English National Curriculum

Y2: English

National Curriculum of England Hands-On Education Activity
En2/1 Spoken Language
The objectives for Spoken Language are common across Key Stages 1 and 2.
    En2/1a listen and respond appropriately to adults and their peers
    En2/1b ask relevant questions to extend their understanding and knowledge
      En2/1c use relevant strategies to build their vocabulary
      En2/1d articulate and justify answers, arguments and opinions
        En2/1e give well-structured descriptions, explanations and narratives for different purposes, including for expressing feelings
        En2/1f maintain attention and participate actively in collaborative conversations, staying on topic and initiating and responding to comments
        En2/1g use spoken language to develop understanding through speculating, hypothesising, imagining and exploring ideas
          En2/1h speak audibly and fluently with an increasing command of Standard English
          En2/1i participate in discussions, presentations, performances, role play/improvisations and debates
          En2/1j gain, maintain and monitor the interest of the listener(s)
            En2/1k consider and evaluate different viewpoints, attending to and building on the contributions of others
              En2/1l select and use appropriate registers for effective communication
                En2/2.1 Word Reading
                  En2/2.1a continue to apply phonic knowledge and skills as the route to decode words until automatic decoding has become embedded and reading is fluent
                    En2/2.1b read accurately by blending the sounds in words that contain the graphemes taught so far, especially recognising alternative sounds for graphemes
                      En2/2.1c read accurately words of two or more syllables that contain the same graphemes as above
                        En2/2.1d read words containing common suffixes
                          En2/2.1e read further common exception words, noting unusual correspondence between spelling and sound and where these occur in the word
                            En2/2.1f read most words quickly and accurately, without overt sounding and blending, when they have been frequently encountered
                              En2/2.1g read aloud books closely matched to their improving phonic knowledge, sounding out unfamiliar words accurately, automatically and without undue hesitation
                                En2/2.1h reread these books to build up their fluency and confidence in word reading
                                  En2/2.2 Comprehension
                                    En2/2.2a develop pleasure in reading, motivation to read, vocabulary and understanding by:
                                    1. listening to, discussing and expressing views about a wide range of contemporary and classic poetry, stories and non-fiction at a level beyond that at which they can read independently
                                    2. discussing the sequence of events in books and how items of information are related
                                    3. becoming increasingly familiar with and retelling a wider range of stories, fairy stories and traditional tales
                                    4. being introduced to non-fiction books that are structured in different ways
                                    5. recognising simple recurring literary language in stories and poetry
                                    6. discussing and clarifying the meanings of words, linking new meanings to known vocabulary
                                    7. discussing their favourite words and phrases
                                    8. continuing to build up a repertoire of poems learnt by heart, appreciating these and reciting some, with appropriate intonation to make the meaning clear
                                    En2/2.2b understand both the books that they can already read accurately and fluently and those that they listen to by:
                                    1. drawing on what they already know or on background information and vocabulary provided by the teacher
                                    2. checking that the text makes sense to them as they read, and correcting inaccurate reading
                                    3. making inferences on the basis of what is being said and done
                                    4. answering and asking questions
                                    5. predicting what might happen on the basis of what has been read so far
                                    En2/2.2c participate in discussion about books, poems and other works that are read to them and those that they can read for themselves, taking turns and listening to what others say
                                    En2/2.2d explain and discuss their understanding of books, poems and other material, both those that they listen to and those that they read for themselves
                                    En2/3.1 Spelling
                                      En2/3.1a spell:
                                      1. segmenting spoken words into phonemes and representing these by graphemes, spelling many correctly
                                      2. learning new ways of spelling phonemes for which 1 or more spellings are already known, and learn some words with each spelling, including a few common homophones
                                      3. learning to spell common exception words
                                      4. learning to spell more words with contracted forms
                                      5. learning the possessive apostrophe (singular)
                                      6. distinguishing between homophones and near-homophones
                                      En2/3.1b add suffixes to spell longer words, including –ment, –ness, –ful, –less, –ly
                                        En2/3.1c apply simple spelling rules and guidance, as listed in Appendix 1
                                          En2/3.1d write from memory simple sentences dictated by the teacher that include words using the GPCs, common exception words and punctuation taught so far.
                                            En2/3.2 Handwriting and Presentation
                                              En2/3.2a form lower-case letters of the correct size relative to one another
                                              En2/3.2b 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
                                              En2/3.2c write capital letters and digits of the correct size, orientation and relationship to one another and to lower-case letters
                                              En2/3.2d use spacing between words that reflects the size of the letters
                                              En2/3.3 Composition
                                                En2/3.3a develop positive attitudes towards and stamina for writing by:
                                                1. writing narratives about personal experiences and those of others (real and fictional)
                                                2. writing about real events
                                                3. writing poetry
                                                4. writing for different purposes
                                                En2/3.3b Consider what they are going to write before beginning by:
                                                1. planning or saying out loud what they are going to write about
                                                2. writing down ideas and/or key words, including new vocabulary
                                                3. encapsulating what they want to say, sentence by sentence
                                                En2/3.3c make simple additions, revisions and corrections to their own writing by:
                                                1. evaluating their writing with the teacher and other pupils
                                                2. rereading to check that their writing makes sense and that verbs to indicate time are used correctly and consistently, including verbs in the continuous form
                                                3. proofreading to check for errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation (for example, ends of sentences punctuated correctly)
                                                En2/3.3d read aloud what they have written with appropriate intonation to make the meaning clear
                                                En2/3.4 Vocabulary, grammar & punctuation
                                                  En2/3.4a develop their understanding of the concepts set out in Appendix 2 by:
                                                  1. learning how to use both familiar and new punctuation correctly (see English Appendix 2) , including full stops, capital letters, exclamation marks, question marks, commas for lists and apostrophes for contracted forms and the possessive (singular)
                                                    En2/3.4b learn how to use:
                                                    1. sentences with different forms: statement, question, exclamation, command
                                                    2. expanded noun phrases to describe and specify
                                                    3. the present and past tenses correctly and consistently including the progressive form
                                                    4. subordination (using when, if, that, or because) and co-ordination (using or, and, or but)
                                                    5. learning the grammar for year 2 in English Appendix 2
                                                    6. some features of written Standard English
                                                    En2/3.4c use and understand the grammatical terminology in English Appendix 2 in discussing their writing and reading.
                                                      Where I Live Topic

