Grade 2 Teaching and Learning News 2023


 

 

Numeracy  

In 2A we have been deepening our understanding of place value by creating 2 digit numbers using concrete materials then comparing and sequencing these numbers on number lines. We have also been exploring length, using informal units of measure such as paddle pop sticks, unifix cubes and matchsticks to measure and compare different objects around the classroom.

 

In 2B, we have been learning about measuring length using informal units such as blocks, popsicle sticks, paperclips, counters, matchsticks etc. We have spoken about the importance of using a unit that is the same size and when measuring we ensure we do not leave gaps in between or do not overlap the units. Students have enjoyed measuring different things in the classroom and comparing their measurements with their classmates.

 

In 2C, we have been focusing on using informal tools to measure and our knowledge of place value. In the below learning experience, 2C used matchsticks to form their name and record how many matchsticks were needed for each letter and a total. We then used paddle pop sticks to see whether they would need more or less to complete the same task. It was lots of fun!

 

 

Inquiry Learning

 

In 2A our inquiry topic for this term is ‘Growing Older and Wiser’. We have been exploring what makes us unique and how we have grown and changed from birth to now. The students have participated in a range of activities such as looking at their fingerprints, playing Baby Guess Who and creating timelines. These activities have allowed for discussions into how we change over time and what we are capable of at different points in our lives. We continue to examine this process by observing the growth of bean plants.

This Term our inquiry unit is ‘Growing Older and Wiser’. 2B have been discussing different milestones in our lives for example, crawling, walking, starting kinder and starting school. We also have spoken about things we are/were capable of and things we weren’t capable of as a baby/child. Students made their own timeline of their life including milestones and at what ages these occurred in our lives. We also made a timeline using photos of us as a baby/child and a drawing of our future selves.

 

In 2C we have been learning about change and what that has looked like in our life so far, and what it might look like in the future. We played the FUNNEST game of Guess Who. Even our parents played with us when they came into our classrooms for Open Day!

 

Personal and Social Learning 

In 2A, we have been busy exploring emotions through both our Zones of Regulation and Respectful Relationships lessons. We have been learning how to identify different emotions, recognising what they feel and look like and are becoming aware of which zone we are in. The students have participated in group discussions, created visual representations and used role play to explore this topic.

 

 

In 2B, we have been revising the Zones of Regulation, strategies to manage our emotions and feelings and how a person’s body language demonstrates what emotions they may be feeling. We have created a display together and have a check in station where each student is able to move their photo to show what zone they are in.

 

 

In 2C, we are learning about Emotional Literacy in Respectful Relationships. We are also learning about the different zones and what we look like in each zone. Can you guess our emotions in these pictures? We also wrote about times we felt different emotions and there is a work sample of that below.

 

 

Routines for Success 

 

Grade 2A have been busy establishing our Routines for Success. We have discussed what can be expected in our lessons, how we can create a safe and respectful environment and what we will do to ensure everyone can be a learner. The students have also participated in several getting to know you activities to find out more about their classmates. Creating ‘All About Me’ paper dolls and our partner reading sessions have been two highlights this week.

 

 

Grade 2B have settled into Grade 2 well, learning about their new classmates and new routines to set themselves up for success. We have spoken about classroom expectations and having a growth mindset so every student has the best opportunity to learn. Students got to make their own bookmark they will use throughout the year, thinking about growth mindset qualities using the letters of their name.

 

 

In 2C we have set up our Routines for Success for the different curriculum areas, including Reading. We have spoken about, taken photos of and labelled what independent reading looks like, as well as the spots that we can independently read in. We have started sorting through our classroom library books into categories but we will continue this process once we borrow more from our school library, making signs for each category. Most importantly we have enjoyed learning about each other and working together.