In Year 2 we use a variety of texts including some fiction, non-fiction and poetry, we also begin to focus on a range of more specific spelling rules. This includes adding suffixes to words, homophones and an increasing list of common exception words, ensuring that pupils begin to meet the extra challenges in terms of spelling during year 2. We learn that there are lots of  ways to spell, including those that are not obvious to us at first, this could include different ways of spelling the same sound, the use of so-called silent letters and groups of letters in some words and, sometimes, spelling that has become separated from the way in which words are now pronounced, such as the ‘le’ ending in table

Alongside developing spelling, we also expand our knowledge of different grammar rules including sentence types, punctuation, subordination and coordination and expanded noun phrases. 

This is all done through a range of  tasks including some role play, group and independent work. This all builds up to a 'big write' in which we show off the skills we have learnt during a sequence of lessons. 

We ensure children develop security in these skills by using half termly KIRF (Known Instant Recall Facts) tests. 

Handwriting is also a focus in year 2, there is an expectation that by the end of the year children will be able to:

- form lower-case letters of the correct size relative to one another

- start using some of the diagonal and horizontal strokes needed to join letters and understand which letters, when adjacent to one another, are best left unjoined

- write capital letters and digits of the correct size, orientation and relationship to one another and to lower case letters

- use spacing between words that reflects the size of the letters.

Good presentation is always encouraged and praised during writing sessions, though handwriting is explicitly taught during daily handwriting practice.

We follow https://www.letterjoin.co.uk/  for interactive resources showing the correct formation of cursive letters.