Curriculum Overview
"WITH AN EDUCATION, YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO
RISE ABOVE ALL THE NOISE AND FULFILL EVERY LAST ONE OF YOUR DREAMS."
- MICHELLE OBAMA
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
Reading and writing are fundamental to a student’s education. Therefore, at P.S.128M, we approach reading and writing with a balanced literacy approach. The balanced literacy approach includes daily read alouds where teachers model how to read, shared reading which allows students to follow a singular text together as a group, guided reading where the teacher works with students in small groups to provide more targeted instruction, and independent reading which provides students the opportunity to read quietly at their own level. The same framework is used in writing.
MATHEMATICS
A well-developed mathematical program allows students to understand mathematics in multiple facets. Rather than rote memorization of rules and formulas, students understand the deeper meanings behind each concept, thereby being able to make connections between concepts. In the lower grades, students being building fundamental mathematical concepts concretely, eventually progressing through the grades to more advanced abstract learning. The strong foundational skills acquired will lead our students to become successful mathematicians as they begin to justify and reason mathematical ideas.
Through rigorous problem solving tasks, high-level questioning, guided math groups, and opportunities to engage in student-lead discussions, students will be able to strengthen their understanding of mathematical concepts and being to make connections to the real world. Students should understand and begin applying mathematics to everyday life situations.
SCIENCE
Science is experienced at P.S.128M through hands-on experiments and field trips. Students begin their science education by learning about seasons and animals, and as they progress in their academic careers, they encounter ecosystems and earth science. Below are the topics studied within each grade. For more detailed information, follow the link to the New York City Department of Education’s Scope and Sequence for Science Education.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Social Studies is a vital component to any child’s education. Students first begin to explore Social Studies by learning about the school, their community, themselves and others, and families. Soon, the concepts begin to build and develop into the history of New York City, various countries around the world, and the rich history of New York State. It is crucial for students to gain a perspective on the global community, and understand how people and countries interact with each other. Below are grade-level topics studied within each grade. For more information, follow the link below to the NYC Department of Educations’ Scope and Sequence for Social Studies Education.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
"Physical education (PE) is an important academic subject that teaches students to be physically active, work as a team, and set fitness goals that can last a lifetime. The fitness-based skills that students learn in PE is what emerging research shows is essential to learning.
In New York State, all students must receive PE as a part of their education, including students with disabilities who may be recommended for modified, developmentally appropriate physical education, called adapted PE.
NYC PE teachers receive professional development on using the Physical Best: Physical Education for Lifelong Fitness curriculum, which emphasizes participation in a variety of physical activities (traditional sports, non-traditional sports, and fitness activities). Physical Best helps students find activities and behaviors that contribute to lifelong health and wellness."
-NYC Department of Education
THE ARTS
The arts are a vital component to a child’s education. Here are P.S.128M, we strongly believe in the positive influence the arts can have on a child’s academic success, thus we offer students the opportunity to think creatively through visual arts, dance, and music. P.S.128M also partners with Dancing Classrooms, DEA Dance, and The Red Bull Theater's Shakespeare Program to provide even more opportunities for our students to experience the arts.
TECHNOLOGY & MEDIA
Being technologically literate is a vital skill for all students to have in the 21st Century. The development and growing need for technology has greatly increased over the past decade. As a result, many students need to learn these skills in order to become college and career ready. At P.S. 128M:The Audubon School, we recognize that need and have the appropriate equipment and programs to educate each child in technology.
The Audubon School has one fully equipped computer lab and one multimedia lab center. In addition to the labs, every classroom is equipped with a computer center. Furthermore, transportable laptop carts and iPads are available for classes to borrow. Additionally all classrooms have fully functioning interactive whiteboards and document readers.
