Good morning Year 2,
To begin, I would like to emphasise, once again, my sincerest gratitude at the sheer amount of hard work that has gone into these past weeks of home learning from the children but also from parents. Thank you so much for your dedication, effort and positivity during this hugely difficult period. The level of creativity and enthusiasm I have seen from the work I have been sent is absolutely breath-taking and has actually made me quite emotional at times. Here at OLA we are one, big school family and, Year 2, every single one of you are an incredibly important part of my family and the feelings of togetherness, love, care and kindness has shone through in everything you have done. I am SO proud of all of you!
As you may be aware, today marks the end of the first half of the Summer Term, with the next two week’s officially scheduled as the half term holidays. Where has the time gone!? Because of this, I will not be setting any Home Learning Projects for the next fortnight as we begin to prepare school for the potential return of the year groups outlined by the Government. This is also a very important period for you and your children to have a much-deserved break from home learning as I am aware that many children are beginning to tire (perfectly normal at this time of year!) However, if you would like to continue working with your child at home during the break, I have attached some work linked to Pentecost, which we celebrate on Sunday 31st May. There are some video clips for the children to learn more about this holiday, some work that can be completed around it and also plenty of opportunities to be creative with a range of different craft items! These materials are a suggestion of what could be done at home during this break, but are by no means a must!
Pentecost activity ideas (this document has lists, ideas and links for lots of Pentecost activities)
Pentecost Home Learning Parent Guide to Accompany Home Learning Accompanying powerpoint
Pentecost Comprehension Reading Sheet Comprehension Question Sheet
As well as Pentecost learning, if you are worried about your child’s learning during half term, here are some tips and ideas to keep things going.
· Keep reading – daily, when possible! Sites such as Oxford Owl (Year 2’s class login is olayear2 password: olayear2), Twinkl E-Books (with the free access code), Book Trust, BBC Bitesize Comprehension and obviously any books you have at home. There are also some fantastic e-book offers from Amazon. Some books are only £1!
· Watch Phonics videos and practise sounds. BBC Bitesize has Phonics videos (Year 2 should know all of Set 2 and 3 sounds so it should be revision for most!) The Read Write Inc youtube page has videos linked specifically to our school’s phonics scheme.
· Keep a daily diary to practise writing skills. – What do you do during your daily exercise? What exciting things have happened at home? What are you looking forward to?
· Use Sumdog and Education City to practise your Maths, Reading and Spelling.
· Use the internet to research topics you are interested in.
· Exercise in your garden, in your bedroom, on your daily walks. Basically, anywhere you can do it! Daily exercise is so important!
· Draw pictures and colour them in. You could draw your view from the window, what you see when you are out, the plants and animals in your garden or anything you imagination can create!
· Create exciting models from junk modelling equipment. What could you make?
· Create a quiz for your mums, dads, brothers, sisters and other family to have a go at.
· Watch Euro 96 on ITV catchup. It was my first football tournament (and my absolute favourite!)
· Be creative – think about what you like to do and have a go. Whether it be construction, painting, drawing, model making, writing, colouring or anything else.
Fr Jim’s website is a great way to feel like part of the church whilst at home. Please visit his page and watch his child-friendly Mass services (click the blue ‘press for the School Mass’ button). The latest Mass is for the Feast of the Ascension.
Fr Jim also a specific children’s page on his website. Please do visit this.
Finally, may I also add during this two week half-term break I will not be accessing my school emails or Class Dojo account until the 8th June. I hope you understand that this is also a time for school staff to take a break and we will also be very busy at school during these weeks preparing for the slightly wider reopening to further classes. It is also a perfect time for all of you to take a break! Thank you for your understanding :)
Finally, here is our Learners of the Week gallery from the wonderful work that has been sent to me.
I hope that you feel the power of the Holy Spirit as we celebrate Pentecost - may the Lord fill you with the love and strength that you need right now.
All our love,
Mr Whetnall, Mrs Bowdell and Mrs Debowska
