Grange Valley Primary & Nursery School

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Welcome to Mrs Mavers' Year 2 Blog

   

Week beginning 17th July 2017

What a wonderful time we had at Beeston!

The children were so grown up during their night away. I was very impressed with their attitude and behaviour. It was such a delight to see how much they have all developed in independence and confidence. The children enjoyed their visit to the farm finding out about the diary cows. We had marshmellows and songs around the campfire and enjoyed ice-cream at the Cheshire Ice Cream Farm. I think the photos say it all!

          

            

           

                           

             

                    

Last but not least, I would like to say a big thank you for all you support over the last Year. It has been such a pleasure to teach these wonderful children. I wish them all the very best as they move up into Year 3!

Attendance- 95%

Reminders 

  • School re-opens Tuesday 5th September
  • 'Buttons Wanted' -Please could you collect buttons over the summer holiday for a whole school project that I will be doing. I need natural colours- browns, cream, white, black etc. I will be collecting them the first week back, Thankyou. 
  • Please ensure your child returns to School in September wearing the correct uniform. A full list can be found online at http://www.grangevalley.sthelens.sch.uk/parentinfo/uniform Can you also remember to use the official book bags and not large back packs as some children are doing. They are too big for pegs and there is not enough space for them. Book bags are more compact and can be easily stored.

I hope you all have a wonderful summer!

See you in September!

Mrs Mavers

Week beginning 10th July 2017

Well I wasn't disappointed with the children's final version of their Travel Journal. They were incredible. Mrs Holcroft and Mrs Threlkeld were both impressed too! The children used all the descriptive language and sentences types that we had been exploring over the last 2 weeks. They were all so impressed to write and demonstrated excellent stamina for writing. 

In Maths we have conitinued to look at 3D shapes. The children have been finding out about the properties of 3d shapes and used this knowledge to predict what shapes given nets would make. The children worked hard to form 3d shapes using nets- which was a bit of a challenge. We have also been making structures with our 3d shapes. The children worked in small groups talking about the properties of the shapes and which shape would be best. The children found out that a sphere wasn't the best choice for a tower or to make a rocket. 

                             

Attendance- 96% Better than last week but could be even better! 

Reminders- 

  • Beest Residential- 17th July - 18th July. If your child is not attending they will be expected to attend school. Children attending Beeston should come into school normal time in their own clothes. We will be leaving school at 9:30am and you are more than welcome to stay and weave us off!

  • School finishes- 20th July

Week beginning 3rd July 2017

This week we have been using clips from the Lion King to help us practise writing sentences for a Travel Journal. The children have been enthused in our learning about the African Safari which is so pleasing to see. We started by looking at an example Travel Journal and finding out what information we should be including. The children worked well together looking at the shape of the text. We have used onomatopoeia, synonyms, similes and a range of punctuation when writing our amazing sentences. We have talked about our 'Best Bit' of the Journey, and  'An unforgettable moment'. 

I will never forget the morning of 5th July, as i looked out onto the horizon, a red fire ball spread across the sky'. - Well done Ava

 What struck me on arrival was the desert as yellow as a bright daffodil. - well done Rowan 

The sky was as blue as an elegant peacock. - well done Ellis B

 

On Thursday the children worked in small groups to become experts in 2 different Safari animals. They used books and computers to research facts and create a poster about them. They will be using this research to add facts in their Travel Journal. 

The children will be writing their final Travel Journal's next week- I can't wait to read them!

     

On Thursday we had a lovely  music assembly to celebrate the children's musical talents. The Year 2 children children have been learning to play the recorder over the last few weeks and a group of children performed 2 of our favourite tunes. I think everybody was very impressed! Well done!

 

Attendance- 88% This is the lowest that it has been in Year 2. I can't express how important attendance is. We have only 2 weeks left let's try and get the 100% back like it was at the start of the year! Thank you 

Reminders- 

  • Beeston meeting 13.7.17 in Year 2 classroom at 3.30pm

  • 13.7.17- French Assembly 3pm. Children can come to school dressed in red, white and blue. 

  • Beest Residential- 17th July - 18th July. If your child is not attending they will be expected to attend school. 

  • School finishes- 20th July

  • Please could you send your child's report slip and questionnaire back ASAP, I always love reading your comments. Parental feedback is really important to us. Thank you.

Week beginning 26th June 2017

‘Why fit when you were born to stand out’

  Maths Monday- Children continued with their topic of ‘volume’ in Maths. They were able to actively able to identify which container had the greatest volume of water.Key words: Volume of water, millilitres, litres, capacity.

 

In English, children have been building up, in the previous week, to write their own adventure story and they did not disappoint!

‘The beautiful, colossal palm trees peered over us’- Lola Firth

‘Suddenly, my flying powers started to disappear and I quickly started to tumble towards the ground’ – Olivia Milne

‘Eagerly, I followed the other boys around the spectacular Neverland.’ – Rowan Hicks

'The clear, blue water called me to go for a swim’ - Reece Kenyon

In Year 2, we finished our week by demonstrating some excellent teamwork skills to act out their own adventure story. Children displayed great levels of maturity by being able to create their own characters and write their own lines for their show.  It was lovely being able to see children demonstrate their creativity and confidence, by acting out their own story, in front of the rest of the class.

 

Super Scientists-  In Science, children were able to scientifically dissect tulips into different parts of a flower.  They were able to identify petals, stigma, anther and stem.

 

Gold- Callum McBride    Silver- Ebony Mullet        Bronze- Byron Sharples

Writer of the week- Tily Rose Thomas

Reader of the week- Rowan Hicks

Mathematician of the week- Reece Kenyon

Dojo winner- Byron Sharples

 

 

Attendance- 95% I'm sure we will get closer to 100% next week!

Reminders- Please bring in your sponsor money if you haven't already done so. All money raised will be going towards our new Forest School Area.

  • Beeston meeting 13.7.17 in Year 2 classroom at 3.30pm

Week beginning 19th June 2017

‘You have to taste good culture to understand it’

Year 2, have been super busy this week! We have been experiencing different cultures as part of our culture week. We decided to explore the culture of France and due to the determination, from staff and children, we worked conscientiously to transform our classroom into a French cuisine. We split the classroom into five sections.

  1. Vincent van Gogh- children created their own versions of his painting and managed to find out key facts about his life.
  2. Paris de Café- the children created their very own ‘Paris de Café’ with food in both English and French, to promote the French culture. On the menu,  children promoted the food they made themselves such as , French Onion soup- classic onion soup made with three types of onion in a broth, topped with toasted baguette and melted gruyere.
  3. ‘You have to taste good culture to understand it’- We have a table dedicated to giving children the opportunity to taste French culture. Children tasted a variety of food including baguettes, French cakes, chocolate profiteroles and succulent crepes.
  4. We created a 3-D version of the famous landmark, The Eiffel Tower.
  5. Children devised fantastic French posters to promote their culture and they were able to research key facts about France.

                    

 

                     

                         

No rest for the wicked! Children have also been super busy this week in English. They have been able to write their own letter to Peter Pan- requesting that he should allow them to go with him to the famous Neverland! Then, children completed some wonderful setting descriptions about Neverland. Next week, we will be looking at retelling  a visit to Neverland.

 

In Maths, we have been flying through our new topic ‘Volume and Capacity’. Children this week have been given an extra difficult homework, due to their fantastic achievements in Maths recently.  Please reassure children that this weeks has been set as a challenge and it is absolutely not a problem if they are struggling with the homework. Please allow them to try their best and, more importantly, have a lovely week from all of the Year 2 team!

Sponsored Spin

On Thursday, we took part in a sponsored spin, we span our fidget spinners for 20 minutes! Thank you to all those that donated sponsor money to school and thank you to the children who shared their fidget spinners with others that did not have one. Well done!

