Nature and Science in Action

What a fantastic start to Year 2 it has been! The children have settled well into their routines and approached every learning experience with enthusiasm both in and out of the classroom.

In English, we explored Animal Reports and Mythical Creatures using the Talk for Writing approach. The children planned, drafted and presented their ideas confidently, producing detailed and imaginative reports. Later in the term, they focused on letter writing, crafting both formal and friendly letters. They wrote to the Court Administrator at the Nanyuki Law Courts requesting permission to visit, to the Municipal Manager seeking approval to tour the Nanyuki Stadium and to Mrs Gould asking for permission to go on the Landmarks Trip and use the school bus. They also enjoyed composing lively party invitations, showing a clear understanding of tone and purpose in their writing.

In Mathematics, the children have strengthened their understanding of numbers and developed confidence with addition and subtraction strategies. They recalled and applied number bonds within 10 and 20, explored how these link to numbers up to 100 and learnt that addition is commutative while subtraction is not. Using number lines, part–whole models and tens frames, they added and subtracted one- and two-digit numbers, including those that cross a ten. They also solved two-step word problems and learnt to find the difference between numbers, explaining their reasoning clearly and accurately.

Our Science topic on Materials was a true highlight. The children transformed our classroom into a mini science lab, complete with lab coats and goggles! They explored investigation stations, testing which materials could bend, stretch, or twist and observing how water affected different surfaces. Working scientifically, they observed, predicted, recorded and shared their findings. Their teamwork and curiosity made this an unforgettable experience!

In Geography, we studied Kenyan Habitats, discovering how animals and plants adapt to their surroundings. This learning came to life during our trip to Lolldaiga, where the children learnt about grassland rehabilitation and regenerative farming, met the ranch’s famous “super herd” of cows and took part in light herding activities.

In Art, the children brought their understanding of habitats to life by creating 3D desert and painted beautiful Savannah habitats. In History, they explored the Gunpowder Plot and used cubist-inspired techniques to portray the plotters, linking perfectly to our 5th of November learning about why people celebrate with fireworks.

It has been a term full of curiosity, creativity and growth. We are so proud of how far the children have come and look forward to another exciting term ahead!