Summer
Mono Printing
We learned about mono printing, looking at different artists who use mono printing and different styles and techniques. We printed using string, found objects like corks, lollypop sticks and cotton wool, and sponges to create motifs (repeated patterns) in unique ways. We practiced designing a pattern on a plastic wallet, removing the excess paint and transferring the print onto paper. Next week we will create our own mono print on foam boards to create a repeated pattern!
Finding thirds
Today we continued to develop our fractions knowledge, using our multiplication and division skills to find third. We divided the whole number into three equal groups using counters, then found one third of the number, and challenged ourselves to find two thirds a well!
Balancing Skills
Year 2 practiced their balancing skills today with Newcastle PE and Sport Service. We practiced holding different balances, and balancing beanbags on ourselves in various different poses, showing that even simple balances can be tricky!
Pixels
Year 2 enjoyed a visit from Steve this half term, who taught us all about pixels and how they make up a digital image. We looked at real life examples, like times on alarm clocks and bus stop screens, and made our own images using pixels (lego!). Then we made digital images using IPads, and even had a go using spheros to create World Cup Flags!
Parts and Wholes
This term we have begun to explore fractions, starting by learning what a part is, and what a whole is. Year 2 cut a circle into 2 equal parts, and were able to show 1 out of 2 parts. We then cut the whole into 4 equal parts, and looked at how many parts were needed to make a whole!
Great Barrier Reef Art
Following on from our fact files last term on the Great Barrier Reef, we used our knowledge to create a landscape of the Great Barrier Reef. We thought about what habitats and microhabitats we might find there, what animals life in the Great Barrier Reef, and even what materials we know, like sponges!
Feelings and Reactions
We continued working with Jackie from the RISE team today, and learned about how some feelings we have can make our bodies feel. We talked about being shaky, crying, having a fast heartbeat, sweating and having negative thoughts, and how different emotions make us feel different things. Then we started to think about what we can do when we have these sorts of feelings, and how we can make our brains and bodies feel better.
Batting and Fielding
Today we practiced our batting and fielding skills with Coach Marlene, We learned how to hold a bat properly and safely, and how to hit a cricket ball with accuracy and care. We also practiced our fielding, holding our hands in a basket shape and being ready to run for the ball!
Author Visit
Newburn Manor Primary School was lucky enough to have a visit from author Naomi Barley today! Naomi has written two books - The Zig Zags and The Zork Games, and she told us all about them and the characters today. We learned about different feelings the characters have, and how they all get along together, and then made some little aliens of our own!
Animals of Regulation
Jackie from the RISE team is spending some time with us this half term developing our emotional regulation skills using the 'Animals of Regulation' toolkit! This week, we explored the different feelings that accompany each animal in our zoo including a happy dog, a slow sloth, or a silly monkey, and thought about how we were the zookeepers of our brains! We practiced some muscle relaxation movements to help when we feel scared or nervous, and designed our own zoo for our animals.
Striking and Fielding
This half term, we're working with Marlene from Newcastle PE and Sports Service on our striking and fielding skills! Today we practiced bowling by aiming using an underarm throw and carefully throwing a ball through a hoop held at the same height as a cricket bat. We practiced our fielding skills as we remembered how we should position our hands in a basket like shape, and be ready to move forwards or backwards to meet the ball!