                                                               

Gold- Libby Mather    Silver- Joshua Sheppard         Bronze- Lily Taylor

Writer of the week- Olivia Milne

Reader of the week- Lucy Senior

Mathematician of the week- Maisee Ashall

Dojo winner- Max Bond

 

Attendance- 95% I'm sure we will get closer to 100% next week!

Reminders-  

  • Please bring in your sponsor money if you haven't already done so. All money raised will be going towards our new Forest School Area.

  • Beeston meeting 13.7.17 in Year 2 classroom at 3.30pm

Week beginning 12th June 2017

 

Henri Matisse. “Creativity takes courage”

Year 2 have had a fantastic week!

 On Monday, we were blessed enough to have Dylan’s reptiles come in and help us with our most recent topic work, ‘Sensational Safari’, by allowing children to interact with animals from all over the world. Children were fortunate enough to hold and discuss a range of animals which, in pedagogic terms, led to children making outstanding progress in the following lessons. They were able to demonstrate super scientific vocabulary,  terrific topic facts  and we even managed to integrate the visit with our recent letter writing, in English.  

 

From everyone at Year 2, we really cannot thank Dylan enough for his knowledge and expertise he passed on. The children tried to put their gratefulness into words, in their letters, during a recent English lesson.

 

‘Dear Dylan,

 I would like to thank you for bringing in your reptiles! I was really interested in the Bearded Dragon because I didn’t know that he could grow his tail back’- Max Bond

 

 

Magical Maths- In Maths, we have finished our most recent topic, mass, by comparing 3 or more objects. Children have been able to use a range of skills to compare and order mass.

In English, we have just started our new adventure story, Peter Pan. Children have been looking at key events in the story and will begin to indulge, in further detail, next week.

 

Finally, we have had some super fun this week, as it has been Art week! Children have used a range of art skills to develop some beautiful creations.

 

Gold- Lola Firth    Silver-    Daniella Paterson      Bronze- Summer Bulmer

Writer of the week- Kiea Johnson

Reader of the week-  Lucy Baldwin

Mathematician of the week- Annabelle McClymount

Dojo winner-  Ebony Mullet

 

Attendance   95% I'm sure we will get closer to 100% next week!

Reminders

Culture week next week! On Friday, it is own clothes day again and the children have been asked to bring in a donation for the Summer Fair ( a bottle). On this day, we will be turning the classroom into a French restaurant, if children would like too , it would be nice for them to come dressed to suit our  'French Colour' Friday. Children can come in wearing the blue, white and red, to represent the French flag. 

Have a lovely weekend!

The Year 2 Team.

 

 

Week beginning 5th June 2017

Magical Maths- In Maths we have been comparing the mass of two objects. The children worked really well reading the scales to find out how heavy different food items were. The children used this information to compare. They used fantastic vocabulary and even used their subtraction skills to find out how much heavier something was. 

Key Words: 'heavier than' 'as heavy as' 'lighter than'

                                     

 

   On Thursday afternoon, we were fortunate enough to be joined by some of the rarest 'Birds of Prey'. Children were able to learn about a variety of facts about Pip the owl. They were also able to stroke her and meet some of her friends. Visits like this, allow learning to be memorable for children but they also allow visitors to witness what a wonderful set of children we have in Year 2. 

                     

                                                        

Labour v Green Party v Conservative: Year 2 English has been taken over by politics this week! Children started the week commenting on 'If I Prime Minister..'

We had some lovely suggestions...

'If I were Prime Minister I would give more money to the NHS, so that they can make more medicine' Joshua Shappard

'If I were Prime Minister I would give more money to soldiers, to help them find a home' Lucy Baldwin

'If i were Prime Minister I would give more money to charity, to help those less fortunate' Callum McBride

 

Children then were assigned into random teams and begin to create their own policies and manifesto. 

 

On Friday, we battled out in Parliament and the 'Lions team' were gracious in victory, as they were voted into Parliament, via a democratic vote.

Gold- Ava Dolan    Silver- Annabelle McClymont             Bronze- Ebony Mullet

Writer of the week- Byron Sharples (excellent debater)

Reader of the week-  Callum McBride

Mathematician of the week- Jack Marsh

Dojo winner-  Daniel Baldwin

 

 

Attendance   95% I'm sure we will get closer to 100% next week!

Reminders

In Year 2, our next topic is 'animals'. As a stimulus for the children, we have arranged a special visit to allow children to see a variety of animal up close. Please could we have a small donation of £2.00 to cover the cost of the visit.

 

Beeston Parent Meeting - Thursday 13th July at 3.30pm. During this meeting I will go through the itinerary, what they children can bring, talking about the Beeston Centre and answering any questions you may have. During this meeting I will be asking you to complete a medical form for your child. 

Have a lovely weekend.

Year 2 Team. 

 

Week beginning 22nd May 2017

It is the taking part that counts’- Pierre de Coubertin- Founder of the Olympic Games.

Monday- We finished our work on fictional stories. These stories were based on a character that tried on some magical glasses and suddenly transported to a peculiar place. This allowed the children to use their imagination to create a setting for the character to visit.

The children produced some brilliant sentences.

‘Anxiously, he started to put the glasses on his head.’ – Lucy Senior

‘He started to panic as he realised he was trapped in a tiny tree house.’- Lucy Baldwin

‘Suddenly, he realised he had been transported into his own head and the only way to get out was to defeat his own brain.’ -Abigail Fleetwood

Thursday- We had our Sports Day!- Thank you to all he children and everyone who came to watch. It was a truly inspirational and special day.  Behaviour and sportsmanship was brilliant by Year 2 and the rest of school.

 Friday- Treat day! Children made collage art work ready to use in our Science work next term. Additionally, they were all rewarded with a treat of Ice-cream at 11am, for all their hard work in previous weeks.

 

Attendance   95% I'm sure we will get closer to 100% next week!

Reminders

In Year 2, our next topic is 'animals'. As a stimulus for the children, we have arranged a special visit to allow children to see a variety of animal up close. Please could we have a small donation of £2.00 to cover the cost of the visit.

Also have an absolutely brilliant week off! 

 

 

Gold- Maisee Ashall     Silver- Megan Edwards             Bronze- Paddy Keenan

Writer of the week- Noah Dealing

Reader of the week-  Jessica Page

Mathematician of the week- Daniel Baldwin

Dojo winner-  Jack Marsh

Week beginning 14th May 2017

It is okay to not know but it's not okay to not try!

We've had a very busy, yet exciting week in Year 2!

Monday afternoon, we turned into Scientists and decided to create our own plant experiments. We used food dye to prove that plants drink water! Adding food dye to the water led to the petals changing colour within a few hours.

                                 

Our Maths this week has been continuing measuring lengths. The children have been on several Scavenger Hunts, with tasks, to measure items around the school.

                           

 Our English this week has been spent on developing our skills so that the children can independently write their own fictional story.

 New and exciting topic! Next term we are already planning some exciting activities to learn about our Safari topic! We also have some cooking and outdoor activities to look forward too.

 

Attendance   93.3% I'm sure we will get closer to 100% next week!

Reminders

Sports day next week! Can everybody please try to make sure that children have full P.E kit please.

Attendance- 93.3%

 

                                                                 Gold- Max Bond     Silver- Ava Dolan             Bronze- Jack Marsh 

Writer of the week- Ellis Smith

Reader of the week-  Megan Edwards

Mathematician of the week- Olivia Milne

Dojo winner-  Tilly Rose Thomas

Week beginning 7th May 2017

 

 The value of learning lies not in the length of time spent on it… but the depth and enjoyment that allow it to last forever.