                                                      How does Hands-On Education help fulfil my year two English curriculum requirements?

                                                      Hands-On Education offers a range of activities that align with the Year 2 English curriculum requirements. The "Classical Poetry: Two" activities help develop spoken language skills, vocabulary building, and writing composition. The "Tell Me A Story: Two" activities support reading comprehension, storytelling, and creative writing. These hands-on, engaging resources allow students to practice key skills such as listening and responding to others, articulating ideas, building vocabulary, and composing written pieces. By incorporating fun and interactive elements, Hands-On Education helps foster a love for learning while ensuring that children meet the necessary curriculum objectives in areas like word reading, comprehension, spelling, handwriting, and grammar.

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                                                      What is the National Curriculum for English primary schools?

                                                      Tell Me A Story Two Activity

                                                      Primary education in England is a crucial stage in a child's academic journey, known as Key Stage One. It serves as the foundation for their future learning and development. It is imperative for both schools and home educators to provide an engaging and hands-on educational experience to foster a love for learning in children. This can be achieved by incorporating fun and interactive activities that align with the UK National Curriculum for Year One and Year Two.

                                                      The UK National Curriculum for Key Stage One encompasses a wide range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, and more. It is important to note that this curriculum places a strong emphasis on the development of core skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic.

                                                      To enhance word reading skills, teachers and parents can integrate literacy worksheets into the curriculum. These worksheets provide an opportunity for children to practice and develop their reading abilities in an enjoyable and engaging manner. Moreover, hands-on activities like science experiments and art projects can be integrated to allow pupils to apply what they have learned and deepen their understanding of key concepts, such as diagonal and horizontal strokes in joined-up writing.

                                                      Research consistently demonstrates that when children enjoy their learning experiences, they become more motivated and engaged in the classroom. By creating a positive and stimulating learning environment, teachers can encourage a genuine love for learning that extends beyond the confines of the classroom and positively impacts children's future educational endeavours and life experiences.

                                                      In conclusion, by combining traditional teaching methods with interactive and engaging activities, teachers can provide children with a well-rounded education that not only aligns with the UK National Curriculum but also cultivates a genuine passion for learning, equipping them with the necessary skills and mindset for future success.

                                                      Classical Poetry Two Activity

                                                      What are some top tips for year 2 literacy?

                                                      When it comes to year 2 literacy, here are some top tips to enhance reading and writing skills:

                                                      1. Encourage questioning: During reading sessions, ask questions to promote critical thinking. Ask about the events that have occurred so far in the story, predict what might happen next, and discuss the feelings of the characters. This helps children engage with the text and develop their comprehension skills.
                                                      2. Explore a variety of texts: To keep young minds engaged, expose them to a wide range of reading materials. Introduce them to stories, non-fiction books, and poetry. This diversity fosters a love for reading and introduces them to different writing styles and subject matters.
                                                      3. Blend writing composition and handwriting practice: Help children develop their writing skills by combining composition exercises with handwriting practice. Encourage them to express their thoughts and ideas through writing, and at the same time, assist them in perfecting their handwriting. Providing them with handwriting guidelines during writing activities can aid in making their work neat and legible.

                                                      By implementing these top tips, you can support year 2 students in developing their literacy skills, fostering a love for reading, and enhancing their writing abilities.

                                                      What are some popular collections of teaching resources?

                                                      Tell Me A Story Two Activity

                                                      We have a wide range of popular collections for teaching resources. These include resources for early years (EYFS), key stage 1 (KS1), key stage 2 (KS2), key stage 3 and GCSE (KS3 & GCSE), key stage 5 (KS5), special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), English as an additional language (EAL), teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) and English as a second language (ESL). We also offer Hands-On Education Original Books and Hands-On Education Book Club resources to cater to a variety of teaching needs.

