Curriculum

Creative Curriculum for Preschool at PS/IS 210

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:

  • Project-Based Investigations: Children explore topics like trees, buildings, pets, and music through in-depth studies that promote curiosity and critical thinking.
  • Learning Through Play: Activities are designed to be fun and purposeful, helping children build foundational skills in literacy, math, science, and the arts.
  • Whole-Child Focus: The curriculum supports growth in all areas—social-emotional, physical, language, cognitive, and creative expression.
  • Family Engagement: Families are seen as essential partners in learning, with tools and resources provided to support learning at home.

Art and Creativity in the Curriculum

Art is a central part of the Creative Curriculum. Children are encouraged to express themselves through:

  • Drawing, painting, and sculpting
  • Exploring textures, colors, and materials
  • Creating collages and mixed-media projects
  • Using art to tell stories and reflect on their experiences

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

  • Create a mini art station with crayons, paper, glue, and safe scissors.
  • Talk about your child’s artwork—ask open-ended questions like “What did you enjoy most about making this?”
  • Read books together and encourage your child to draw scenes or characters.
  • Explore nature and collect materials for art projects (leaves, rocks, twigs).
  • Celebrate creativity by displaying your child’s work at home.

Helpful Resources for Families

  • Creative Curriculum for Preschool Overview – Learn more about the curriculum’s structure and goals
  • Teaching Strategies for Families – Tips and tools to support learning at home
  • A Family’s Guide to Preschool – A helpful booklet for understanding how to partner with teachers
  • MetKids (The Metropolitan Museum of Art) – Interactive art exploration for children
  • PBS Kids – Arts Games and Videos – Fun, creative activities for preschoolers
  • Art for Kids Hub (YouTube) – Easy-to-follow drawing and painting tutorials for young children

 

 

Science at PS/IS 210: FOSS Curriculum (Grades K–8)

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:

  • Inquiry-Based Learning: Students explore scientific concepts through observation, experimentation, and analysis.
  • Hands-On Activities: Lessons are built around engaging, real-world investigations.
  • Integrated Literacy and Math: Students use science notebooks, data collection, and critical thinking to strengthen cross-disciplinary skills.
  • Three-Dimensional Learning: Aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), FOSS integrates:
    • Core Scientific Concepts
    • Science and Engineering Practices
    • Crosscutting Concepts that connect different scientific domains

Areas of Study:

FOSS covers a wide range of topics across four major domains:

  1. Physical Science – Matter, energy, motion, and forces
  2. Earth Science – Weather, geology, water systems, and space
  3. Life Science – Ecosystems, organisms, and life cycles
  4. Engineering – Design thinking and problem-solving

How Parents Can Support Learning at Home:

  • Talk with your child about what they’re learning in science class.
  • Encourage curiosity by exploring nature, conducting simple experiments, or watching science documentaries together.
  • Support science-related homework and projects.
  • Visit science museums or participate in STEM events when possible.

Additional Resources for Parents:

  • FOSS Program Overview
  • FOSS Parent Resources
  • FOSS at Home Activities
  • Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

Grade-Level Resources:

 

  • School Library

Accelerated 8th Grade Courses

8th grade students are offered the following accelerated courses, culminating in a Regents exam:

  • Algebra

  • Spanish LOTE

Students who complete all course requirements and achieve passing grades in both the course and the corresponding Regents exam may receive 2 high school credits per course.

CommonLit 360 at PS/IS 210 (Grades 6–8)

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:

  • Short stories, poems, informational texts, and historical documents
  • Integrated reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, and discussion lessons
  • Multimedia resources to support diverse learning styles
  • Built-in assessments to track student progress and guide instruction

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.

  • Reading Comprehension: Analyzing literary and informational texts
  • Writing: Argumentative, narrative, and explanatory writing
  • Vocabulary & Grammar: Context-based instruction and practice
  • Discussion & Collaboration: Structured conversations to deepen understanding
  • Media Literacy: Engaging with videos, images, and digital texts

How Parents Can Support Learning at Home:

  • Ask your child about the stories or topics they’re reading in class
  • Encourage them to read independently—books, articles, or even graphic novels
  • Discuss current events and connect them to themes from class
  • Review writing assignments together and offer feedback
  • Help them manage deadlines and stay organized with assignments

Online Resources for Parents:

  • What Is CommonLit 360? (Parent Guide) – Overview of how the curriculum works and how students access assignments
  • CommonLit 360 Curriculum Overview – Details about the structure, units, and instructional approach
  • CommonLit Text Library – Explore thousands of free texts by grade level, genre, and theme
  • CommonLit Blog – Articles on reading strategies, curriculum updates, and tips for families
  • CommonLit Scope & Sequence – See what your child will be learning throughout the year