We started the week introducing ‘measurement maths’ and introduced measuring the length of objects all around the school. Thank you to Annabel, Molly and Libby who kindly brought their own voluntary homework to show the class their measuring skills.

In the afternoon, children also planted their own sunflower seed ready for the upcoming weeks studying ‘plants’.

In English, this week we have been focusing on fictional stories and everyone was able to create their own fictional stories, based on an ‘Amazing Gold Coin’ transporting them to somewhere special. We had a great range from Ed Sheeran concerts to a Zombie apocalypse.

“Suddenly, Jim seen a tree and decided to go and hide. Jim was very scared he could feel the bear hunting for his smell.” Paddy Keenan‘Jim could see the shark and was petrified with fear. Jim see the shark’s sharp teeth. Suddenly, the shark grabbed Jim and said“Don’t worry I am a friendly shark.” ‘  Ellis Smith

‘Jim and the player heard a high pitch screech. It was an emormous, angry eagle. Jim and the player started to shiver with fear.’ Maisee Ashall

                    

Well done Year 2!

 

Writer of the week- Paddy Keenan

Reader of the week-  Kiea Johnson

Mathematician of the week- Lucy Senior

Dojo winner-  Abigail Fleetwood

 

Attendance   95.3% I'm sure we will get closer to 100% next week!

Reminders 

You can support your child by reading regularly and completing their weekly homework.

Remember to bring in your child's reading book everyday.

Sports Day - 25th May  1.30pm

 

Have a lovely weekend

Mrs Mavers

Week beginning 2nd May 2017

The children have really enjoyed their Maths this week. We have been reading and drawing Pictograms. The children have been collecting data and using this information to present in different ways. We have looked at tables, tally charts and pictograms. The children have been working hard to interpret this information. The have been using the vocabulary most, least, favourite, more than and less than. Homework this week links to this work. The children have been encouraged to draw on their pictograms especially when fining out how many more__ than ___.

 In Computing the children have been creating PowerPoints all about castles. They have planned their slides and the different tools that they will use. Next week they will begin to make their PowerPoint.

 

Attendance   97.5% a bit better than last week but lets try to aim for 100% next week.

Reminders

SATs meeting-As I mentioned it is nothing to worry about. You can support your child by reading regularly and completing their weekly homework. 

Week beginning 24th April 2017

How fast has this week gone!

During English the children have been writing their own version of Flat Stanley. The identified their own character who either shrunk, stretched over night or inflated like a balloon. Whilst writing their stories the children used their own success criteria to ensure it was their best. We have been encouraging the children to improve their sentences in their writing by using conjunctions and by using more interesting vocabulary. 

 

In Maths we have been looking at pictograms. The children have collected data and presented it in a table or tally chart. We have then used this information to create pictograms. The children have worked well interpreting the information in the graphs.

 In Computing the children have been finding out about pointillism. They have been using basic shapes to create pictures of castle. The children have really enjoyed using this technique and have been pleased with what they have produced.

                                      

Attendance   95% Let's get back to 100%

Reminders

SATs meeting- You should have all received a dojo and letter regarding the drop in sessions regarding the KS1 SATs. This will be an opportunity for you to have a look at some sample papers and to ask any questions that you may have. Looking forward to seeing you - 3.30-4.30pm on Thursday 4th May.

Final payment for Beeston needs to be paid by 30th June 2017. 

Mrs Mavers

Week beginning 18th April 2017

Welcome back! I can't believe we are in the Summer Term already. 

We have been reading Flat Stanley this week. A story about a boy called Stanley Lambchop who is an ordinary boy with an extraordinary problem. One night, a giant pinboard falls on top of him leaving him completely flat. Stanley enjoys being flat at first but then wishes to be like everybody else. The children discussed Stanley's feelings throughout the book and if they thought it would be good to be flat or not. We used this to have a very interesting class debate. 

                                                  

In Maths this week we have continued to focus on money and finding totals. The children have been adding up values and finding out the total cost of items. The children's homework is looking at money this week- finding totals and adding coins. You could further support your child at home by giving them a selection of coins to add (up to £1), they could even help you when you go shopping.

Attendance   98%

Reminders

Final payment for Beeston needs to be paid by 30th June 2017. 

Mrs Mavers

 

Week beginning 27th March 2017

This week we had a wonderful time at church finding out all about the Easter story. The children always enjoy going to church with Sandra. They listened beautifully to the story, asked lots of sensible questions and enjoyed the different craft activities. 

              

               

Attendance   99.3%

Reminders

Final payment for Beeston needs to be paid by 30th June 2017. 

I hope you all enjoy the Spring Break. See you all when we return on Tuesday 18th April. 

Mrs Mavers

Week beginning 20th March 2017

We have started to look at money this week. The children are able to identify the different coins and notes that we was and talk about the value of each coin. We have been using the coins to find totals and identify different ways of making the same amount. You can continue to support your child at home with this by getting them to find the correct coins for items up to £1. 

 

In English we have been writing Riddles. The children worked well together identifying the different features needed to write a Riddle. They worked with their talking partners to think of clues about a 2d shape and discussed the order to write them. They discussed the importance of putting the most difficult clue first and the easiest clue last. Can you solve some of these Riddles...?

                              I am flat.                                                                              I am hard.

                              I can be seen on a tower or a bridge.                                  I am shaped like the moon.

          I have 3 equal sides.                                                           I am longer than your thumb but shorter than a ruler.

         I have 3 vertices.                                                                  I grow in bunches on trees.

          I begin with a 't'.                                                                  People can slip on me.

          What am I?                                                                         I am yellow but sometimes black.      What am I?                                                

 

The children enjoyed sharing their Red Nose Day jokes. - Thank you for your continued support.

                                                                        

Attendance   96.7%

Reminders

We will be going to Christ Church for an Easter Experience on the morning Wednesday 29th March 

Please make sure that you have paid the next installment for Beeston. Any questions please ask.

Lets hope the weather stays nice this weekend!

Mrs Mavers

Week beginning 13th March 2017

This week we have been looking at the life of Florence Nightingale. The children have used their knowledge from their Topic sessions to write a biography. The children are really starting to build up their stamina for writing and remember to include all the punctuation and sentence types that we have been learning.

 In Maths this week we have continued to look at time especially the duration of time. The children have been telling me the time throughout the day and I have also been challenging them to tell me how long it is until playtime or lunchtime etc. The children all love a challenge!

We have also been drawing and making 2d shapes using dot boards and square paper. The children discussed the different shapes that they made and their properties.

                   

  

It was lovely to see so many parents at Parents Evening this week. I'm sure you are all as impressed with them as I am!

Attendance   96.7%

Reminders

Red Nose Day Friday 24th March. The children have been asked to write down a joke and bring into school on Friday 24th March along with £1 donation towards the charity. They can come to school dresses in something red!

Let's have a luaghg and help to support others!

Please make sure that you have paid the next instalment for Beeston. Any questions please ask.

Mrs Mavers

 

 

Week beginning 6th March 2017

This week the children have been discussing how to be healthy. We have used the information for our sessions with Fit 4 Life and some research to write a report all about healthy living. The children are really starting to improve their stamina for writing. They have also written instructions on how to make a fruit kebab. the children have worked well on their instructions and were able to recall all the different important features that they needed to use. take a look at our wonderful display of writing!

                                                           

In Maths the children have been learning to tell the time. We have looked at o'clock, half past, quarter to and quarter past times. This is such an important skill for the children to learn. Please support you child at home be asking them different times throughout the day. Next week we will be focusing on 5 to and 5 past.

                    

Attendance - 95.6%  

Reminders 

Parents Evening- Tuesday 14th March, I look forward to seeing you and sharing your child's progress with you. 

