Year 2 articles

We explain what degrees are and how children are taught to use protractors to measure angles, as well as reviewing the different knowledge children acquire about angles throughout KS1 and KS2.

We explain how primary-school children are taught to recognise horizontal lines in shapes.

We explain what parallel means and how children are taught about shapes throughout KS1 and KS2.

We explain what diagonal means in geometry and why it is important that children understand this term when learning about 2D shapes in primary school.

We explain what the phrase 'convert into the same units' means, how children are taught to convert units of measurement and techniques that teachers use to help children master this skill.

We explain what the symbols < and > mean and give examples of how the concept is explained to primary-school children.

We explain what ascending order means, how children are asked to sort into ascending order in primary school and give examples of how the concept might relate to numbers, dates, decimals or alphabetical lists.

We explain what a number sentence is and how primary-school children are taught to write number sentences (or fill in gaps in number sentences) in KS1 and KS2.

How much homework should your child get in primary school, how often is it set, and what should you do if he’s getting too much – or none at all? We asked teachers for their insights on how to manage the home-school learning most effectively.

Do you remember diving into a pile of crisp, golden autumn leaves? Collecting conkers? Walking through first-frost grass and feeling it crackle under your feet? Autumn and early winter are really inspirational seasons for outdoor activities, so wrap up warm and march the whole family out of the door. They won't want to come back in!

Pressed for time on getting an outfit together for your child’s Nativity play? We’ve found a range of costumes to dress your little Mary, Joseph, star or shepherd in that won’t break the bank!

Find out what success criteria (also known as the 'WILF') are and how your child's teacher will use success criteria to boost learning focus.

Find out what a DUMTUM is and how this technique will help your child to set out their work correctly.

Find out what 'scaffolding' learning means and how teachers use this technique in the classroom to help children master different skills.

Find out what mini-whiteboards are and how they enhance learning in the classroom.

Look, Cover, Check, Write is a strategy your child will be taught in schools to help them learn spellings. Find out how the technique is taught in the classroom so you can reinforce learning at home in the same way.

We explain what a root word is and how prefixes and suffixes can be added to root words to turn them into words with different meanings.

At school your child will be expected to produce pieces of extended writing, which is a writing task completed independently. Find out how teachers will help your child develop this skill and how you can support their learning at home.

Shared writing is a collaborative technique teachers use to help children develop ways to improve their writing. See an example of shared writing at work and an explanation of how it gives children a model of what they are expected to write.