Visual Arts at PS/IS 210 (Grades K–8)

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:

  1. Art Making – Drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, printmaking, and digital media
  2. Literacy in the Arts – Understanding and interpreting visual artworks
  3. Making Connections – Linking art to history, culture, and other academic subjects
  4. Community and Cultural Resources – Exploring museums, galleries, and public art
  5. Careers and Lifelong Learning – Introducing students to creative professions and lifelong engagement with the arts

Art Project Ideas by Grade Level:

Grades K–2:

  • Shape Collage: Cut out and glue basic shapes to create animals or scenes.
  • Texture Rubbings: Use crayons and textured surfaces (leaves, coins, fabric) to explore patterns.
  • Color Mixing with Paint: Use primary colors to discover how secondary colors are made.

Grades 3–5:

  • Self-Portraits with Emotion: Use mirrors and colored pencils to draw expressive self-portraits.
  • Cultural Mask Making: Create masks inspired by world cultures using paper plates and craft materials.
  • Nature-Inspired Watercolors: Paint landscapes or plants using watercolor techniques.

Grades 6–8:

  • Perspective Drawing: Learn one-point perspective by drawing a city street or room interior.
  • Pop Art Posters: Create bold, colorful posters inspired by artists like Andy Warhol or Roy Lichtenstein.
  • Recycled Art Challenge: Use found objects to build a sculpture or installation that tells a story.

Online Resources for Parents and Students:

 

Music at PS/IS 210 (Grades Pre- K–8)

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:

  • Instrument Techniques: Students learn to play keyboard instruments, such as the piano, and develop proper posture, hand positioning, and finger coordination.
  • Music Theory: Students explore rhythm, melody, harmony, scales, and notation to understand how music is structured.
  • Composition: Students create their own musical pieces using learned techniques and digital tools.
  • Music Appreciation & History: Students study different genres, composers, and musical traditions from around the world.
  • World Music: Exposure to global instruments, rhythms, and cultural music practices.
  • Performance Opportunities: Students showcase their learning in our annual winter and spring concerts, building confidence and stage presence.

 

How Parents Can Support Music Learning at Home:

  • Encourage your child to practice regularly on a keyboard or digital piano.
  • Listen to a variety of music genres together and talk about what you hear.
  • Attend live music performances or watch concerts online.
  • Ask your child to teach you a song or rhythm they’ve learned in class.

 

Online Resources for Parents and Students:

  • Music Blueprint for Teaching and Learning (WeTeachNYC) – Curriculum goals and benchmarks by grade level
  • NYC DOE Arts Education Overview – Learn more about the city’s commitment to arts education
  • Chrome Music Lab – Fun, interactive tools for exploring rhythm, melody, and sound
  • Classics for Kids – Games, composer bios, and music history for children
  • PBS LearningMedia – Music – Videos and lessons on music theory, instruments, and world music
  • MusicTheory.net – Free lessons and exercises for older students learning theory
  • YouTube: Hoffman Academy – Piano tutorials and music lessons for beginners

 

At-Home Music Project Ideas:

  • Keyboard Practice Challenge: Set a weekly goal for practicing a new song or scale.
  • Rhythm Kitchen: Use pots, pans, and spoons to create a family percussion band.
  • Compose a Family Theme Song: Write lyrics and a melody together using a keyboard or app.
  • World Music Week: Explore a different country’s music each day—listen, dance, and learn about the instruments used.
  • Mini Concert Night: Let your child perform for the family and explain what they’ve learned.

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

 

  • Art Studio at PS/IS 210

    There is a spacious art studio.

  • Students created a timeline of the civil rights movement together.

    Students created a timeline of the civil rights movement together.

Social Studies at PS/IS 210: Passport to Social Studies (Grades K–8)

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:

  • Inquiry-Based Learning: Students explore essential questions and investigate historical and contemporary topics using primary and secondary sources.
  • Civic Engagement: Lessons promote understanding of democratic values and responsible citizenship.
  • Global and Local Perspectives: Students examine events and cultures from multiple viewpoints, connecting local experiences to global contexts.
  • Literacy Integration: Reading, writing, and research are embedded throughout the curriculum to build strong communication and analytical skills.

