Our Approach 🎯
Empowering students through a balanced, engaging, and supportive curriculum.
#Leadership #StudentSuccess #PS369
At Young Leaders Elementary School, we believe that all children can and will learn with appropriate support. We encourage students to develop their personal strengths and creativity by providing a balanced curriculum that combines academics, with the arts, performance and leadership development.
We ensure that all our students reach their fullest potential through the following curriculum:
Social-Emotional Learning
We strive to foster an environment where everyone can learn together in a safe, nurturing school environment, where all children feel welcomed, respected, important, and heard. We use our morning community circle as an opportunity for students to engage in discussions about the things that are important to them, while developing self-awareness, respect, and compassion for others. As a PBIS school, we take many opportunities to teach our students how to assume responsibility and to seek out peaceful solutions. We promote positive behavior with our PBIS/DOJO points to acknowledge children for remaining Safe, Respectful, and Responsible.
Literacy
We have adapted our approach to align to the Science of Reading, by taking on a more Structured Approach to our literacy instruction. We work closely with NYC literacy experts, to ensure we are using the best research in reading, to grow our students. Through the use of Fundations, Heggerty, Phonics for Reading, and Wilson Reading Program, we ensure that all students receive targeted word study instruction based on their phonological needs. We use a variety of research-based interventions to support students' individualized reading and writing needs.
Mathematics
In math, we have adopted Illustrative Math as our curriculum to support students in developing deep mathematical understanding. We provide students opportunities to tackle real-world mathematical situations so that our students learn to successfully apply their content knowledge in meaningful ways. We engage our students in discussions about mathematical thinking and teach students the importance of explaining their process. We believe that by teaching students to name their strategies, we equip them to develop as efficient mathematicians.
Science & Social Studies
Our social studies and science curriculum is taught via the workshop model and infused into our reading and writing block. We design hands-on projects and research opportunities to heighten critical thinking, inquiry skills, and class discussions, allowing students to explore the world around them in a meaningful and interactive way.
Physical Ed & Health
We are committed to helping our students develop healthy lifestyles by providing multiple opportunities to learn about nutrition, physical fitness and wellness. We integrate curriculums such as Move to Improve, Go-Noodle and CookShop into our school day to develop strong, physically-active children. Our Health/PE teacher helps students learn how to take care of their own bodies.
⭐ Please read our healthy snack policy
Visual & Performing Arts
Our arts programming is designed to enhance students' creative abilities while meeting the demands of Next Generation Learning Standards. Throughout our school day and afterschool programs, we offer a comprehensive arts experience in music, visual arts, movement, and theater. Students awaken their talents by performing, writing music, creating plays, and producing original art. Plan to come to our annual Spring Arts Gala!
Leadership
We offer students enriching opportunities to develop themselves as leaders. We take the time to teach our students the importance of accepting personal accountability as they strive to become leaders of their own learning. Our goal is to develop resourceful, independent thinkers who strive to improve the quality of life for themselves and others. Our students give back and lead their school community through community service and student government. We also offer several clubs, designed to develop the communication, teamwork, and strategic thinking skills needed for leadership.