                                                      What is the curriculum focus of the English program for KS1 & KS2 students?

                                                      The English program for KS1 and KS2 students is designed to enhance their confidence and foster a deep interest in the language. The curriculum focuses on building and refining critical language skills, ensuring students can read fluently and derive enjoyment from reading, and write purposefully. It covers all essential areas of the English language, including spoken language, reading comprehension, writing skills, spelling, handwriting, grammar, vocabulary development, and poetry. These elements are taught both as individual subjects and integrated topics. The program includes a variety of repeated and diverse exercises that allow students to advance through clearly defined stages, making their learning applicable in different contexts.

                                                      Classical Poetry Two Activity

                                                      What are the objectives related to Writing - Transcription, specifically Spelling and Handwriting?

                                                      The objectives related to Writing - Transcription, specifically Spelling, include mastering phoneme-grapheme correspondence, spelling commonly used words accurately, learning different spellings for the same phoneme, and understanding spelling rules for adding suffixes and forming contractions. Students are also expected to differentiate between homophones, apply specific spelling rules for different sounds, and spell words with possessive apostrophes correctly. Additionally, the objectives encompass handwriting by focusing on forming lowercase letters proportionately, practising diagonal and horizontal strokes for joining letters, writing capital letters and digits accurately, and maintaining appropriate spacing between words. These objectives aim to enhance students' spelling and handwriting skills in a structured and comprehensive manner.

                                                      Tell Me A Story Two Activity

                                                      What guidance is provided in English Appendix 2 regarding the formation of nouns and adjectives using suffixes, as well as the use of adverbs?

                                                      English Appendix 2 provides comprehensive guidance on various aspects of language usage. It emphasizes the importance of learning how to use sentences with different forms such as statements, questions, exclamations, and commands. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of employing expanded noun phrases to describe and specify, as well as using the present and past tenses correctly and consistently, including the progressive form. The appendix also covers subordination, using words like 'when,' 'if,' 'that,' or 'because,' and coordination, using 'or,' 'and,' 'but,' among others. It is essential to grasp the grammar outlined for year 2 in English Appendix 2, which includes some features of written Standard English.

                                                      What concepts are covered in English appendix 2 for developing understanding in writing?

                                                      Classical Poetry Two Activity

                                                      The concepts covered in English Appendix 2 for developing understanding in writing are extensive and crucial for students' growth in language proficiency. In this appendix, students learn how to use both familiar and new punctuation correctly, including full stops, capital letters, exclamation marks, question marks, commas for lists, and apostrophes for contracted forms and the possessive (singular). Moreover, they delve into using sentences with various forms such as statement, question, exclamation, and command. Additionally, students explore expanded noun phrases to describe and specify, the correct and consistent use of present and past tenses including the progressive form, as well as subordination (using when, if, that, or because) and co-ordination (using or, and, or but). They also acquire knowledge of some features of written Standard English and grasp the grammatical terminology outlined in English Appendix 2 to enhance their writing and reading skills.

                                                      What are some examples of expanded noun phrases used for description and specification in writing?

                                                      En2/3.4b learn how to use: - expanded noun phrases to describe and specify.
                                                      Understanding how to effectively employ expanded noun phrases is crucial for enhancing descriptive writing skills. By utilizing detailed and specific noun phrases, such as 'the blue butterfly,' writers can vividly paint images in the reader's mind. Mastering the art of expanded noun phrases allows for precise and engaging descriptions, adding depth and richness to written compositions.

                                                      How does the curriculum ensure diversity and inclusion in text choice?

                                                      Tell Me A Story Two Activity

                                                      The curriculum is designed to ensure diversity and inclusion by selecting texts that come from a wide variety of voices, backgrounds, and cultures. This approach allows all students to see themselves reflected in the material (mirrors) and to gain insights into experiences and perspectives different from their own (windows).

                                                      How does the curriculum support pupils in becoming exceptional communicators?

                                                      The curriculum is designed to foster exceptional communication skills in pupils by immersing them in a variety of texts that enhance their understanding of different perspectives and cultures. This approach helps students develop a strong sense of their own identity as well as their capabilities as both readers and writers. By engaging with diverse literary works, students learn to express themselves clearly and confidently, equipping them with the skills necessary for effective communication in secondary education and future endeavours.

                                                      What components of the English domain are addressed in the curriculum?

                                                      Classical Poetry Two Activity

                                                      The curriculum is meticulously crafted, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the English language. It focuses on enhancing students' abilities across various components, including reading, writing, speaking, and understanding. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical reading and effective writing skills, alongside spelling, grammar, and vocabulary enrichment. Additionally, it includes specific instruction in handwriting and poetry, integrating these skills to foster a well-rounded mastery of the language. Each element is taught both individually and as interconnected aspects to promote a deep and lasting proficiency.

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