22 Nov 2008 - Newsletter 22nd November 2008

This week we have been visited by Florence Nightingale who told us all about what a hospital was like during the Crimean war. The children loved role-playing being soldiers and nurses.

In Literacy after learning about titles, headings, captions and the contents page, we have been making an information leaflet about Florence. These leaflets show excellent subject knowledge and are of a high quality.

Our maths work has been continuing with multiplication. We have learnt lots of ways to do these calculations such as repeated addition, drawing our own number line and drawing arrays. Some of us have now chosen our favourite way of working out these calculations.

Christmas is coming and along with it Christmas Craft Day. We need lots of small silver foil cases - the kind mince pies come in, newspapers, old Christmas cards and CD's (the sample ones you often get sent). Please can you help us by starting to collect these items and send them in on Wednesday 26^{th November.}

The Christmas Fair is also another exciting event on our calendar to look forward to. If you haven't done so already, please can you see your classes Link Mum and sign up to help for a short period of time.

Thank you for your continued help and support. The Year Two Team.

If you have not yet let us know that you can help please let your class teacher know as soon as possible.

It really is a special day in school. For one whole day we will be making Christmas Craft items. We need enthusiastic people to help with groups of children. You do not need to be artistic just enthusiastic.

treats, unwanted gifts, etc)

Year 1: Toys Tombola (new or in good condition)

Year 2: Items for Adult Hamper & Cakes (bring perishables

in on 28th November

ALL - Jam Jars (wrapped sweets or toys and please only

decorate the lid as we must be able to see the jar contents — thank you)

Donation or £1 please in return for Mufti

HELP FOR THE FAIR

This week we have been working really hard to ensure that everyone uses both sides of every piece of paper before we throw it away.

When we do the Eco check we still find paper in the recycling bin that is only used on one side. We told all the teachers in assembly that they must be more careful.

So can we remind all you parents not to use just one side of paper because if you don't write on all sides of the paper it will be a waste of paper. If we use paper we will have to chop down trees. If we chop down trees we will not be able to breathe.

We have been very inquisitive in literacy this week, asking lots of questions about toys and thinking about where we might find the answers.

In maths we've been learning how to use a number line to add and take away. We've used the number lines in the playground, on our tables and on our interactive whiteboards!

We've been using the computer to make an information page and have investigated levers and pivots by flicking rubbers! We've also made our own sliding pictures and made levers using Meccano.

We have started learning our songs and dances for the end of term pantomime and we're really looking forward to showing you all of our hard work. Make sure you book your tickets!

We've got quite a lot preparation to do for Christmas Craft Day and would really appreciate any help that you can offer at home. Please let your class teacher know if you are able to lend a hand.

Homework challenge

The Oaktree School hall is available for hire for children's parties on Saturdays and Sundays.

Included in the price: benches, tables, fridge, freezer and sink

Cost £46 + 15% insurance for 3 hours ( allows ^1/2 hour to set up, 2 hours for the party, and ^1/2 hour to clear up and sweep the floor)

£9 + 15% insurance for each additional hour

To book phone 01483 474981

or

all, they

Please remind your child to bring in something for the

sound table.

We shall be assessing the children this week on the

work covered so far in Big Cat Phonics.

Creating 3D shape models

Acting out and painting celebrations of weddings and

birthdays

Making our class alliteration book

Investigating the best bubble maker for Mrs Wishy

Washy (science)

Please sign up to help us on Christmas Craft Day (Friday 28th November morning only). If you cannot help on that day but would be willing to prepare some of the activities for us, please see your child's class teacher.

If you have any old purses that you would be willing to donate, we would be very grateful to receive them next week when the children are 'shopping'. Please help your child to look for 'stretchy' materials for our investigation table.

Ask mummy or daddy to help you recognise some coins.