We are Dosbarth Onnen. We are years 2 and 3. Our Teachers are Mrs Dunn and Mrs Smith and our Teaching Assistants are Mrs Tamera Brooks and Mrs Emma Jones.
Our Summer Term Topic is Fantastic Beasts
In Dosbarth Onnen, our topic for the Summer Term is Fantastic Beasts. This exciting theme will allow us to explore folk tales from around the world, drawing on literature such as Tinga Tinga Tales and Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling.
We will discover imaginative answers to questions such as: How did the rhinoceros get its wrinkly skin? Why does the lion roar? How did one curious elephant, with a nose for trouble, change the lives of all elephants everywhere? These stories will inspire the class to explore ‘fantastic’ animals from around the world and learn about the adaptations that help them survive in their habitats.
As part of our humanities learning, we will explore different habitats across the world and consider where these ‘beasts’ live. Using atlases, the class will locate continents, oceans and seas, and learn about rainforests both in Wales (temperate rainforests) and across the wider world. They will also explore the different layers of the rainforest, learn compass points, and have a go at measuring tree heights.
As rainforests are very wet environments, the class will carry out scientific investigations into sinking and floating. They will take on the role of ‘rainforest explorers’, testing objects in water to discover how animals and insects survive in these conditions, and designing ways to help a fantastic beast cross a river. They will also track and record the weather in Caerwys and compare it with that of the Amazon rainforest, make their own rain gauge, and present their findings digitally.
In science, we will explore the life cycles of plants and insects, learning how living things grow and change and how they depend on one another. The class will also have the opportunity to grow plants to take home or sell to raise money for the school. They will use these plants to track growth using millimeters and centimeters.
Through Tinga Tinga Tales, which are based on African oral traditions, the class will explore aspects of Religion, Values and Ethics (RVE). They will learn how different cultures explain the world through stories and consider questions such as: Is it right to cut down rainforests? How should we treat animals? Do all living things matter? This will support thoughtful discussion about caring for our environment and respecting living things.
In literacy, the class will learn the key features of these traditional tales and work towards writing their own “Tinga Tale”. They will research an animal of their choice, develop rich vocabulary for setting descriptions, and practise using speech punctuation accurately.
In expressive arts, we will explore patterns through Tinga-style artwork, creating repeating designs. The class will also explore textile art by creating patterned fabric animals to accompany their stories, as well as designing camouflage insects, developing skills in cutting, layering and pattern while linking to habitats and adaptation.
To bring our topic to life, we will be welcoming some real ‘fantastic beasts’ into the classroom. The class will observe and care for stick insects, watching them grow from eggs to adults and, if they feel brave enough, may even have the chance to hold them before the Summer holidays.