Welcome to another exciting update from Beech Class! This week has been full of discovery, creativity, and growth as our Year 1 and Year 2 children explored a wide range of topics across their subjects. Here’s a detailed look at the fantastic learning journey we’ve been on:
This week, our Year 2 scientists have been learning about the importance of food groups and how they contribute to keeping our bodies healthy. We discussed the five main food groups: fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates, proteins, dairy, and fats and oils. The children investigated which foods belong to each group and why they are important. For example, they discovered that proteins help us grow strong, carbohydrates give us energy, and fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins. We also touched on the idea of “eating the rainbow” to get a variety of nutrients.
Year 1 children have been exploring why the amount of daylight changes at different times of the year. Through hands-on activities, we modelled how the Earth orbits the Sun and how its tilt affects the amount of sunlight each hemisphere receives. We used a globe and a torch to simulate summer and winter in the UK, helping the children visualise longer and shorter days.
The children reflected on how these changes affect daily life, such as the need for warmer clothing in winter or longer evenings to play outside in summer. They also recorded their observations in a daylight chart, comparing the hours of daylight in January to June.
Year 2 mathematicians have been learning about different units of measurement, focusing on centimetres (cm) and millilitres (ml). We started by understanding when and why we use these units—centimetres for length and millilitres for liquid volume.
Using rulers, children measured various classroom objects, from pencils to books, and practiced estimating before measuring for accuracy. To explore millilitres, we used measuring jugs to pour water into different containers, reinforcing the idea that volume measures capacity. They also compared measurements, using language such as “shorter,” “longer,” “more,” and “less,” and recorded their findings in tables.
Year 1 have been exploring grouping objects and developing a deep understanding of doubles and halves. We began with hands-on activities, where children grouped items like counters, buttons, and toys into equal sets. This helped them see patterns and develop early multiplication skills.
They then practiced doubling numbers by adding the same amount again (e.g., “Double 4 is 8”) and halving by splitting groups into two equal parts. Visual aids, such as folding paper in half and cutting shapes, supported their understanding. The children were thrilled to realise that doubling and halving are linked!
The Year 1 children have been captivated by the magical story There’s a Tiger in My Garden by Lizzy Stewart. They explored the enchanting garden setting and thought about how it might feel, smell, and look. Using their senses, they created detailed setting descriptions, focusing on rich vocabulary such as “lush,” “sparkling,” and “twinkling.”
For character work, they imagined meeting the tiger and described him with words like “majestic,” “playful,” and “mischievous.” These descriptive skills will help them bring their own imaginative stories to life next week!
Year 2 children focussed on the mysterious and atmospheric world of The Lost Happy Endings by Carol Ann Duffy. They explored the forest setting, discussing how it could feel both magical and eerie, and brainstormed powerful descriptive phrases such as “shadowy trees” and “glimmering moonlight.”
For character descriptions, they studied Jub, the main character, and thought about her bravery and kindness. The children also practiced developing their own characters, focusing on personality traits and how to show them through actions and dialogue. This week’s preparation has set the stage for their creative writing next week!
In PE, the children have been embracing the calming yet energizing world of yoga. This week, we challenged them to turn their favourite yoga poses into sequences. They experimented with flowing from one pose to another, learning about balance, coordination, and mindful breathing.
We discussed how yoga helps to build strength, flexibility, and focus—important skills for both body and mind. We’re proud of their focus and enthusiasm!
Beech Class has had a lovely week full of exploration, creativity, and learning. We can’t wait to see their stories come to life next week and continue our journey in all subjects!