Year 2

OUR VERY SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS

In our unit of inquiry, Where We Are in Place and Time, with the central idea: Learning about previous generations helps us to understand the relationship between the past and the present, the Year 2 students are exploring ways to find out about the past, the influence of the past on the present and how some practices change or remain the same over time.

Whilst we may not be in school, the inquiry and learning continued with the help of some very special guest speakers.

Ibu Yo: The students listened to a presentation by one of the Year 2 teachers, Ibu Yo, about generations in her family. Ibu Yo shared her family history and culture that includes languages, practices, foods, photos and clothes. During the presentation, the students identified a variety of information about how some practices that happened in the past have changed or remained the same.

Ibu Ashley & Pak Tommie:

As Ibu Ashley and Pak Tommie have travelled to and lived in different countries and different continents, they shared some of the customs and practices people have in those countries. In focusing on the customs and practices, students can identify that some practices and traditions are different depending on the country you live in. People choose which practices stay the same and which ones change. Students were introduced to the concept of perspective, and why we should be open-minded to the customs and practices of others.

FAMILY TREE

In Social Studies, students learned about their family history to understand who we are as individuals by interviewing their grandparents and parents. Using the data they had collected, students created a family tree presentation to explain three different generations in their family. The students also demonstrated how their family members are connected to each other.

END OF SEMESTER 1 REFLECTION

“Smooth Seas Do Not Make Skillful Sailors”

As we come to the end of a challenging semester, in which we all had to change our ways of doing and thinking, this African proverb is a fitting quote to reflect upon. It is not in times of smooth sailing that we learn what we are truly capable of, but rather when we have to face strong winds, battering rain and high waves. This semester has taught all of us that we are stronger than we thought we were, and that we are capable of more than we believed.

In Year 2, students have navigated new virtual platforms, explored new tools and created incredible pieces of work. They have developed self-management skills, keeping their materials organised and coming to classes on time (with just a few reminders :)). They have independently asked for help when they needed support, and they have applied their learning to their lives in many interesting ways. Year 2 students have developed as thinkers, inquirers, risk-takers and communicators, and have grown so much.

We all look forward to the day when we can see each other in person and learn together again. For now, though, let’s celebrate all the successes, big and small, that we have achieved this semester. Year 2, your teachers think you’re awesome! Have a wonderful holiday!