PS 153 follows the balanced literacy approach, which is the workshop model of "I do, We do, You do". We will be implementing a new reading curriculum this year called Journeys. We will continue to use Teachers College to plan units of study in writing to meet the needs of the diverse student population.
P.S. 153 follows the workshop model for Mathematics instruction. The GO Math! curriculum is used for grades K-5. Students participate in hands on learning through the use of manipulatives and real world applications. We will enhance the curriculum using exemplars math.
P.S. 153 students in Pre-k - 5 receive science instruction weekly. A full time science lab for grades 3-5 is available where they engage in hands-on learning and are provided with opportunities for exploration.
P.S. 153 has a Physical Education program that inspires fitness everyday. Students attend physical education on a weekly basis. During their time in gym, they get to interact with peers and exciting and fun materials.
P.S. 153 has a technology lab for students in grades K-5. We house 32 I-Mac computers for the children to interact with and learn technology skills. We also have IPads throughout the school building. The teachers and students can use the IPads to enhance their curriculum.
P.S. 153's Common Core Drama program gives the children in Kindergarten to 5th grade ,the opportunity to express themselves through role play improv and other engaging drama elements. All grades have an opportunity to show-off their talents at their Common Core performances.
P.S. 153’s Dance program is aligned with the New York City Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in Dance. The standards have a focus on dance making, dance literacy, making connections to general education subjects, and working with community and cultural resources. In class each week, dancers will study the elements of dance, various styles of dance such as tap, ballet, jazz, and hip-hop, and various cultural dances with an emphasis on community building. Students will have multiple opportunities to create, learn, and perform choreography for their peers and for the community. Through these experiences, students will gain an appreciation for dance as an art form and as an outlet for artistic expression.
P.S. 153 has a full time librarian that services students in grades K-5. Classes go to the library on a weekly basis to take out books and learn to love the art of reading.
Pre-Kindergarten Music Program
The Pre-Kindergarten Music Program at PS. 153 is a collaboration between the music teacher and the pre-kindergarten teachers. The curriculum for the music program follows the pre-kindergarten curriculum guide and the music blueprint for the arts, which is provided by the New York City Department of Education. The main focus of the program is for the music teacher to compliment what is done in the classroom with the classroom teacher by putting music into all subjects.