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 play 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.

Also, to practice doubles, students sort dominoes according to whether they have a "double" on them. Then, they write a number sentence about the dominoes that have a double.

Science

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

Students learn that genes provide the instructions for traits and that genes are inherited by offspring from both parents. Students come to understand that siblings may inherit different instructions from the same parents, which can cause them to have different traits. To model this understanding, students make creature offspring using instruction strips from Parent 1 and Parent 2 to determine each physical trait of their creature 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.

Working as systems engineers, students use the design cycle to plan, build, and test wind turbines as part of a larger system that converts motion energy into electrical energy.

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 a closing time to share.

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 read nonfiction books to learn facts about the real world and practice using text features to gain more information while reading.

Social Studies

New York City Community Study - Second graders study New York City and the five boroughs. They visit a city block in each borough to explore the uniqueness of neighborhoods through various factors, and take field notes as social scientists. Students create a community map to showcase their adventures and key aspects using selected materials. Students work collaboratively to plan, take risks, and problem-solve while engaging in hands-on, exploratory learning. They also use research to write accompanying nonfiction informational pieces.