Exploring Animation in Y2 Computing: A Journey Through Space!

In today’s Y2 Computing lesson, Y2 took a fantastic journey back into the world of Animation! We revisited a key concept from prior learning: "What is animation?" — and how we can create objects that move on screen. With the help of Purple Mash's '2Animate' program, the children explored this concept through a real-world stimulus: the exciting story of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams’ dramatic return to Earth after nine months in space!

The aim of today's lesson was to:

1. Revisit and Reinforce Animation Skills: By using the '2Animate' tool, pupils practiced their animation skills, revisiting how to create moving objects on screen.

2. Engage with Real-World Events: We wanted to connect the concept of animation to something exciting and current, so we used the astronauts' space journey as a stimulus. Y2 learnt about the challenges Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams faced as they returned from their extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

3. Encourage Creativity and Problem Solving: Through animating the story of the astronauts' return, Y2 were encouraged to think creatively about how to represent the different stages of the astronauts’ journey – from re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere to their splashdown in Florida.

   
   

A Blast Off Into Learning!

As pupils created their animations, they demonstrated their growing confidence with animation tools, producing moving images that reflected the story’s exciting details. Some students created re-entry effects, others made parachutes deploy, and a few even added splashdown scenes with animated water! The results were truly imaginative and displayed the children's developing understanding of animation principles.

Here are a couple of examples -

Harry's Work -

Arlo's Work -

Grace's Work -

Pupils worked collaboratively, helping each other with techniques in Purple Mash, sharing tips about how to make their animations smoother and more exciting. It was great to see them working together to bring the astronauts’ story to life.

Reflection:

By the end of the lesson, our Y2 pupils had not only refreshed their understanding of animation but also learnt how to connect that knowledge with real-world events. They practiced problem-solving and creative thinking while having fun with technology.

It was a successful lesson, where Y2 got to experience how animation can tell a story and make a complex process, like the return of astronauts to Earth, engaging and accessible.

We look forward to exploring more animation techniques in future lessons as our young Computer Scientists continue their digital journey!

Year 2: Week 3 update and change of day for Forest School

 Hello everyone. We have had a fantastic week in Year 2! 

In Science we have been thinking about what birds need to survive and helping them by making bird feeders. A group have also been looking at and supporting the newts in our school pond. 

In Maths we have been focussing on division and multiplication and how these link. 

In English we have rewritten the poem of the owl and the pussycat and the children have spent some time writing these up on neat. 

In Art this week we have started to look at the work of Antony Gormley who is a sculptor. The children used modroc on a small piece of paper to see what it felt like. Next week they will make their own sculpture. 

Forest School- For the next three weeks Forest School will be on Monday afternoon instead of a Wednesday. Please can you share this with parents you know do not read the blog. 

This Friday it is red nose day. Children are encouraged to come in to school wearing something red. 

Tuesday 25th March- We will be visiting the farm in the pm. If you would like to come with us for the trip please just let a member of staff know. 

We hope you have a lovely weekend 

The Year 2 team 

Year 2: This week

 Wow what a fantastic week we have had! This week we have been looking at the artist Yoyoi Kusama and we have been making secondary colours, mixing colours and experimenting with tie dye!

Thank you to all the Mystery readers this week. The children had a lovely time listening to stories. 

Forest school was a great day for being outside 

Thank you so much for George's Mum and Dad who came in today to show us the baby. This is linked to our Science on how animals and humans grow. We will look in a few weeks to see if there are any changes. We also have our own caterpillars! 

Have a lovely weekend! 

The Year 2 team 

Y2 Forest School Update

It is lovely to be back with Year 2 in 2025. Already in this year we have covered lots of different topics including looking at seasons, birds, first aid and even incorporating Lego into one of our survival sessions on International Lego Day on 28th Janaury! The children responded really well to survival scenarios and were able to use their creative skills for practical learning. 

This half term includes lots of celebration sessions – St David’s Day, World Book Day, British Science Week, Food Waste Action Week, Global Recycling Day and Loved Ones (Mother’s) Day. Luckily, we have a few weeks to cover it all. In our World Book Day session, we focused on Superworm by Julia Donaldson. This was chosen because I know Year 2 have always loved worms! We found and measured worms, made fishing rods (as Superworm became one in the story) and a group of children constructed a fishing boat out of loose parts too. We also made clay characters from the story and a giant spider web on site!

 

Please remember the weather is still unpredictable so children should have wellies and coats for all forest school sessions please!  Unfortunately, ‘Wet Wednesday’ is becoming a running theme!

Donations HELP!

To help develop our forest school area we rely on donations! Now the rain has stopped we need a water source for our mud kitchen – we would love a water butt to reuse the rainwater to make potions, recipes and other creations!

If you have anything or know anyone who could help, please email ellen.surtees@primary-forest-school.co.uk or speak to the school office.