At PS/IS 210, we use the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, a nationally recognized, research-based program designed to support the whole-child development of children ages 3–5. This curriculum helps children grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively through hands-on, play-based learning that is both engaging and developmentally appropriate.
What Makes the Creative Curriculum Unique?
The Creative Curriculum is built around the idea that children learn best through active exploration and meaningful experiences. It is intentionally flexible, allowing teachers to tailor learning to each child’s interests, needs, and developmental level.
Key features include:
Art and Creativity in the Curriculum
Art is a central part of the Creative Curriculum. Children are encouraged to express themselves through:
These activities help children develop fine motor skills, confidence, and a sense of identity while fostering creativity and imagination.
How Parents Can Support Learning at Home
Helpful Resources for Families
At PS/IS 210, we use the FOSS (Full Option Science System) curriculum to teach science across all grades from kindergarten through 8th grade. This comprehensive, hands-on program is designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding through active, inquiry-based learning.
What is FOSS?
The FOSS curriculum, developed by the Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California, Berkeley, is a nationally recognized, research-based science program. It engages students in scientific discovery through direct experience—encouraging them to ask questions, conduct investigations, and make sense of the world around them.
Key Features:
Areas of Study:
FOSS covers a wide range of topics across four major domains:
How Parents Can Support Learning at Home:
Additional Resources for Parents:
Grade-Level Resources:
At PS/IS 210, students in middle school have the opportunity to take accelerated courses in:
These courses end with a Regents exam, which is a New York State test.
Students who complete the course and pass both the class and the Regents exam can earn 2 high school credits for each course.
At PS/IS 210, we use the CommonLit 360 Curriculum to support English Language Arts instruction in grades 6 through 8. This comprehensive, research-based program is designed to build strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills through engaging texts and meaningful classroom discussions.
What Is CommonLit 360?
CommonLit 360 is a free, full-year ELA curriculum that includes:
The curriculum is aligned with state standards and designed to be flexible, allowing teachers to differentiate instruction and meet the needs of all learners [1] [2].
What Students Learn:
Each grade level includes six thematic units built around essential questions and culminating writing tasks. Students explore topics such as identity, justice, resilience, and community through high-quality texts and collaborative learning.
How Parents Can Support Learning at Home:
Online Resources for Parents:
At PS/IS 210, we follow the Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts: Visual Arts, developed by the NYC Department of Education. This curriculum guides students from Pre-K through 8th grade in developing their creativity, artistic skills, and appreciation for the visual arts.
What Is the Visual Arts Blueprint?
The Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in Visual Arts is a comprehensive PreK–12 framework that outlines what students should know and be able to do in the visual arts at different stages of their development. It emphasizes both artmaking and art understanding, helping students express themselves while learning about art history, techniques, and cultural perspectives.
Key Learning Strands:
Art Project Ideas by Grade Level:
Grades K–2:
Grades 3–5:
Grades 6–8:
Online Resources for Parents and Students:
At PS/IS 210, we follow the Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in Music, developed by the NYC Department of Education. This curriculum provides a structured and engaging approach to music education from Pre-K through 8th grade, helping students develop musical skills, creativity, and cultural appreciation.
What Is Music Blueprint?
The Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in Music: PreK–12 outlines what students should know and be able to do at different stages of their musical development. It supports a well-rounded music education that includes performance, theory, composition, and music appreciation [1].
What Students Learn in Music Class:
How Parents Can Support Music Learning at Home:
Online Resources for Parents and Students:
At-Home Music Project Ideas:
Online Keyboard Lessons for Kids:
Hoffman Academy – Offers over 400 free video lessons for beginners, plus printable sheet music, games, and guided practice tools. Highly recommended for ages 5–12.
Flowkey – Interactive app with over 1,500 songs and lessons in technique, theory, and performance. Great for self-paced learning (free trial available).
Musiah – AI-powered piano lessons that adapt to each student’s level. Includes theory, ear training, and performance practice (14-day free trial).
Piano Lessons on YouTube – Hoffman Academy Channel – Free, engaging video tutorials for kids learning piano at home.
Chrome Music Lab – Fun, interactive tools for exploring music and sound, perfect for younger learners.
References
[1] Music: Blueprint for teaching and learning - WeTeachNYC
There is a spacious art studio.
Students created a timeline of the civil rights movement together.
At PS/IS 210, we use the Passport to Social Studies curriculum developed by the NYC Department of Education to guide Social Studies instruction from Kindergarten through 8th grade. This curriculum helps students become informed, thoughtful, and active participants in their communities and the world.
What is Passport to Social Studies?
Passport to Social Studies is a comprehensive, standards-aligned curriculum that integrates history, geography, economics, and civics. It emphasizes inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to ask questions, analyze sources, and engage in meaningful discussions about real-world issues.
Key Features:
What Students Learn:
How Parents Can Support Learning at Home:
Online Resources for Parents:
Recommended Educational Videos:
At PS/IS 210, our curriculum is thoughtfully designed by our dedicated educators, drawing on years of experience with Teachers College Reading and Writing Project and Accelerated Literacy Learning (ALL). Our approach emphasizes hands-on learning and a rich dual language experience in both Spanish and English.
We believe that a strong curriculum must be:
Our teachers are highly skilled and deeply committed to student success. They:
Through our rigorous academic program, students are prepared to take on advanced coursework. We proudly offer accelerated courses in:
These courses culminate in Regents exams, giving students a head start on high school credits and academic achievement.
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At PS/IS 210 we follow Illustrative Mathematics (IM) K-8 Math is a problem-based curriculum designed to help students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through exploration and problem-solving. It emphasizes student discourse, collaboration, and the use of mathematical language to foster a strong mathematical identity and prepare students for future success
Core Principles:
Students learn math by engaging in real-world problems and constructing their own understanding.
IM Math is designed to build upon prior knowledge and connect mathematical concepts across different grade levels.
The curriculum concentrates on developing deep understanding of key mathematical ideas, rather than superficial memorization.
Students are encouraged to develop important mathematical habits of mind, such as problem-solving, reasoning, and communication.
IM Math fosters a classroom environment where all students feel valued and can participate actively in mathematical discussions.
Key Features:
IM Math offers a blend of digital and print resources, including lesson plans, student-facing slides, and family support materials.
IM Certified Professional Learning provides support for teachers to implement the curriculum effectively and enhance their teaching practices.
The curriculum uses diverse examples and contexts to connect with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
Materials are available to help families understand the curriculum and support their children's learning.
IM Math offers both a traditional three-year pathway (Grades 6, 7, and 8) and a two-year accelerated pathway for students who want to begin high school math in 8th grade.
Implementation:
Each grade level begins with lessons designed to establish a mathematical community and encourage student participation.
Students are encouraged to develop and use mathematical language through collaborative activities and discussions.
Lesson plans provide detailed guidance for teachers, including suggested pacing, discussion prompts, and worked examples.
The curriculum allows adaptations to meet the needs of diverse learners, including those who may need additional support.
At PS/IS 210, we proudly implement the EL Education Curriculum (formerly known as Expeditionary Learning) for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade. This comprehensive, standards-aligned program is designed to foster a love of learning through inquiry, collaboration, and real-world connections.
EL Education is a research-based curriculum that blends rigorous academic content with character development and interdisciplinary projects. It empowers students to become critical thinkers, effective communicators, and compassionate citizens.
Each grade level includes four thematic modules per year. These modules integrate reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through:
