well as getting us out of our seats! Alongside this, we enjoy using drama and role play and the outside spaces to enhance our learning experiences.

Using role play to interview

an eye witness who heard a During lockdown, Mrs Bradshaw and her family discovered a strange and

giant shouting for Jack who stole mysterious egg in their garden! It arrived with two old looking letters.

his money and a golden hen! We used this as our 'hook' for our model text 'Kassim and the Greedy Dragon'.

Mathematics

In Maths, Year 2 enjoy and benefit from using manipulatives to support their learning. This allows the children to investigate and explore various ways to solve problems and discuss their method and approaches. This helps us all to learn as we all learn in different ways!

Using Numicom to add Using number beads. Showing knowledge of Using magnetic base 10.

and subtract 10. adding.

Showing an array using Lego was a fun way of Greater than and less than. Playing cards are great for Maths!

objects. showing greater than and

less than.

DT and Art Projects

At the end of every half term the children complete an Art or DT project that develops their skills and knowledge.

In December, we carried our an Art project based on the artist Paul Klee. The children used his painting 'The Portrait' to inspire their own portraits. They learned about colour, exploring primary, secondary and tertiary colours. They also explored how lines and shape can be used to create a simple buy effective piece of art.

In February, we carried out a DT project based around Jack and the Beanstalk. The children created a device that would help Jack get the golden egg down the beanstalk safely. The children planned, designed and tested their models, evaluating them in detail to finish off the project.

Everyday in school I must have...

My reading book and signed Reading Record.

A named water bottle.

A named weather appropriate coat.

My school book bag.

PE is on a Monday and a Tuesday.

I need to...

Come to school wearing your PE kit, making sure you wear navy blue or black joggers and a navy blue or black plain jumper for the colder days. Daps or trainers can be worn as footwear.

Swimming is on a Friday.

I need to...

Come to school wearing my swimming kit underneath my uniform. I will also need to make sure I have a swimming hat, goggles and towel. Spare socks or tights are also useful just in case they get wet.

Home Learning Expectations

In Year 2, your child will be given home learning to complete to support their learning in school.

Reading - At least 5 times a week with reading record books signed by an adult. Your child should be reading for 15 minutes per day.
Maths - Children should practice their Times Tables regularly. By the end of Year 2 children should know the 2, 5 and 10 times tables. See the Supporting Websites for more info.
Wider Curriculum - Voluntary work to engage and motivate children. Children then have the opportunity to share their homework with their peers during Show and Tell sessions.

Parent Partnership

A pupil's personal development, academic achievement and emotional wellbeing are all influenced by the nature of parent-teacher relationships. Teachers and parents also benefit from a positive relationship - both parties feeling more valued and supported. In Successful relationships become partnerships when there is two-way communication; parents and practitioners really listen to each other and value each other’s views and support in achieving the best outcomes for each child. In Hedgehog Class, we are always there for parents who have worries or just want a friendly conversation about their child. Our door is always open!