Please make sure that you have paid the next installment for Beeston. Any questions please ask.

Mrs Mavers

Week beginning 27th February 2017

Books Books Books

The children have had an amazing week this week celebrating World Book Day.

On Thursday we went to the library where the children completed a quiz, listened to a story and had time to explore the library looking for books that they would like to loan. The children worked very well in the library discussing their favorite books and talking about the different characters. I was also very impressed with the children's manners and sensible walking to and from the library. Well done Year 2, I am very proud of you all!

On Friday we came to school dressed as characters from a range of wonderful stories. The children always love dressing up and sharing books with each other. The children showed off their costumes in assembly and we even had a lovely story from Mrs Holcroft sorry ....Granny! 

 

Attendance - 99%  Well done!

Reminders 

Parents Evening- Tuesday 14th March, I look forward to seeing you and sharing your child's progress with you. 

Appointment time will go out next week. 

Please make sure that you have paid the next installment for Beeston. Any questions please ask.

Mrs Mavers

Week beginning 20th February 2017

The Flying Book

This week the children have been learning about the adventures of Mr Lessmore and his Fantastic Flying Books. All of the writing has been themed upon the magical story with children describing the many features of a storm, in addition to thinking about where their fictional book could potentially take them. Fantastic ideas included; eating the sweet sensations from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, visiting the Jurassic times of deadly dinosaurs and seeing Cinderella's beautiful, princess castle. All of the children edited their work before redrafting in their best handwriting. As part of work on the Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Lessmore, each child also had the opportunity to make their own recycled paper using scraps of already used paper. The final pieces were brilliant; excellent work Year 2!

            

Florence Nightingale

In History, we have began our new topic of Florence Nightingale. This week we have looked at why Florence is famous and written a detailed fact file of what we already know. Some children also had their opportunity to present their fantastic projects completed over half-term. The effort that has been put into these projects was fantastic with presentations, lamps, timelines, books, illustrations and models are produced to show your research! We would all like to say a huge thank you to all of the parents in Year 2 for helping to develop such enthusiasm to learn. 

             

 

Attendance - 100%  Well done!

Reminders 

Celebrating World Book Day, Friday 3rd March 2017

 It's that time of year again! On Friday 3rd March 2007 we will be celebrating World Book Day. This year children are invited to come into school dressed as a character from their parent or carers favourite book as a child. Please don’t go to any expense with dressing up, simple characters could be a boy or girl from a traditional tale such as Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk  - white tee shirt and jeans etc. It would be good if you could discuss with your child and explain what you liked about your favourite book as a child.

During the week leading up to Friday 3rd, teachers are inviting any parents or carers who wish to come into school to bring a copy of their favourite childhood story and read the book or extract from the book with the whole class. Year 2 parents can come in on Monday 27th February, Please see me if you are interested. 

Thursday 2nd March- Visit to Haydock Library

Mrs Mavers

 

Week beginning 6th February 2017

Yummy Fractions

This week the children have been identifying fractions of shapes that are shaded. We have also been using cake to investigate fractions. I ate one half of a cake and Mrs Ramsdale ate a quarter of her cake. The children found out the 1/2 is bigger than 1/4. Some of the children discovered that the smaller the denominator the bigger the fraction. They used this rule to order fractions. Amazing work this week, week done Year 2! 

   

Think before you click

The use of technology is becoming an integral part of children's lives and therefore we need to ensure they know how to stay safe online.We had a talk about the different things we use to go online and the importance of telling adults if we are are not sure about something.  The children listened very well and discussed this matter in a very sensible manner. 

                        

Valentines Disco

The children had a lovely time at the Valentines Disco. We danced, played games and had yummy hotdogs.

                 

 

Attendance - 97%  Well done!

Reminders 

Celebrating World Book Day, Friday 3rd March 2017

 It's that time of year again! On Friday 3rd March 2007 we will be celebrating World Book Day. This year children are invited to come into school dressed as a character from their parent or carers favourite book as a child. Please don’t go to any expense with dressing up, simple characters could be a boy or girl from a traditional tale such as Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk  - white tee shirt and jeans etc. It would be good if you could discuss with your child and explain what you liked about your favourite book as a child.

During the week leading up to Friday 3rd, teachers are inviting any parents or carers who wish to come into school to bring a copy of their favourite childhood story and read the book or extract from the book with the whole class. Year 2 parents can come in on Monday 27th February, Please see me if you are interested. 

Mrs Mavers

Week beginning 30th January 2017

This week the children have been reading and writing their own poems. The children wrote a poem called ‘On the way to School’. They discussed all the different things that they see on the way to school and included a range of adjectives. They then worked with their talking partners to identify abstract objects that they might see. Some of the children would like to see tarrying tigers, shivering penguins and amazing aliens. We also read the poem ‘The Magic Box’. The children used alliteration and onomatopoeia to write a poem about things they would put in a magic box. We had some wonderful ideas such as a warm hug from my mum, the smell of sweet candy floss, the sound of waves crashing and the happiness of a smile.

Fun Fractions

This week we have continued to look at fractions. We have found out that if something is cut into 2 equal parts they are halves, if there are 3 equal parts they are called thirds and if there are 4 equal parts they are call quarters. The children were shown a cake that had been split into 3 equal parts but only one part was left. The children had to find out what fraction was eaten?

Please continue to use ActivLearn as lots of new activities have been allocated to the children to complete.

What a wonderful world!

In Geography the children have been finding out about our wonderful world. They have been using maps and atlases to name oceans and continents. They used this knowledge to make a 3D globe. We used these globes to make hot air balloons. The children worked well in groups listening to each other and labeling the different oceans and continents. Well done Year 2!

      

Attendance 100% Fantastic attendance this week, Well done!

Reminders

School Valentine Disco will be on Wednesday 8th February at 2pm-3.25pm. the children have been asked to bring in £3 which will include refreshments.  

Celebrating World Book Day, Friday 3rd March 2017

 It's that time of year again! On Friday 3rd March 2007 we will be celebrating World Book Day. This year children are invited to come into school dressed as a character from their parent or carers favourite book as a child. Please don’t go to any expense with dressing up, simple characters could be a boy or girl from a traditional tale such as Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk  - white tee shirt and jeans etc. It would be good if you could discuss with your child and explain what you liked about your favourite book as a child.

During the week leading up to Friday 3rd, teachers are inviting any parents or carers who wish to come into school to bring a copy of their favourite childhood story and read the book or extract from the book with the whole class. Year 2 parents can come in on Monday 27th February, Please see me if you are interested. 

 

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs Mavers

Week beginning 23rd January 2017

In Maths we have started to look at fractions. The children helped me to find different ways of cutting a cake into 2 equal parts. They also used square paper to investigate different ways of making 4 equal parts. The children have been investigating if different shapes have been cut into halves and quarters and they have been colouring 1/2 and 1/4 of given shapes. Try to discuss this with your child at home. You can do this when cutting toast or sandwiches. How much have we eaten? How many parts are there?

 

Fit 4 Life

The children have been talking about healthy food options. They used healthy food to make a wrap. We discussed what food we could have in our lunchboxes and why it is so important to drink plenty of water. 

    

! want to be....

The children have had a wonderful day talking about their aspirations for the future. They shared their aspirations and told the class why they want to be that when they are older. The children also discussed how they will achieve their goal. 

Attendance- 98% Much better than last week. Let's aim for 100% next week!

Reminders

School Valentine Disco will be on Wednesday 8th February at 2pm-3.25pm. the children have been asked to bring in £3 which will include refreshments.  

