Autumn 2 

Maths

This half term, the children will continue to develop their number knowledge and mathematical reasoning through a range of exciting learning journeys. They will begin by exploring addition, learning to read, write and interpret addition number sentences using the symbols + and =. Using practical resources, drawings and pictorial representations, they will add numbers within 20, explore number bonds to 10 and 20, and solve missing number problems.

The children will then deepen their understanding of number by learning about odd and even numbers, as well as developing fluency with doubles and halves for numbers up to 20. These key skills will help strengthen their number sense and build confidence with mental calculations.

Next, the children will focus on subtraction, learning to read, write and interpret subtraction number sentences using the symbols − and =. They will use objects, drawings and practical resources to subtract numbers within 20, solve one-step subtraction problems and continue developing their ability to find missing numbers.

Finally, the children will explore shape, learning to recognise, name and describe a variety of common 2D and 3D shapes. They will identify shapes in different sizes and orientations, including triangles, rectangles and squares, and learn about shapes with more than four sides. Through practical activities, the children will develop their ability to spot and discuss mathematical shapes in the world around them.

Writing

This half term, our English learning will focus on the exciting question: "How does an author use vocabulary to bring a toy to life?"

To explore this, we will be reading and enjoying two well-loved stories: Pinocchio and The Snowman. Through these texts, the children will investigate how authors carefully choose words to describe characters, actions and feelings, helping readers imagine toys and objects as if they were real and alive.

Throughout the unit, the children will explore rich and ambitious vocabulary from both texts and discuss how authors use carefully chosen words to create character, atmosphere and emotion. They will learn how effective verbs, adjectives and expanded noun phrases can make writing more engaging and help readers form vivid pictures in their minds. Through reading, discussion, drama and creative activities, the children will develop and refine their own ideas before planning, writing and editing their work. The children will produce a short story and a set of instructions as their outcomes. 

Reading:

This half term, our reading learning will focus on a range of non-fiction texts and poetry. Through these different text types, children will develop their understanding of how authors and poets use language to inform, entertain and engage their readers.

In our reading lessons, we follow a structured process of Vocabulary, Fluency, Comprehension and Rich Task. Children begin by exploring new and ambitious vocabulary, discussing the meaning of unfamiliar words and how they contribute to the overall meaning of a text. They then develop their fluency through modelled and repeated reading, helping them to read with increasing accuracy, confidence and expression. Throughout the half term, we will explore the features of non-fiction texts, including how information is organised and presented to the reader. We will also explore a Christmas poem, discussing rhythm, rhyme, imagery and the impact of carefully chosen words. These experiences will help children to build their vocabulary, deepen their comprehension and develop a lifelong enjoyment of reading.

Science

This half term, the children will continue developing their understanding of everyday materials. They will explore a range of common materials, including wood, plastic, glass, metal, water and rock, and learn about their different physical properties. Through practical investigations and discussions, the children will learn how to identify, compare and group materials based on what they are like, helping them to develop their scientific thinking and observation skills.

Geography

In Geography, the children will begin their learning journey by exploring the seven continents of the world. They will learn the names of each continent, locate them on a world map and begin to understand where they are in relation to one another. The children will then move on to learn about the five oceans, identifying their names and locations and discovering how they connect the continents across the globe.

History

This half term, the children will be learning about changes within living memory. They will explore how life has changed over time by looking at music, toys, television, computing and technology from different decades. Through comparing past and present, the children will develop an understanding of how everyday life has changed and consider the impact these changes have had on people's lives.

Design and Technology (DT)

In DT, the children will build on their understanding of healthy eating and nutrition. They will learn about the importance of a balanced diet and how fruit contributes to their ‘5 a day’. Using their knowledge, the children will design and create their own healthy fruit-based dish, developing important skills such as planning, preparing and evaluating their work.

Computing

This half term, the children will learn about staying safe online and making responsible choices when using technology. They will discuss situations in which they should ask a trusted adult for permission before doing something online and understand why this is important. The children will also be introduced to algorithms, learning that these are precise sets of instructions used to complete tasks, and will have opportunities to create and follow simple algorithms themselves.

Religious Education (RE)

In RE, the children will continue their learning about Christianity. They will explore why Jesus is at the heart of the Christian faith and why he is an important figure for Christians around the world. As part of their learning, the children will revisit the Christmas story, considering the significance of the different characters and events within the narrative and how these help Christians understand the importance of Jesus' birth.