Our Approach

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. We give points to students as a way to acknowledge children for making good choices while remaining Safe, Respectful, and Responsible. Students can cash in their earned points to gain entry in one of our many school-wide events, rewards and/or prizes.

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 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 and reflect on their mathematical decision-making, we will equip students with the skills needed 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.

Physical Education/ Health- We are committed to helping our students develop healthy lifestyles by providing students multiple opportunities to learn about nutrition, physical fitness and wellness. We promote an environment where students can develop the lifelong habits needed for overall good health. We take the time to 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 and why good health is important to our well-being. **Please read our healthy snack policy**

Visual Arts and Performing Arts- Our arts programming is designed to enhance students' creative abilities while supporting students in meeting the demands of the Next Generation Learning Standards. Throughout our school day and through our afterschool programs, we are able to offer students a comprehensive arts experience in music, visual arts, movement, and theater. Our students awaken their talents by performing and writing music, creating plays, and producing original visual arts pieces. Plan to come to our annual Spring Arts Gala to celebrate with our young artist.

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, team-work, strategic thinking skills needed for leadership.

PS 369 Young Leaders Elementary School

Our Approach