Celebrating World Book Day, Friday 3rd March 2017

 It's that time of year again! On Friday 3rd March 2007 we will be celebrating World Book Day. This year children are invited to come into school dressed as a character from their parent or carers favourite book as a child. Please don’t go to any expense with dressing up, simple characters could be a boy or girl from a traditional tale such as Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk  - white tee shirt and jeans etc. It would be good if you could discuss with your child and explain what you liked about your favourite book as a child.

During the week leading up to Friday 3rd, teachers are inviting any parents or carers who wish to come into school to bring a copy of their favourite childhood story and read the book or extract from the book with the whole class. Year 2 parents can come in on Monday 27th February, Please see me if you are interested. 

 

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs Mavers

Week beginning 16th January 2017

A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark woods

We have been reading one of Julia Donaldson's most famous books - The Gruffalo. the children imaged that they were the Gruffalo running back to his cave to tell the other Gruffalo's about the scary most. the children used adventurous vocabulary to describe the mouse. The children said ' The mouse has vast whiskers that tangle in the wind.' 'The mouse has a long, scaly tail that glides on the floor when he walks.' We also read the sequel- The Gruffalo's Child. The children worked with their talking partners to compare the two stories identifying the similarities and differences. 

                                            

Fit 4 Life

The children have continued to discuss the importance of a healthy diet. They worked as a group to classify food and discuss how much sugar is in them. Outside the children practised their catching and passing skills. they also talked about contact and defending tactics. 

          

Division

We have continued to look at division in Maths. The children have been dividing by grouping and sharing. We have also been solving division word problems and I challenged the children to write their own problem. 

Habitats

In science the children worked with their talking partners. They used Ipads and books to research world habitats. They found out about the conditions, what animals live their and how they are adapted to live in the habitat. the children used this information to write reports. I was very impressed with how well the children organised their information and the detail that they put in.

                 

The children have been working hard this week to improve their handwriting. Some of the children have now received their pen licence. Please continue to practise handwriting at home concentrating on ascenders and descenders. 

 

Attendence- 92% - Lots of coughs and colds this week. We have been talking about the importance of washing hands. 

Reminders

  • I want to be a ……... Young Carers Awareness Day On Friday 27th January we are having a ‘I want to be…..’ day. Children can come dressed as something they would like to be when they are grown up. This will be a sponsored event and a £1 payment from each child will go toward supporting St Helens Young Carers organisation.
  • School Valentine Disco will be on Wednesday 8th February at 2pm-3.25pm. the children have been asked to bring in £3 which will include refreshments.    

Have a lovely weekend

Mrs Mavers                                               

Week beginning 9th January 2017

Fit 4 Life

On Tuesday the children talked about what a healthy diet meant. We discussed how to stay healthy by having a balanced diet. The children sorted food in the different food groups and talked about vitamins and minerals. I was very impressed with the different questions the children were asking and how inquisitive they were about the topic. Outside, the children worked as a team thinking about the importance of having rules when playing a sport.

                 

In English we have been exploring the different characters found in Julia Donaldson books. The children have been writing complex sentences about the characters ensuring they put the commas in the correct place. Maisee said- The snail, who has an itchy foot, traveled around the wide world. Jack said- Zog, who breaths fire, went to dragon school.

In Maths we have started to look at division. The children have been exploring different ways to solve divisions by grouping equally or by sharing. The children have been trying hard to explain their working out and they have used this to help them write the division equation. 

                                            

 

Attendance - 96.67% Lets aim for 100% next week!

Reminders

Young Carers Awareness Day – 27th January

To celebrate this, the children have been asked to come to school dressed as something they would like to be when they are grown up. If any parents would like to come into class and talk to the children about their job please let me know.

Week beginning 3rd January 2017

Happy New Year to you all!

The children have impressed me so much with their independence this week. The children are coming into school and going straight to their morning activity book to complete a target maths activity. The children love the different activities that are set each morning. 

Outstanding

It has been such a wonderful week at Grange Valley as we celebrated our outstanding ofsted. The staff and children are so proud of this achievement. This week I shared the report with the children and we made a list of all the wonderful words and phrases that were used to describe our school. The children also told me why they thought our school is outstanding. We used this information to write all about 'Outstanding Grange Valley'. Reading the children's writing brought a tear to my eye. Their writing was so good that we put it up in the classroom to remind us of how brilliant we all are.

We also had a wonderful assembly to celebrate our success and the children all released a balloon with a message on, telling people why our school is the best.

           

  Multiplication

This week we have been investigating multiplication. The children discovered that it doesn't matter which way round you write the numbers in a multiplication as you will always get the same answer. Next week we will be moving on to division. Remember your child can access maths activities on ActivLearn. Login details can be found in the front of their yellow reading diaries.

Julia Donaldson

In English we are reading stories by Julia Donaldson. We started off by reading 'The Snail and the Whale'. This story is about a snail who goes on a journey around the world on the tail of a Whale. The children had a fantastic debate as to whether the snail should have gone on the journey or whether he should have stayed on his rock with all his other snail friends. The children used different sentence openers when writing their ideas. 

Fit 4 Life

Next Tuesday we will be having a Fit 4 Life session. These sessions will run for 4 weeks. As mentioned in the letter sent home, part of this session wll be outside. Therefore, we have asked that the children bring in a warm PE kit eg jogging bottoms. 

Attendance- 97.4%

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Mavers

 Week beginning 5th December

                

Christmas Countdown.

16 days to go! On Monday we started our week with a very committed rendition of Christmas carols.The children sung beautifully whilst we lighted our Christmas tree. Thank you to everyone who came to support our traditional tree lighting and I hope the children enjoyed meeting Father Christmas.

During Tuesday and Wednesday, the children took to the stage to rein act the famous Christmas Story.  Safe to say they blew parents and teachers away with 3 wonderful Christmas Nativity performances.  The children portrayed the Christmas story in a brilliant manner and I think everyone who had the pleasure of viewing the Nativity will definitely be in the Christmas Spirit.

     

Thursday: Our very own Mountains Rangers researched and presented posters of famous mountains. The mountain topic enabled children to have cross curricular opportunities and improve knowledge in areas such as: Geography, History and Physical Education.  The children loved talking about the properties of mountains and researching the risks and rewards of mountain climbing. 

Fun Fair Fridays: Children were lucky enough to meet Santa for a second time this week, as he came and visited our class. He did tell the children that he will be watching them all the time now so this included when they are at home. Additionally, this Friday also gave the children to make their very own Christingle and allowed them to deepen knowledge about the Christmas story. Finally we finished our week with a brilliant Christmas fun fair! Hope you all enjoyed it and thank you for coming.

Despite such a wonderful, pleasurable week getting into the Christmas spirit, it has been missed with a few of our children due to illness. I just wanted to send the message to let you all know that the class and staff are missing you and I hope you have a rested weekend and can join us on Monday for  our Church trip.

 

Reminders

Letters are going home tonight about a website that children can use which I will be able to upload educational games that they can play on. The games will usually focus on improving Maths and Spelling skills.

Church Trip on Monday!

Christmas Party- Thursday 15th December PM- Please bring your food donations in on the morning of the party. The children will need to bring their party clothes in a bag with their name clearly labelled. 

 

Attendance: This week our attendance is 95%

 

Week beginning 28th November

         

Award winners this week :)   

                   

Some photographs from the Pantomime.   

23 days to go! Christmas has been very much the theme for Year 2, with many sharing their long Christmas lists with the class! This week has been a broken timetable with children out the classroom, due to Nativity practice. Nevertheless, the Year 2 have managed to stay sensible and have provided Year 1 and Reception with excellent role models by sitting nicely throughout the Nativity practices and have learned their lines in record time.

This also reminds me to say a big thankyou to all parents, carers and guardians. This year has been made so much easier thanks to your help. I understand that for children to learn lines that quickly it could have taken up a lot of your time too.

