Yr2 Weekly Update – 23/9/16
We are approaching the end of our first Unit of Inquiry and so we are taking things a little further by thinking about how we could design, and even build, our own systems.
As a system needs to meet needs we started by trying to identify what we might need. This is interesting and has made us begin to appreciate the difference between needs and wants. Once needs are identified we can then devise systems that fulfil those needs.
Different classes have tackled the project in different ways and so we have seen “clubs” being formed along with membership registers, clubhouses, identity cards and even a library for members. We have seen maps that illustrate how systems such as a road system or sewage system can support a community and we have even seen some communication systems, including satellites and wireless technology being analyzed and improved upon. It is very exciting.
By next week we should have a good understanding of our own understanding of what makes a systems, how systems adapt and our roles in different systems.
Place value continues and we have been looking at the different ways a three digit number can be represented (with counters, with bank notes, as numbers written down and even as pictures) and then how that number can be partitioned into hundreds, tens and units. We have also been looking at the role of the zero in our place value system. The zero is a magical concept as it isn’t actually a number, but it can fill a place and the position of the zero can dramatically change the value of the other digits. It is fun to play around with three digits and a zero and see what numbers can be created.
Our English has included phonics, in which we continue to revise and revisit those initial letter sounds and the common digraphs such as st, ch and sl. Soon we shall move onto long vowel sounds, such as the ee phoneme.
We have been writing simple explanatory sentences to better help us understand the systems we have investigated and those we are creating ourselves. These sentences often contain useful connectives such as so or because. We have noticed that these words help to explain cause and effect.
Have a lovely weekend everyone, remember to relax, take time to do nothing, time to read, time to be bored and time to talk with and listen to the people you love!
The Year 2 Team
