Check it! - Materials - Year 2

Exploring the use of materials is an essential part of the Year 2 curriculum, and Focus Education provides a structured approach to reinforce students' understanding and retention of the topic. Teachers are encouraged to create regular opportunities for children to review what they've learned about materials. These reviews can take various forms, such as a "Brain dump" where students freely write down everything they remember, or the "Give me FIVE!" activity which prompts them to recall five specific points related to the subject. Other methods include adding information to a mind map, expanding on a topic to elaborate understanding, and using "Retrieval Pyramids" to assess knowledge at different levels of difficulty.

The learning materials prompt students to engage with the properties and uses of common materials such as wood, plastic, and glass. For example, they might be asked to "CHECK IT!" by naming five items made from wood or five facts about plastic. These exercises not only test their recall but also encourage them to think about the implications of using these materials. Students are also challenged to expand on their knowledge by discussing the pros and cons of plastic and identifying various items made from wood. Further activities include naming uses of glass and plastic, determining which materials can stretch or bend, and even recognizing notable individuals who have developed new materials. The "Pyramid Check" is designed to ensure that all students can answer the foundational questions, with more challenging ones set for those ready to extend their learning.