Coastline

Topic Summary

In this Coastline project, children will use maps to learn about the location of the world’s seas and oceans and keys to learn about map symbols. They will also find out about the directions on a compass. They will learn about the human and physical features of a coastline, including the effects of erosion and how to stay safe when visiting the coast. They will have the opportunity to learn about the work of the RNLI, what happened to the SS Rohilla and about the coastal town of Whitby, including how Captain Cook is linked to the town. They will research the tourism industry and consider what features make a place a successful tourist destination.

Reading and Writing

Throughout the topic we will be looking at different texts to focus on in our reading and writing journeys. Here's a look at some of these texts...

Within our English lessons we will be looking at a range of fiction and non fiction texts on the coast including 'Katie Morag and the New Pier.' These will help us work through the composition side of Year 2. The children will be working towards writing different writing outcomes which will help apply skills learnt. These outcomes are...

* Explanation texts

* Setting description

* Persuasive writing

* Non-chronological report

* Recount

Our Guided Reading journey will focus on texts that coincide with our topic like 'The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch.' These texts will help us to work through the word-reading and comprehension side of the Year 2 curriculum by focusing on decoding, predicting, inference, vocabulary and sharing views along with other key skills.

Maths

We begin the Spring term by looking at ‘Shape’ to start our Maths journey. Children will be using a range of 2D and 3D shapes to identify the characteristics of different shapes and be able to describe their properties.

As we move further into the Spring term, we will begin to look at ‘Multiplication' and 'Division.' The children will be using concrete, pictorial and abstract representations to understand the concept of multiplication and division. There will be a strong focus on recalling and using multiplication and division facts for the 2, 3, 5 and 10 times tables, calculating mathematical statements using the correct signs and solve problems using a range of strategies learnt - arrays, repeated addition and sharing.

Foundation Subjects

As well as the core subject areas, we will also be focusing on key foundation subjects. These foundation subjects provide further breadth into topics surrounding history, geography, science, art etc. The focus will be on the skills which link to our topic. 

Geography

Coastline is a Geography based topic. This means there are very strong cross-curricular links throughout all learning journeys that teaches children about significant places and their physical features. Children will learn all about maps, globes and atlases, world seas and oceans, human and physical features, locational language, compass directions, physical processes – erosion, changes over time and tourism.

History

In History, children will take a look at Captain Cook as a significant person and jobs in the past. 

Science

Our Science journey focuses on plants. This project teaches children about the growth of plants from seeds and bulbs. They observe this first hand, recording the changes over time and identifying what plants need to grow and stay healthy.

Art

Art will consist of a project called 'Flower Head.' This project teaches children about the visual elements of flowers, including shape, texture, colour, pattern and form. They also explore various artistic methods, including drawing, printmaking and 3-D forms, using paper or clay.

Design and Technology

Design and technology will consist of children learning about making and strengthening structures, including different ways of joining materials.

Computing

Children will focus on online safety using different platforms such as 'Purple Mash.'

PSHE

Children will look at the theme of 'living in the wider world' this term. This will cover the following aspects: belonging to a community, media literacy and digital resilience, and money and work.

Religious Education

Across the two halves of the Spring term, children will look at two different themes and concepts for their RE learning journey. During the first half of the term the children will be focusing on the concept of 'Special' within the theme of 'Special Clothes.' 

Throughout the second half term the children will be able to explore the concept of 'Love' within the theme of 'Sad and happy and looking at the Easter Story.'

Physical Education

Children will focus on multi-skills which will help them to develop their agility, balance and co-ordination.  They will then apply these skills to small sided games which will include sending and receiving.

How can you help at home...

There's lots of ways that you can help your child at home. One of them is by reading with them as much as possible. This will encourage your child to apply their phonics and develop their understanding of the text. Please use the online BUGCLUB tool to help encourage your child to read at home as much as possible! Books marks have been sent home with login details. 

Alongside this, what would be most helpful is to ensure that your child reads their book and brings it back to school weekly. They will continue to bring home a reading log, please sign and comment where appropriate. This enables us to monitor their progress. Reading at home regularly will help enhance children’s reading skills which will also impact their writing. Your child will begin to bring their library book home weekly too, please use this book as a way to read with your child and enjoy the text together! 

Homework will continue to be given out every Friday and need to be returned on a Tuesday.  It will be linked to what your child has been learning about in school that week. Discussing your child's homework with them is a great way to help with consolidating and checking their understanding. Please ensure that your child completes this consistently and sign it to say that you've seen it 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask! I'll continue to always try my best to keep you updated through Marv Me and through regular contact day to day.

  Thank you for your amazing support and engagement. It is HUGELY appreciated