Reading SATs can be ticked off the list of things to do this term. On Monday and Tuesday, the children gave 100% in terms of effort and were truly focused; I was so proud of them all. In honesty, I believe they enjoyed the challenge and the opportunity to work quietly, in a small group with few distractions. At the same time next week, we have Maths SATs, with Arithmetic first then Reasoning the day after. The children have been doing 10 minutes of arithmetic practice as their early morning work since the start of term, so it will be interesting to see whether the short bursts of regular practice have had an impact.
In English, the children have been learning to recognise persuasive language in the playscript we have been studying (Oh Gnome!) and in adverts and leaflets. We have been using persuasive phrases in role-play scenarios and have made our own adverts for a cake sale, using powerful adjectives to tempt the reader to come along and buy the ‘delicious cakes made from healthy, fresh ingredients’. Yes, we talked about how adverts can use exaggeration in order to get you to buy things!
History has merged with art this week, as the children learnt to draw the tomb of King Tut. I was hugely impressed with their line drawings, each one different and a reflection of their own creative style. I have included several examples below. Next week, we will transform these images into prints using ink and ‘press-print’.
Things you can do to help your child next week:
· Listen to your child read daily
· Share stories of previous Jubilee celebrations
· Access ‘Times Tables Rock Stars’ to help with our ‘skip counting’ in class
Have a wonderful weekend. I will see you all on Monday.
Best wishes,
Audra Fitzgerald

Can your child walk like an Egyptian? Maybe, maybe not. However, this week we have thought carefully about the importance of the River Nile to the Ancient Egyptian civilization. Yew class discussed the 9 reasons why the Nile was essential to the civilization and then ordered them in importance in a 9 square diamond (see photo below). The class put ‘important for washing in’ at the bottom of the diamond, but Morgan disagreed saying that washing would prevent disease and illness and should be at the top of the diamond.
Maths this week has been interactive, with jumping clockwise/anti-clockwise, 90 degree turns, moving to the left/right and so on. The children have become robots, being programmed by a partner (giving instructions about position and movement), they have followed instructions to find a pirate’s treasure on a map and have used ‘Scratch’ to create video clips, using the language of geometry.
Next week, our Year 2s will be doing the government statutory tests in Maths and Reading. It will all be very low key, and the children will work in small groups to complete the tests on Monday and Tuesday mornings. Miss Coleman will teach those children not working in my group. The test format is very familiar to Yew Class, as we use past papers to assess the children at the end of each term. I think the class will enjoy the change of routine and some ‘special time’ working in a small group.
Things you can do to help your child next week:
o Practise knowing left from right
o Research the archaeologist Howard Carter and the discovery of Tutankhamun
o Read with your child daily
o Practise counting in 3s and 4s
Very best wishes,
Audra Fitzgerald

We have had a remarkably busy and positive week in Yew Class. On Tuesday, Paul from Devon Wildlife gave the children some fascinating information about Winston the woodlouse’s relatives. Did you know that woodlice are related to crabs, lobsters and shrimps? Woodlice are the only relatives that live on land.
Paul challenged the children to build a habitat for Winston in our forest school area. Tabitha made a parasol out of a leaf and twig so that Winston does not dry out on a hot, sunny day. Aimee made sure that he has plenty of dark, damp areas. Frankie provided hiding places from predators and Jenson made the biggest, most elaborate ‘rock pool’ type structure that could house Winston and his extended family. Next week will be our final session, and we plan to make bug hotels from recycled and natural materials.
In Maths, the children have dived deeper into ‘Measure’, solving problems involving the 4 operations. Yesterday, Miss Barton had the children measuring how far they could leap and throw a pom-pom. Today, Yew Class worked collaboratively in teams of 4 to explore how to divide a Milky Way (other confectionary is available) into quarters, ensuring that nobody got the smallest piece!
We examined modern day Egypt this week with a view to investigating the Ancient Egyptians next time. It would be helpful if children could research images of Tutankhamun ready for Wednesday; any pictures would be welcome in school. I am hoping to incorporate some artwork related to our History topic.
Things you could do to help your child this week:
· Encourage them to read each day
· Talk about clockwise and anti-clockwise directions
· Look for synonyms: words that have the same meaning and can be used in place of another – e.g. mischievous/rascally
Have a lovely weekend.
Audra Fitzgerald

​It has been lovely to see everyone again. The summer term can be lots of fun, and I’m looking forward to being able to do more outdoor learning, sports, gardening and so on with Yew Class.

