Our approach to learning
Throughout our literacy blocks, students are also exposed to vocabulary words that can be found in the texts they are reading, opportunities to engage in phonics activities that help students develop their sence of letter sounds and patterns, and opportunities to develop reading fluency so that students can read more effortlessly and focus more on comprehending the text they are working with.
Reading
PS 46 follows the balanced literacy approach that provides daily instruction in the following areas:
Phonemic Awareness- The ability to hear the different sounds in the words we speak
Phonics- Using letters and sound to read and/or write words
Fluency- The ability to read so effortlessly and automatically that you can focus on comprehension of the text
Vocabulary- Understanding the words in a text
Comprehension- Understanding the text you are reading
Our teachers begin each day modeling effective strategies that good readers use and then provide students with an opportunity to practice those strategies. Teachers assess student reading levels several times throughout the year and provide them with texts that are on their "Just Right Level". Each student will have a book baggie full of books that are perfect for helping them reach the next level in reading. During our lessons, teachers meet with small groups of students to practice strategies specific to the needs of each group.
Writing
PS 46 follows the workshop model during our writing instruction. Teachers provide a mentor text that models the final product the class will be working on. Then, students are shown how to craft introductions, add details, ensure proper grammar and spelling, and writing effective conclusions.
During writing time, teachers will meet with small groups of students to provide more targeted instruction when needed. Additionally, teachers will meet with individual students to provide feedback on what the student did well and what they can do to get to the next level of writing. Students are then encouraged to redraft their writing and resubmit it with the improvements that were made.
Math
Remember learning equations that made no sense to you? At PS 46, we believe that students need to develop mathematical concepts before they truly understand the meaning behind equations and formulas. Our lessons engage students by providing hands-on experiences where students make connections to the math and develop equations and formulas on their own under the guidance of their teachers. Students learn a variety of ways to solve each math problem and how to show their thinking in a clear and organized way.
Science
PS 46 provides students with hands-on experiences for students to learn about the world around them. Students spend time in class reading about different scientific concepts before going into our STEM Lab and engaging in hands-on activities that reinforce what students are learning about. Our STEM Lab is equipped with 3D printers and other fun and engaging scientific materials that turns our students into scientists.
Social Studies
Our school emebeds social studies into literacy and school experiences throughout the year. Students are exposed to different cultures and customs throughout the year during our school-wide celebrations and texts that students read. Our students take deep dives into different cultures by learning about where different groups of people live, the geography of the region, what daily life looks like, and how their culture has impacted our culture here in the U.S.