Year 2 News by Jessica Burnett

Supporting regulation in Year 2
In Year 2, we are building our skills for recognising how our bodies and minds feel, and finding strategies that help us be “ready to learn.” Throughout the day, we take short “ready breaks” to reset our energy levels. These might be “energy up” breaks, where we get moving to boost our focus, or “energy down” breaks, where we take time to calm and settle.

Our Year 2 learners are becoming very confident at noticing when they need a ready break. This helps students return to learning tasks with focus, persistence and a positive mindset. We are very proud of the way Year 2 students are developing independence in managing their regulation and being active participants in their own learning.

How families can support at home
You can support your child’s regulation skills at home by encouraging them to notice how their body feels and suggesting a short break when needed. For example, if your child is feeling low in energy, they might benefit from a quick dance, a walk, or bouncing a ball. If they are feeling unsettled or “too busy,” a calming activity such as reading, drawing, or listening to quiet music can help. Using the same language of “energy up” and “energy down” at home reinforces the strategies they use at school and helps them to continue building independence.

Using the High5 strategy
We are also reminding our Year 2 learners to use their High 5 strategy when solving problems with others. We are reminding students that it is never okay to use their hands or physical actions when they are feeling frustrated or angry. Instead, we encourage them to work through the High 5 steps and, if the problem is still too big to manage, to seek help from a staff member. By practising these strategies, students are learning safe and respectful ways to manage conflict and build positive relationships with their peers.

Jessica Burnett
Deputy Principal- Year 2
jburn289@eq.edu.au