Maths Mondays: This week in our Maths we have been a big focus on timetables and by the end of the calender year we are hoping Year 2 can learn their 2,5 and 10 timetable. The children can all count up in 2,5 and 10’s but it’s just a case of consolidating this knowledge and learning the number sentences to match these. E.g. 3 groups of 5 is? Or 3x5=. Any practice at home would be greatly appreciated.

Diaries have been the topic of the week in English. Children have been learning about what language and content goes into a diary. We have also been looking at diaries of different characters and trying to recount their feelings in our books. Moreover, we finished our week by recounting ‘Our Best Day Ever!’ The children recounted their favourite ever day starting from the morning and using time connective to link their ideas. E.g. Firstly, next, later, after this. Next week we will be fosuing on Christmas poems.

Computing has finished for Christmas! Due to the hard work of the children we have finished our Computing topic a week early. In our last week they will fill in their post learning so children will be expected to definition the four key words: algorithm, debug, repeat and rotate. Additionally, in our last lesson we will also be intergrating  fun with lifeskills as we are going to create a ‘KEEPING SAFE ON THE INTERNET’ poster.

Finally, the children loved the pantomime and we will using this experience to encourage children to write about the ‘Hunchback Of Notre Dame’. Am sure there will be more great opportunties like that in the future.

Have a good weekend everyone and I will hopefully see all of you next week.

 

Attendance: This week our attendance is 96%

Reminders Maths homework will be going out Monday.

Mrs Mavers and Mr Holcroft

 

Week beginning 21st November  

                                          

Another fantastic, yet busy, week in Year 2! Thank-you so much to all of the parents who have attended Parents Evenings so far, it has been a pleasure to meet all of you and I am sure you will agree they were all very positive. It was with great pride I was able to share with yourselves some of the outstanding process your children have made already.

This week in English we have writing some diaries. We have be focusing on using the past tense in our writing and changing verbs to the past tense e.g. Talking – Talked. As the year is coming to a close, some of the children are definitely taking their writing to the next level. I was super impressed with children in the class who could include commas in their writing to expand their sentences in their diaries. To get the children engaged we focused this week on writing Jerry’s diary from Tom and Jerry and our aim was to write a diary that told the truth so that Jerry could be saved from rehoming.

Next week, to build on this, we are going to aim to write our own diaries in our books and focus on structuring our ideas.

In our Maths sessions we have moved onto multiplication and division and the children have been learning their 2 timetable. Children are still in a learning process but most can ‘group’ numbers into multiples of 2 . Please try and test them at home to consolidate this knowledge.

During our Guy Fawkes lesson we compared history and differences between clothes worn in them days compared to todays society. One of the children kidnly commented that my own jumper looked like it was from the 1500's! We talked about why Guy Fawkes would have to use a lantern to see in the dark. Moreover, we discussed how he would need to meet up with his accomplices to plot the Gunpowder plot without using a mobile phone!

This week in school, the children have been practicing their School Nativity performance. We have had a lot to learn and the children have displayed a mature attitude to sit and listen quietly whilst others are saying their part.

Similar note to last week, the children are growing holistically and it is lovely to see some of them come more and more out of their shells. They are developing their personal skills as well as academic by regularly participating in speaking and listening skills alongside teamwork activities.

 Our only target is to try our best to get our attendance back up to ensure zero learning opportunities are missed. Thank-you so much to all of the parents support with trying to get their children into school and I fully understand illness cannot be helped.

Last but not least I would like to wish all parents and children a very nice weekend. One month today until Christmas.

Attendance: This week our attendance is 96%

 

Mrs Mavers and Mr Holcroft

Week beginning 14th November  

Odd socks day! Children discussed the reasons we have a day especially allocated to raise money for Children in Need. We talked about what we can do to help and how other children might live their lives.

This week we have also been talking about Anti Bullying. The children have been talking about how we report bullying and what to do if they witness bullying on the playground.

In English  they have been learning about Toy Story! We have been using characters from the film and helping Andy to give away his toys by using commas in a list to describe them. 'Buzz is kind, brave and very happy.'

The children seem to be growing holistically as a class and that was very evident this week in two 'team building' tasks.

Previously, children have struggled to work as a team and share ideas but this week they  have blown staff away with their teamwork abilities. Firstly, children worked together on an experiment to measure 'Which materials are waterproof?' They allocated themselves different roles and managed to create:  a prediction, method, results and conclusion in their teams.

The Year 2's then managed to create a retake of Little Red Riding Hood and act the performance in front of their peers.

 In Maths it was the end of a working era! Chapter 2 completed and it was the end of Addition and Subtraction. We will be revisiting this area of Maths but can parents please try and test children at home with any basic addition and subtraction. Thank you

 In Computing, children worked in partners, to create an algorithm on the computer to try and make a shape using computer commands.

 In Topic we are still studying Guy Fawkes and thank you again to parents for helping with homework because the children are still very highly engaged in this topic. Moreover, we have been focusing particularly on 'ordering events of the gunpowder plot' and some children knew more than the adults! We focused on the timeline of events and they successfully ordered the key events into the correct order and then added in their own knowledge to write a full timeline of the Gunpowder Plot.

Agility Mondays,  seems to be the theme in Physical Education as children were seeing how fast they could change direction. Furthermore, they then used these skills and put them into a mini Football competition.

Finally, thank you to the children for such a great week. They have worked extremely hard and shown what a mature, polite and wonderful class they are.

 

Attendance: This week our attendance is 98.33%

                          

                     

Week beginning 7th November

During English this week we have been reading 'The True Story of The Three Little Pigs'. After listening to the story the children had a debate about whether they thought the wolf was guilty or not guilty. The children worked very well as a class showing very good listening skills and posed very good questions. Some children thought the the wolf was not guilty because had had a very bad cold and the house fell down because he sneezed. Others thought that he was guilty because he was sneaky and he still ate the pig. 

During Maths we have been using our tens and ones to subtract a 2 digit number from a 2 digit number, renaming the ones. The children used this to help them with the column method. Please continue to support your child at home with counting forwards and back in tens and ones. 

In computing the children have been giving algorithms to make squares. The children had to debug algorithms and predict if a given algorithm would make a square. The children used their Maths skills, commenting that squares have sides of the same length. 

                               

This week we have also been talking about Remembrance day. They children have been talking about how and why we remember. Lots of children have been wearing their poppies this week and have enjoyed making poppies in class. We found out why people wear Poppies. The children included lots of facts in their writing and we have created a special display for all to see. 

                       

Attendance: This week our attendance is 98.7%. much better than last week. Let's get 100 % next week! 

Mrs Mavers and Mr Holcroft

 

Week Beginning 31st October 2016

Homework left even our Headteacher astounded. Thank-you to all the children and all the parents for producing some amazing pieces of homework for our Guy Fawkes topic. After completing the homework the children were asked to work as a team to share all the information they found out about Guy Fawkes. Moreover, they were then asked to showcase these facts as a table group and complete a Guy Fawkes presentation to the rest of the class. The children were awarded 2 dojo's each within the lesson, as they successfully worked as a team, and were able to show their speaking and listening skills when presenting. Thank-you to all parents that have helped to produce these amazing pieces of homework, it has made the children actively engaged within the topic and gain a deeper understanding about the history of Guy Fawkes. Please try and keep them on their toes by asking questions about him.

                        

Off to a flying start on Monday:

This week we have been focusing on our subtraction methods in maths. We have focusing on subtracting smaller numbers with the place value of zero from larger numbers. Children managed to create their own methods and focused on using a method that suits them. Children's challenge over the weekend: 22-10=?   If you can remember to put your hand up and say the answer Monday morning it will be rewarded with 1 dojo ! :)

In our English we started straight back into the swing of things, starting a new fairy-tale called the Princess and the Frog.  The children were particularly focusing on using adjectives and conjunctions to describe characters from the story. In computing we started a new topic and focused on key words: algorithm, rotate, debug and repeat. The children were able to create their own algorithms with their partners.

Remember Remember

This week we had a visit from the local fire service to remind the children the importance of keeping safe during Bonfire night. The children all went outside to see the fire engine and came back into class to produce a fire safety poster and together they wrote some very important rules.

                                                                          

Wednesday: Scaresday! We started the day looking at different materials in Science and compared the differences between wool and blue tac. Then we went into our Maths and have been practicing doubling single-digit numbers.

In the afternoon the children turned into monsters- Literally! Children dressed up as monsters and danced to their favourite music.

          

Teamwork Thursdays for the Year 2 Football Team:

The Year 2 football team couldn't  of made Grange Valley more proud! Well done to the Year 2's who took part in the football tournament. With zero players playing for a team outside of school they played against a variety of schools, containing academy Everton players, and ended up just missing out on the semi final with a last minute goal to be defeated 1-0. However,  we definitely had the best goal celebration with a team 'dab' , we scored from the half way line and we came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 with a  courageous comeback that showed the great attitude and teamwork of our children. Every child showed great sportsmanship and this was commented on by the leading sports development officer at the tournament.  All the footballers showcased their excellent 'coachable' attitudes and I am sure all of them  would be welcomed by local teams. Very proud School , well done Year 2!
Fabulous Fridays:
After a challenging morning of double Maths recapping subtracting numbers. The children were allowed Golden Time in the afternoon and had an afternoon of fun after a brilliant week for the Year 2's.  Well done everyone! Remember our safety rules for Bonfire Night and have a fabulous weekend.

Attendance: This week our attendance is 95%. Our only target for next week is to try and get back to the top of the attendance chart for next week. 

Mrs Mavers and Mr Holcroft

Week beginning 17th October 

This week in English the children have been readin Winnie the Witch books. We have been writing all about Winne showing off everything we have learnt this half term. I was very impressed with how well the children know what is expected from them in Year 2. The children started to think about all the creepy things Winnie might put in her cauldron. They thought of some interesting things including slippery slugs covered in slime and frog legs that hop all day long. The children have been identifying adjectives and nouns in the texts that we have read. Try to encourage your child to identify adjectives and nouns in their books, whether its they school book or a book that you share when reading for pleasure. 

In Maths we have continued with our addition. The children have found different ways that we can add including using a number line or square, partitioning  or by using the column method. The children have been using the method that they prefer to solve different problems. Please continuing to support your child with the addition over the half term break.

Our next Topic is all about Guy Fawkes. This week I asked the children what they knew about Guy Fawkes and what they would like to find out. The children ideas are important when it comes to planning our next Topic. For home I have asked the children to research Guy Fawkes or the Gun Powder Plot. The children can decide how they would like to present this information. It could be as a poster, booklet, model, poem ..... . The children seen very excited about this topic and I am very excited about what they will produce.

In computing he children have been creating different images using Paint. The have been learning about all the different tools such as fill, line, spray, draw etc and used them to create their very own master piece. 

Attendance: This week our attendance is 98.3%. 

Reminders

Ugly Bug Disco - Wednesday 2nd November - £3 this includes drink, sweets and hot dog.

Flu Vacinnations- 3rd November 2017

have a lovely break! 

Mrs Mavers

 

Week beginning 10th October

The children have completed their non-fiction booklets all about Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly a plane solo. At the start of the week the children identified the different features that they needed to include in their booklets. When they finally completed them they shared them with each other and discussed what the did well and what they would do better next time. I was so impressed with the way the children listened to each other and helped each other to identify their next steps. 

                                         

In Maths we have continued with our addition. The children have been finding out different methods to add two 2 digit numbers. They have been using tens and one and they have also been using the column method. Through exploring the children discovered that we could change 10 ones for 1 ten. Well done Year 2. At home please continue to ask your child 1 more/less and 10 more/less than a given number. 

                                                

In orienteering the children have been looking at different directions and using them to give instructions. They had to work as a team to give directions to get to different places around the hall. Good team work Year 2!

                                           

Attendance: This week our attendance is 98.3%.  Lets get that 100% next week!

Reminders

Ugly Bug Disco - Wednesday 2nd November - £3 this includes drink, sweets and hot dog.

 

Mrs Mavers

 

Week beginning 3rd October

The children have started to look at non-fiction texts this week. We have been identifying and discuss the different features that are used. The children have also been using their writing skills to write a recount of their class trip to Sankey Valley. The children are getting more confident in discussing what they need to include in their writing and how they can make it better. 

Fun at Sankey Valley

The children had a fantastic time at Sankey Valley. When we arrived at Sankey Valley we met Paul, the Ranger. He told the children all about his job and how he helps the environment. The children then went on a walk to look for different seeds. They found red berries and discovered that the berry had a seed inside. The birds like to eat these berries and this helps to spread the seeds. We also found some sticky pods that spread seeds. The children particularly enjoyed hunting for helicopters and looking at how they travel in the air. They liked the way that they twizzle down to the ground like helicopters. When  the children got back to school they collected different things from our environment including seeds, berries, leaves and twigs and used them to create a collage. 

                       

                        

Orienteering madness

This week the children have been giving their partners instructions to follow. The children were good at giving instructions but they found that they had to give clear, precise instructions when their partner was blind folded. They also worked as a team to navigate around an obstacle course. A fun session had by all!

        

Room to improve

This week the children have been trying hard with their spellings. We have sent home a list of the common exception words that the children need to know by the end of the year. The highlighted spellings are the ones that your child can spell. Please could you practice the remaining words with your child. A new list will be sent home at the end of each half term. 

 

Attendance: This week our attendance is 99.3%.  Very close - lets get that 100% next week!

Reminders

Ugly Bug Disco - Wednesday 2nd November - £3 this includes drink, sweets and hot dog.

 

Mrs Mavers

 

 

Week beginning 26th September

Children have been truly FANTASTIC in English and they have been writing and identifying FANTASTIC sentences (see below). Children this week have also been reading all about The Rainbow Fish. We have been particularly concentrating on using an extensive range of stimulating vocabulary to label the Rainbow Fish. Therefore, feel free to try and ask them to describe an object.

               

Maths:

Children have been focusing on addition in Maths this week. Most of the children have been focusing on a number line and trying to work out ‘1 more than or 1 less than a number’ and some even managed to go onto ’10 more than or 10 less than’ super work Year 2, keep it up!

 I just want to take a moment to thank both children and parents for Thursday. The children loved having parents in and I hope parents enjoyed it as much as I did.  I hope it became clearer just how beneficial Singapore maths is for your children. Please try and use the Singapore practical skills whenever you can in practical situations e.g. ask your children to add up a simple shopping list.

Recycling our Knowledge:

Ahead of our trip to Sankey Valley, the children have been studying Recycling in Science. They have been learning all about how we can help save the environment. We have been looking at what materials we can: Reuse, reduce and recycle.  Additionally, I just want to take this moment to thank your super children again as various members of staff have commented on how the Years Twos have been brilliant at helping tidy up our playground from litter at dinner times. 

Transport Tuesdays:

In our History Topic the children have been looking how transport has changed. We have been focusing on the impact of trains, who were created by G----- Ste------ (ask the children) and we have also been looking at how cars have changed over time to the: 4 wheels, rooftops, clutch control vehicles we drive today. 

