Year 2 – River Class (2025–2026)

Class Teacher: Miss Thomas

Welcome to the River Class webpage. We’re excited to share our learning journey with you throughout the year. In Year 2, children will explore a wide range of topics designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

Class Text This term, our chosen class text is James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. Through this imaginative and engaging story, children will explore key elements such as character development and plot structure. They will also take part in discussions focused on prediction, author intent, and character motivation, all inspired by the extraordinary adventures of James and his remarkable companions.

 

🏫 Class Information for Parents

 

PE Days Physical Education takes place on Mondays and Tuesdays. Please ensure your child comes to school with a full PE kit on these days so they can take part comfortably and safely.

Drinks and Snacks To help keep children hydrated throughout the day, please send a labelled bottle of water (no squash or fruit drinks) with your child each morning. Bottles are kept in the classroom and can be accessed as needed. All children receive a piece of fruit during morning break.

Homework We provide a variety of tasks to reinforce classroom learning and build your child’s confidence. These include:

• Spellings – Weekly spelling lists to practise at home

• Spelling Shed – Online assignment to support spelling skills. This assignment is based on the weekly spelling list. Access spellings here if your child has mislaid their paper copy.

• Reading – Daily reading is encouraged

We kindly ask that you read with your child at least five times a week. Regular reading at home makes a significant difference to their progress and enjoyment of books.

📚 Year 2 Parent Guide: Supporting Reading at Home

Reading is a vital part of your child’s learning journey, and your support at home can make a big difference. Here are some simple yet effective ways to help your child develop confidence, comprehension, and a love of reading.

🗣️ Talk About What They Read

Engaging your child in conversation about their book helps deepen understanding. Try asking questions like:

• Can you tell me what happened in the story?

• Who was your favourite character and why?

• What do you think will happen next?

• How did the story make you feel?

Encourage them to retell the story in their own words or summarise key events. This builds memory and comprehension skills.

🔍 Use Open-Ended Questions

Asking thoughtful questions helps your child think more deeply. Examples include:

• Why do you think the character did that?

• What would you do if you were in the story?

• What was the problem in the story and how was it solved?

You’ll find a list of example questions at the end of this guide to use during reading time.

📖 Make Reading Enjoyable

Let your child choose books that interest them. Read together regularly, and celebrate their progress. Reading aloud to them—even if they can read independently—helps model fluency and expression.

🧠 Build Vocabulary

If your child comes across a new word, talk about what it means and how it’s used. You can play word games or keep a “new word” notebook to make learning fun.

💬 Example Questions to Ask During Reading

• What happened at the beginning/middle/end?

• What do you think the author wants us to learn?

• Can you find a word that means the same as…?

• What was the most exciting part?

• How did the story end?

Thank you for supporting your child’s reading journey. Together, we can help them become confident, curious, and joyful readers.

Creative Arts in River Class This term, River Class have explored the beauty of nature through transient art, inspired by the work of artist Andy Goldsworthy. Using natural materials found in our outdoor environment, the children created a stunning temporary piece that celebrates texture, pattern, and form. Have a look at their class creation in the photos below.