We’ve had such an eventful first week back, with our literary visitors who have championed the cause of reading for pleasure in such a splendid way. Sarah McIntyre had KS1 in the palm of her hand for almost an hour when she read her bestselling book, ‘Grumpycorn’. This was followed by a masterclass in drawing ‘Grumpycorn’......but with a twist. Yew Class painted their illustrations, then made up their own stories based on the above. We had Chipocorn, Pizzacorn, Chicken Nuggetcorn and many more. The work will be displayed in our classroom, so feel free to take a peep through the window.

This half term is going to be jam packed with learning:

English: Literacy and Language or RWI (depending on groupings)

Maths: Measurement: height and length (using a ruler)

Science: Changing Materials – sand to glass etc.

Humanities: History – The Ancient Egyptians

RE: ‘Good News’ message that Christians believe Jesus brings

Computing: ‘Kapow’ - creating media with motion

PSHE: thinking about how we can be the best we can be at school and in the community

Music: Daily learning and singing short songs

We will be doing art each week, but need to check resources and confirm plans. Please excuse this short blog entry: it’s been a busy week. I will have more news and information for you next time. Until then, please encourage your child to read daily. Those on Accelerated Reader should quiz and change books regularly; there will be time to do this during the school day.

Enjoy the long weekend!
​
Audra Fitzgerald

Hello Year 2 parents and carers, 
 
What a half-term we've had! The children have done some great learning and have settled in as a Year 2 class very well! I'm proud to see their progress, creativity, and care for each other. 
 
As I'm sure you'll have seen in Mr. Finch's email, unfortunately I won't be able to come back to Chagford Primary after Easter. I know it's a shame for the children to have to go through yet another transition. Luckily, they'll have a known and friendly face in Mrs. Fitzgerald, who I know will offer them the help they need. 
 
I wanted to thank you for all your support during this short time when we have worked together!
 
Best wishes, 
Miss Queiroz

​ 
Dear Year 2 families, 
 
A huge thank you to those of you who were able to come to our meeting. As I mentioned, feel free to send me an email with any questions, concerns or suggestions. 
 
This week has been busy! The children have been learning all about the importance of exercise in order to keep the body healthy. They are able to understand how their hearts pump blood faster when they are running or jumping. 
 
Our learning about geography has also progressed immensely! We've had a quick look at the history of London, understanding the role of the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans in the geography of the city. 
 
In RE, we have started studying about the importance of Easter to Christians. This week, we are focusing on the signs of Spring and how they relate to Jesus coming back to life. We've had a lovely search of our grounds in search of those signs, such as buds, birds, lambs flowers. 
 
We've also had a special Real PE lesson led by one expert on the platform. The children really enjoyed getting even deeper into the different activities and worked so well with their partners!
 
I'm looking forward to meeting with all of you next week during parents' evening. Have a fantastic weekend!
 
Best wishes,
Ana Queiroz

Hello everyone, 

It is such a pleasure to meet you all! It has been fantastic to spend this first week getting to know your lovely children and helping them settle into their new class and new routines. 

I wanted to tell you a little bit about what we're planning for this half-term. In science, we'll be looking at the human lifecycle. The children will learn that humans grow from babies into children and then adults. By the end of the half-term they will be able to understand the basic needs animals have for survival, the importance of exercise and a balanced diet.


Our topic in geography is the city of London. The children will learn where it is, who created it, what types of transport exist in London and what historic events almost destroyed the city.

In maths this term we will be working on 2D and 3D shapes, exploring their names and the number of faces, edges and vertices on each of them. You can help by noticing and talking about shape in the environment with your child. The children will also be able to understand fractions such as half, quarter, third and the idea of equivalence. 

Our timing is perfect to explore the importance of Easter for Christians in RE! The children will learn about incarnation, salvation and the celebration of hope.


We have signed up to a very exciting project trial created by Artis. This programme of work uses performance to explore 'In the Garden' by Emily Elizabeth Dickinson - a poem rooted in nature. Blending elements of the literacy curriculum with music, drama and movement - the children will grow in confidence in reading and performing. They will respond physically and vocally to the poem; begin to comprehend and use more complex vocabulary; explore rhyme and rhythm; and immerse themselves in the world of poetry.


Don't forget that World Book Day is next Thursday - children do not have to dress up for the day but they may if they choose to.  We will be having a special day filled with bookish joy. We will be welcoming a pop up bookshop from our friends at The Bookery in Crediton who will introduce children to some fun age appropriate books and give them a chance to buy a book from the shop. The bookshop will remain open until four o'clock at the end of the day in case any parents or carers would like to visit it. To buy a book children need to bring cash in a sealed, named envelope and give it to the class teacher at the start of the day. Children will be able to buy one book for six pounds or two books for ten pounds.

I'm looking forward to working alongside all of you and keep an open channel for communication between home and the school. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or suggestions! My email is AQueiroz@chagfordprimary.org.uk 


Have a wonderful term everyone!


Ana Queiroz