 

What Students Learn:

  • Grades K–2: Self, family, community, and neighborhoods
  • Grades 3–5: New York City and State history, U.S. geography, and early American history
  • Grades 6–8: World history, global cultures, U.S. government, and civic responsibility

 

How Parents Can Support Learning at Home:

  • Talk about current events and historical topics with your child.
  • Explore your family’s cultural background or neighborhood history.
  • Visit local museums or historical sites.
  • Watch educational videos or documentaries together and discuss them.

 

Online Resources for Parents:

 

Recommended Educational Videos:

  • Social Studies for Kids: Recycling, Civil Rights, and Voting – A great introduction to key civic concepts for younger students.
  • PBS KIDS YouTube Channel – Features episodes from shows like Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum, Arthur, and Alma’s Way, which explore history, community, and social values.
  • PBS KIDS for Parents – Offers tips and videos for parents to support learning at home.
  • Crash Course Kids – Engaging, fast-paced videos that explain geography, government, and global issues in a kid-friendly way.

 

Instructional Approach at PS/IS 210

  • 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.

     Core Beliefs

    We believe that a strong curriculum must be:

    • Engaging and Relevant – Lessons are designed to spark curiosity and connect to students’ lives and cultural backgrounds.
    • Rigorous and Differentiated – Instruction is tailored to meet the diverse needs of our learners, ensuring that every student is challenged and supported.
    • Language-Rich – Teachers explicitly teach vocabulary and language structures to help students access complex texts and express their ideas clearly in both languages.

    How We Teach

    Our teachers are highly skilled and deeply committed to student success. They:

    • Use scaffolded instruction to support all learners, including English Language Learners and students with special needs.
    • Integrate academic vocabulary and language development into every subject area.
    • Design lessons that promote critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.

     Preparing for the Future

    Through our rigorous academic program, students are prepared to take on advanced coursework. We proudly offer accelerated courses in:

    • Algebra I
    • Spanish (LOTE – Languages Other Than English)

    These courses culminate in Regents exams, giving students a head start on high school credits and academic achievement.

    .

Mathematics

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:

  • Problem-based learning:

Students learn math by engaging in real-world problems and constructing their own understanding. 

  • Coherence:

IM Math is designed to build upon prior knowledge and connect mathematical concepts across different grade levels. 

  • Focus and Rigor:

The curriculum concentrates on developing deep understanding of key mathematical ideas, rather than superficial memorization. 

  • Mathematical Practices:

Students are encouraged to develop important mathematical habits of mind, such as problem-solving, reasoning, and communication. 

  • Inclusive Community:

IM Math fosters a classroom environment where all students feel valued and can participate actively in mathematical discussions. 

Key Features:

  • Digital and Print Materials:

IM Math offers a blend of digital and print resources, including lesson plans, student-facing slides, and family support materials. 

  • Professional Learning:

IM Certified Professional Learning provides support for teachers to implement the curriculum effectively and enhance their teaching practices. 

  • Diverse Representations:

The curriculum uses diverse examples and contexts to connect with students from various backgrounds and experiences. 

  • Family Support:

Materials are available to help families understand the curriculum and support their children's learning. 

  • Two Pathways:

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:

  • Classroom Community:

Each grade level begins with lessons designed to establish a mathematical community and encourage student participation. 

  • Mathematical Language:

Students are encouraged to develop and use mathematical language through collaborative activities and discussions. 

  • Teacher Guidance:

Lesson plans provide detailed guidance for teachers, including suggested pacing, discussion prompts, and worked examples. 

  • Adaptations:

The curriculum allows adaptations to meet the needs of diverse learners, including those who may need additional support. 

EL Education Curriculum (Grades K–5)

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.

What Is EL Education?

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.

Key Features:

  • Student-Centered Learning: Lessons are built around essential questions and high-quality texts that encourage deep thinking and discussion.
  • Real-World Relevance: Students explore meaningful topics such as environmental sustainability, human rights, and community through hands-on projects.
  • Character Education: The curriculum promotes habits of responsibility, perseverance, collaboration, and empathy.
  • High-Quality Work: Students are encouraged to revise and reflect, producing work they are proud to share.

Curriculum Structure:

Each grade level includes four thematic modules per year. These modules integrate reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through:

  • Complex literary and informational texts
  • Vocabulary and grammar instruction
  • Writing tasks (narrative, opinion, and informational)
  • Performance-based assessments
  • Optional labs and projects to extend learning

How Families Can Support Learning:

  • Ask your child about the current topic or book they’re exploring.
  • Read together and discuss characters, themes, and ideas.
  • Encourage writing at home—stories, letters, or reflections.
  • Visit museums, libraries, or nature centers to connect with classroom themes.
  • Celebrate your child’s work and learning milestones.

Parent Resources: