In the Classroom

Math

In first grade, students learn how to solve addition and subtraction problems using efficient strategies. Students play games to practice applying these strategies and gain a better understanding of them.

For example, students learn about "doubles." A double is when a number is added to itself, like 3+3=6. Knowing doubles facts can help students add more efficiently. For instance, knowing that 3+3=6 can help solve 3+4. The total is just one more than 3+3!

To learn about doubles, students played a game called Double It. The student rolls a die and puts that many pennies on a 10-frame. Next, the student "doubles it" by putting that same amount down again. Then, the student writes a number sentence about the total and the parts they made.

Students also sorted dominoes according to whether they had a "double" on them. Then, they wrote number sentences about the dominoes that had doubles.

Science

Third Grade - Students learn about inheritance and traits by observing patterns in the similarities and/or variation of traits of different species of organisms. Students investigate what factors determine those traits and identify patterns of traits between parents and offspring.

Fourth Grade - Students learn to identify energy forms all around them and build an understanding of the electrical system by using and constructing devices that convert electrical energy from one form to another. Students read about and engage with several different systems, including a simple circuit powered by a solar panel.

Fifth Grade - Students use paper chromatography to separate a mixture of black ink. They learn that molecules have different shapes, sizes, weights, and attraction to other molecules, and that these properties are important in understanding how the process of chromatography works to separate mixtures of molecules.

Writing

Writer's Workshop - Students engage in the daily practice of Writer's Workshop, which includes a mini-lesson, independent writing time, writing conferences, and closing share time.

In first grade, students write personal narrative stories and sketch across all five pages. Students learn how to edit and revise writing using a checklist to add pictures, speech bubbles, feelings, actions, thoughts, and talking (dialogue).

Phonics

Wilson Fundations - This multisensory structured literacy program, grounded in the science of reading, provides foundational instruction in letter formation, phonemic awareness, and word analysis in a systematic manner.

Reading

In first grade, students learn the difference between fiction and nonfiction. Students practice reading nonfiction to learn facts about the real world and use text features to gain more information while reading.

Social Studies

New York City Community Study - Second graders researched New York City and the five boroughs by visiting each borough and taking field notes. Our Community Study Class Map reflects the parts of neighborhoods that students researched and were inspired by. Students worked collaboratively and used a variety of materials to make replicas of their research topics. Students also used their research to write nonfiction informational writing pieces to accompany their replicas. Engaging in hands-on, exploratory learning provided students with opportunities to plan, take risks, and problem-solve.