P141K Curriculum

Writing

P141K has implemented Don Johnston’s First Author Writing Program. This program focuses on building student skills in identifying topics, using alternate pencils to access writing and developing phonemic awareness and phonics skills. At higher levels, the program supports developing writing structures and grammar. Students are given weekly opportunities to share their writing during Author’s Chair, class celebrations where students comment on the work of their peers.

Reading

P141K utilizes a school-created assessment called the Reading Development Inventory to measure pre-literacy skills through early phonics. Reading instruction is highly individualized and focused, based on the assessment. This work is extended using the EngageNY literacy skills strand, which incorporates phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension strategies for students.

ELA Listening and Learning

P141K uses a school-developed curriculum to present access to grade-level ELA standards. Students engage in structured whole-group and small-group lessons that make connections between the curriculum skills and student experiences. Students are exposed to fluent grade-level texts read aloud as well as text at student reading developmental levels.

Math

P141K uses a curriculum aligned to New York Next Generation Learning Standards and the Dynamic Learning Maps Essential Elements. Teachers utilize texts to provide real-world context for math skills. In addition, Generation Genius Math is used as a supplemental resource to go along with our Math curriculum.

Science

P141K uses the Five-E model to present science content. Students Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate using hands-on activities, videos and text. Units are aligned to New York Next Generation Science Standards and draw on units from Discovery Education. In addition, Generation Genius Science is used as a supplemental resource to go along with our Science curriculum.

Social Studies

P141K has aligned social studies units to the New York State Scope and Sequence for Social Studies. Students are exposed to readings, photos and videos about a variety of cultures, geographic regions and content related to civic engagement. We use a modified curriculum that includes many opportunities for real life application and self-advocacy.

ART (Active Recreational Teaching)

Across sites, students have the opportunity to explore visual arts, movement, dance, music and wellness with our ART cluster teachers. Students celebrate their work each quarter through our Arts Explosion Assemblies.

PBIS

P141K employs Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) across the school. Students are provided with positive behavioral expectations with our SHINE matrix. SHINE represents:

Safety

Helping Others

Independence

Needs to Be Ready

Engaging Others

Computer Science

P141K exposes students to concepts in computer science through explorations in coding, robotics, instructional technology, and computer use. Students also have the opportunity to engage in web literacy and digital citizenship activities.

STEAM

“STEAM” stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. It is an approach to learning that integrates all these subjects to engage in inquiry, dialogue, experiential learning and problem-solving. In STEAM, students work in collaborative groups while engaging in the Engineer Design Process:

Ask (What’s the problem? What is needed?)

Imagine (In what ways can we solve the problem?)

Plan (Write a plan of steps and materials, create a sketch or smaller model)

Create

Test it out and Improve the design