What a wonderful week we have had!

Here is what we have been up to this week…

Online Safety Day

On Tuesday we celebrated Online Safety Day! It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to engage in meaningful discussions about the online world and to reflect on both the positive aspects of being online and the potential risks involved.

We kicked off the day by exploring our feelings when we encounter something unpleasant or upsetting on the internet. This led to an important conversation on what we can do if we come across such content. The children were encouraged to speak up, ask for help, and know that they are not alone in these situations.

Together, we examined common online hazards, including pop-ups and scams. We emphasised the importance of recognising these dangers and the steps we can take to stay safe while browsing the internet. We also discussed the significance of keeping passwords and logins private, reinforcing the idea that this information is for our eyes only. We were reminded on the worried button online and know how to use this if we need to.

One of the highlights of our day was reviewing our Acceptable Use Policy. The children contributed to the discussion, highlighting why this policy is crucial for ensuring a safe and respectful online environment. We were reminded that kindness is just as important in the digital world as it is in person, and that we should always treat others with respect online.

As parents, your support in reinforcing these messages at home is invaluable. I encourage you to have open conversations with your children about their online experiences, and to remind them of the importance of being careful and respectful in their digital interactions.

English

In our English lessons this week the children had the opportunity to create their very own Traction Man stories! This activity not only sparked their creativity but also allowed them to apply their learning from our thematic lessons on 'The Harbour'.

As part of their stories, students included rich and vivid descriptions by using adjectives to engage their readers. We observed a fantastic variety of words that painted a picture of the exciting adventures Traction Man encountered in the harbour setting, where Traction defeated Awful Anchor! Furthermore, the children demonstrated their understanding of conjunctions by effectively joining sentences to enhance the flow of their narratives.

In Read, Write Inc, we have continued to work hard on our spellings and working on our reading fluency. Some of us have even been writing some wonderful descriptions!

Next term all children will be back to their base classes and be taking part in English lessons! Our first text we will be looking at together is ‘Growing Frogs!’

Reading

Reading at 3 - Every Friday at 3 our doors will be open for you to come in and read with your child, please note, this will be for the full 15 minutes and children should not leave any earlier. Their books will be set up and ready for you to come in and enjoy listening to their wonderful reading.

Reading folders – Some children will continue to bring home two books, one being a RWI home book. Children are expected to try and read this three times during the week to ensure they are building on their reading fluency. The RWI home books will be changed by an adult.

The other book (with the coloured sticker) should be changed independently by the child themselves - first thing in the morning is a great time to do this!

Many children have now been moved onto the accelerated reader programme. (Please check their reading records for their ZPD scores. We will continue to assess and move more children onto this when they are ready. Children can change these books after they have completed the quiz online. The AR login can be found here… https://global-zone61.renaissance-go.com/welcomeportal/1892319

For a guide on how to use Accelerated Reader please click here… https://www.chiltonprimary.co.uk/accelerated-reader

Please ensure that the reading folders are placed in the reading trays/baskets, so we can read with your children and ensure books get changed. Thank you for your support with this!

Please listen to your child read as much as possible at home and record this in their reading records. Every week, one child from each class will receive a reading certificate in our Chilton Heroes assembly.

Maths

 In Maths this week, have revisited the concept of time, focusing on o'clock, half past, quarter past, and quarter to. It was wonderful to see the children's enthusiasm as we moved on to explore five-minute intervals around the clock! I must admit, this part can be a bit tricky for some, so we all created some helpful sheets that the children can refer to at home. If your child expresses any confusion, please encourage them to use these resources to bolster their understanding.

After mastering time, we progressed to division. This foundational skill is vital, and we are aiming to build confidence and fluency in this area. As always, your support at home can make a significant difference. Encouraging your child to practice division through games or real-life scenarios can help reinforce their learning and make it more enjoyable.

Next term, we will be looking at addition and subtraction.

RE

In our Religious Education lessons this week, we have been exploring the fascinating world of Buddhism.

The children have engaged with the story of Siddhartha, who became known as the Buddha. We discussed his journey and the significant experiences that led to his enlightenment. The children showed great enthusiasm in learning about the various Buddhist symbols, each representing different aspects of Buddha's teachings and highlighting the reasons he is revered within the Buddhist community.

We also delved into the meaning behind several Buddhist parables, which convey essential lessons on moral values and how to navigate life’s challenges. These stories not only illuminate the principles of Buddhism but also offer valuable insights that resonate with our daily lives, encouraging kindness, mindfulness, and compassion.

Next term, we will be starting our brand new thematic topic ‘Nurturing Nurses’ after a week of practising our oracy skills and looked at our British Values and the protected characteristics.

Love to learn

Over the half term we would love for you to write a letter to your teacher, outlining what you have got up to on one of your days off! We would also love for you to practise telling the time by looking at the five-minute intervals. This can be recorded any way you wish!

Dates to remember

24th February – School begins at normal time

28th February 9-10.30am – Autism awareness coffee morning in the studio

28th February – NHS well-being show in school

6th March – World book day

10th – 14th March – Book fair

14th March 9 – 11am – Managing children’s behaviour workshop in the studio

21st March – Red nose day/Rock your socks day for Downs Syndrome awareness. This year Red Nose Day is celebrating its 40th anniversary, originating in 1985. We would like to invite children to come into school in 1980s dress up. Children are invited to wear odd socks as part of their outfit to show support for Rock your socks Downs Syndrome awareness day.

21st March – Parents invited into school from 3.15 to look at their child’s learning prior to parent teacher consultations

24th March – Parent teacher consultation week

2nd April at 9.05am – Easter Bonnet Parade for Reception, year 1 and year 2 in school hall

3rd April – Easter Egg Hunts in school

3rd April – Last day of term. School finishes at usual time.

 

We hope you have a lovely half term!

Miss Kennedy and Mrs Winchcombe and all the Year 2 team.

 

Mrs Poppy Winchcombe – Team Azure – poppy.winchcombe@chiltonprimary.co.uk

Miss Maddy Kennedy – Team Peacock – maddy.kennedy@chiltonprimary.co.uk