Children in the earliest years of elementary school are able to investigate new ideas as they emerge from their discussions, and a walk through one of these classrooms shows the School’s progressive philosophy in evidence.
A key feature of these years is the school’s block building program, which is the foundation of its social studies program for younger children. Block building allows young children to fully grasp the intricacies of communities, while gaining a better understanding of mathematics and science through the properties of blocks. Students employ their emerging literacy skills through creating signage and other design elements for their buildings. Children hone their collaborative skills through block building as design and construction of structures is always a team effort. Starting with buildings such as pet shops or hospitals in the 4s, Stevens block building program culminates with a trimester-long exploration and creation of the "Permanent City" and Brooklyn Bridge in the 2nd grade.
In reading, teachers offer personalized instruction in phonics, decoding and comprehension skills in Readers’ Workshop. Teachers read aloud to students everyday and regular independent reading time is provided.
Our students take pride in the regular publication of their work, and dictation of stories in the 4s naturally progresses through the years to journal writing and poetry. In Writers’ Workshop, children brainstorm story ideas and then write independently or collaboratively. They share their published work with their peers in Author's Chair.
In addition to daily work with blocks, mathematical concepts are introduced and reinforced with manipulatives, cooking and woodworking, as well as regular lessons introducing math facts and exploration.
Science is an integral part of our program at this age, with students gathering and analyzing data, experimenting and forming hypotheses. Children observe and record information on living organisms including chicks, ants, butterflies and seeds.
Homework, usually limited to a single subject each evening, is assigned during the school week starting in 2nd grade.