Mmm...Chocolate!

Welcome back, Year 2! We hope you had a wonderful Easter holiday and that you're feeling refreshed and energised for the new half-term ahead. This half-term, our theme is 'Mmm...Chocolate!', and we can't wait to explore this exciting topic together.

To explain the history of chocolate and how it is made, The Chocolate Museum will be holding a workshop with the children. During the workshop, children will have the opportunity to taste and make different types of chocolate. At the end of the workshop, children will take their chocolates home

English

In English, Year 2 will explore "Grendel: A Cautionary Tale About Chocolate." This charming and clever tale follows a little monster named Grendel who has an insatiable love for chocolate. Grendel adores his mum and his dog, but above all, he adores CHOCOLATE! When he is magically granted three wishes, what does he wish for? More chocolate, of course! However, he receives far more than he bargained for when his entire world turns to chocolate and begins to melt... What can he possibly do? This fresh and fun retelling of the Midas story carries a message for us all – be careful what you wish for! Year 2 will engage with their own writing, including character descriptions, narrative stories, and newspaper reports.

Maths

In maths, pupils will embark on an exploration of fractions, building a solid foundation in understanding and manipulating them. Pupils will be supported in their learning with a variety of resources, such as numicons and dienes, to facilitate their understanding. They will recognise, find, name and write fractions  1/3, 1/4, 2/4, and 4/3. Additionally, they will write simple fractions, for example, 1/2 of 6 = 3, and recognise the equivalence of 2/4 and 1/2. Furthermore, they will explore finding fractions of lengths, quantities, sets of objects, or shapes. This exploration will introduce pupils to 4/3 as the first example of a non-unit fraction, enriching their understanding of fractions and their applications.

Topic

In Geography, pupils will delve into the origins of chocolate by exploring the journey of the cocoa bean. They will investigate the geographical regions where cocoa beans are cultivated and trace the intricate supply chain that brings chocolate from the bean to the bar. By understanding the geographic distribution of cocoa production and the environmental factors that influence its growth, pupils will gain insight into the global interconnectedness of food production and consumption. Through this exploration, they will develop a deeper appreciation for the origins of their favourite sweet treat and the diverse landscapes that contribute to its creation.

Science

In Science, pupils will embark on an exploration of plant biology, focusing on the various parts of a plant and their functions. They will observe and describe the growth process of seeds and bulbs as they develop into mature plants, gaining insight into the lifecycle of plants. Additionally, pupils will investigate the essential requirements for plant growth, including water, light, and temperature. Through hands-on experiments and observations, they will discover how these factors influence the health and development of plants.

DT

In Design and Technology, children will embark on an exciting journey into the world of chocolate. They will begin by tasting a range of chocolates and evaluating them based on taste, smell, texture, and appearance. Through this sensory exploration, they will develop an understanding of different flavour profiles and qualities of chocolate.

Building on their tasting experience, children will then engage in the design process to create their own chocolate product: chocolate crispy cake. They will brainstorm ideas, sketch designs, and consider ingredients and techniques to achieve their desired outcome. Finally, children will bring their designs to life as they make their chocolate crispy cakes. They will follow their recipes, measure ingredients, and apply cooking skills to create delicious treats.

PSHE: Relationships (special people in my life)

This term, pupils will learn about various relationships. They will explore family dynamics, boundaries in physical contact, conflict resolution with friends, understanding secrets, trust, and appreciation. They will express gratitude for special relationships and learn to accept appreciation from others.