 

Football mad Mondays:

There were some super skills on show in P.E on Monday when the children were focusing on agility and ball control in a football session with Everton Football Club. The children were brilliant at controlling the ball with their heads and feet. With a football tournament on the horizon in November am sure the Year Two children can show different schools just how good they are. 

Dance:

In Dance this week the children have been creating their own routines. The children are beginning to offer ideas of how each other’s performances could improve.  Group work and team work are really being highlighted in dance but also in every other context. The class within the last week have been working brilliantly completing group posters for our displays and seem to be getting closer with each other as friends. Very proud Teacher!

 

Still room for improvement:

Children have had a fantastic week and I’ve been very proud of everything from their behaviour to children bringing in fabulous charity run medals! My only target for children is handwriting. Please can you help your child at home by encouraging them to produce letters of the correct size.

 

Thank you for a Fantastic week!

Attendance: This week our attendance is 98%. 

Reminders

Tuesday 4th October- Trip to Sankey Valley for the morning.

Tuesday 4th October- Individual Photographs

 

Week beginning 19th September

Another busy week in Year 2! In English the children have been reading Oscar got the blame. This is a story about a little boy called Oscar who was always getting into trouble. It was Oscar's friend Billy who brought mud into the house, dressed the dog in Dad's clothes and put frogs in Granny's slippers - so why did Oscar get the blame? No one ever seemed to be able to see Billy - except Oscar, of course! The children decided to create their own stories based on the familiar pattern that was used throughout the story. They thought of some really mischievous things that Oscar got the blame for. These were some of their ideas....

      When Billy put slimy slugs in mum's shoes...Oscar got the blame.

      When Billy flooded the bathroom....Oscar got the blame.

      When Billy put hairy spiders in dad's tea...Oscar got the blame.

We have been really trying hard with are handwriting this week. Please can you help your child at home by encouraging them to produce letters of the correct size. A support sheet will be sent home in their homework file.

In Maths the children have been looking at number patterns. We used tens and ones to find out what happens to a number when we keep adding 2, 3, 5 and 10. The children then created their own patterns. We used this to help us complete different number sequences. Please support your child with counting up and back in 5's and 10's.

In Dance this week the children have been creating their own moves and linking them together. The children worked well in small groups and showed listening skills. The children are beginning to offer ideas of how each others performances could improve.  

                        

Attendance: Once again our children had 100% attendance this week. Well done Year 2!

Reminders

Tuesday 4th October- Trip to Sankey Valley for the morning.

Tuesday 4th October- Individual Photographs

Thursday 29th September- Singapore Maths Workshop- Come and support your child in the Maths lesson and pick up strategies you could use to support them at home.

Week beginning 12th September

What a dahlicious week we have had! On Tuesday we had a lovely assembly celebrating 100 years of Roald Dahl and the children enjoyed showing off their costumes. In English the we have been reading The Enormous Crocodile. The children worked in groups to plan a fifth new trick for the crocodile so that he could catch some yummy children to eat...or did he? The children have used their ideas to write a new chapter in Roald Dahl's book. I have been very impressed with how well the children listen to how they need to improve in their writing. Keep it up Year 2!

On Tuesday we also had our storytime session. Thank you to all those parents and grandparents who came along. The children really enjoyed completing the Roald Dahl quiz and reading some of his stories.

                                                                                 

    

                              

In Maths this week we have been ordering number from the smallest to the greatest. The children told me that they could order the number by looking at the tens and the ones. They discovered that the greatest number was the one with the most tens and if they had the same tens then they needed to see which had the most ones. Super working out!

In topic this week we have been finding out about Viking longboats. The children discovered that they were invented around 400 years ago. They found out the different features on the boat and made their very own. 

                                               

In Science, we have been finding out about climate change. The children discussed the affects that climate change is having on our environment and what we could do to look after our planet. We also carried out an investigation. We put ice in 2 tubs and covered one tub with clingfilm to create a greenhouse effect. The children had to predict which block of ice would melt the fastest. We also discussed how important it is to carry out a fair test. the children decided that the ice should be the same size and we should place the tubs in the same place. After a while (well not so long in this warm weather) we found out that the ice in the covered tub melted the fastest. 

Just a reminder that a pack of information has been sent home with your child if you were unable to attend the welcome meeting. Inside you will find information to support your child at home and the end of year expectations. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask me. 

 

Reminders

Maths Workshop- Please come and join us on Thursday 29th September at 2.30pm. This will be an opportunity for you to take part in our Singapore Maths lesson and to pick up strategies you could use to support your child at home. 

Mrs Mavers

 

Mr Craig Holcroft

First impressions count! Apologies for anyone who I greeted for the first time dressed as an Umpa Lumpa! I just wanted to introduce myself properly, as I will be working alongside the Year 2 team for most of this year and I aim to help provide quality provision for your inspiring children.

I’ve recently completed my degree at Edge Hill University; graduating with a 2:1 in Physical Education. After a successful and thrilling placement with a primary school I decided to undertake a career change and moved away from my ambition to be a High School teacher and into the Primary School setting. The last two years I’ve spent covering PPA in three Primary Schools and now I have been lucky enough to gain a position on the Schools Direct programme here at Grange Valley.

My hobbies outside of school mainly include reading and I also regularly play different sports, Such as: Rugby league and tennis. I also coach a community rugby team and will hopefully be looking to engage a few pupils with some afterschool sports clubs.

For parents, I hope to follow in the footsteps of the school environment and be the friendly face that will always be happy to help with anything you wish to discuss. As for the children: I have been taken back by the work ethic and enthusiasm to learn already. I definitely believe there is going to be some superstars coming out of Year 2.

Welcome to Year 2!

I hope you have all had a lovely summer. The children have all settled in very well and have really impressed me with how sensible they all are. I can tell we are going to have a fantastic year and I can't wait to see how much they progress! Keep checking the blog for weekly updates of all the exciting things the children have been up to.

There will be a Year Ahead meeting on Wednesday 14th September at 3.30pm in the Year 2 classroom. This will be a chance for you to meet the Year 2 staff and find out what the children will be learning and our expectations of them. 

The children have all received their reading books. These should be brought into school every day. Please read with your child at home for 10-15 minutes every night.  The children will have PE on Monday and Tuesday. Please ensure they have the correct PE kit in school with the name clearly labelled. 

Reminders

  • Tuesday 13th September - Roald Dahl Dress up day
  • Tuesday 13th September- Roald Dahl story time for Year 2 3pm-3.30pm
  • Wednesday 14th September - Year Ahead Meeting 3.30pm

Week beginning 5th September

In English this week we have been reading Matilda by Roald Dahl. We wrote a character description using lots of different adjectives to describe what she looks like and her behaviour. The children used lots of information from the story to help them with their writing. On Thursday the children looked at how they could improve this piece of writing. They all worked hard to improve their handwriting, spelling and their use of conjunctions to extend their sentences. Well done Year 2! On Friday we talked about Matilda's super power. The children all discussed what they would do if they had a super power. Some of the children's ideas included freezing people, shrinking people and turning themselves invisible. 

      

In Maths this week we have been looking at the value of the digits in a 2 digit number. The children challenged each other to make 2 digit number and make it using tens and ones. The children really enjoyed challenging each other and sharing what they knew about their chosen numbers.

   

Our Topic this half term is travel and transport. We are looking at how transport has changed from a long time ago. The children begin this topic by talking about the different types of transport we have and created a timeline to show when they were invented. The children asked lots of interesting questions during our sessions and are keen to find out more!

Reminders

  • Tuesday 13th September - Roald Dahl Dress up day
  • Tuesday 13th September- Roald Dahl story time for Year 2 3pm-3.30pm
  • Wednesday 14th September - Year Ahead Meeting 3.30pm

Mrs Mavers