Fraction Fun

Our students have been so excited to start learning about fractions! We learned that fractions describe how equal parts are related to a whole (which, in discussion, tends to involve pizza, chocolate bars, or pies). We are learning that the bottom number on a fraction (denominator) tells us how many equal parts a whole is divided into, and the number on top of a fraction (numerator) is how many of those parts we are describing. For fun, we figured out what fraction of the letters in our names are consonants and what fraction are vowels:

Below, leave a note about where you find fractions or use fractions in life outside of Steward!

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Sincerely,

Mr. Kilham

Common Core standards addressed in this unit:

2.G.A.2 Partition a rectangle into rows and columns of same-size squares and count to find the total number of them.

2.G.A.3 Partition circles and rectangles into two, three, or four equal shares, describe the shares using the words halves, thirds, half of, a third of, etc., and describe the whole as two halves, three thirds, four fourths.

Expert Writing

How do good authors share information?
Hello Families! We have been hard at work these past weeks creating our own "Expert Books!" Students selected topics they knew a lot about and wrote fantastic informational books on their subject. Using topic sentences, conclusions, and details, these young authors have put together some comprehensive guides! We have books on animals, sports, fun hobbies, and many more! The students are very excited to share these books with you at the Author Share in June.  Here are the awesome covers to our books! And I will be sure post the rest as they finish :)
Sincerely,
Mr. Kilham

Common Core standards addressed:
W.2.2. Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section

DASH

How do our senses help us in our day to day lives?

D.A.S.H., or Disability Awareness Starts Here, is a wonderful program that begins in second grade. D.A.S.H. shows students how those who are differently-abled can do many of the same things we do, but learn a different way to do them. In 2nd grade, we learn about blindness and visual impairment. We spent some time learning about famous people who were blind, what their lives were like, and how they made a difference. After learning about Louis Braille, students wrote their names using this new alphabet. 

                                   

                                   

                                   

                                   

                                   

                                   

                                   

                                   

                                   

In D.A.S.H. students have been using their other senses to help them navigate different situations while blindfolded. It is challenging, but we are learning a lot about what it is like to be blind.

Wearing a blindfold, students had to guess what household item they were holding.
How could you tell the difference between a can of cat food and a can of tuna without seeing it?

Learning how to eat without sight. Mrs. Jordan joined in too!

Guided walks were tricky not only for the blindfolded, but for the guides as well!

Thank you so much to our D.A.S.H. coordinators and to the parent volunteers who have helped out with this great experience!

Sincerely,

Mr. Kilham