Grades K-2

 

At P.S. 53, literacy instruction in grades K–2 is grounded in a structured, research-based approach aligned to the Science of Reading. Teachers implement a high-quality core curriculum using HMH Into Reading to ensure all students receive explicit, systematic instruction that builds strong foundational skills and deep comprehension.

 

Our literacy program emphasizes explicit teaching in the critical areas of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. In the early grades, students develop strong foundational skills through Heggerty Phonemic Awareness (K–2), Heggerty Bridge to Writing (K), and Wilson FUNdations (K–2), which provide systematic instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, spelling, and handwriting. These programs work in tandem with HMH Into Reading to support students as they become confident, independent readers and writers.

 

Instruction is aligned to the Next Generation Learning Standards, and students engage daily with grade-level, complex texts that promote critical thinking, academic vocabulary development, and meaningful discussion. Throughout the literacy block, students participate in rich, text-based conversations, respond to reading through writing, and support their ideas using evidence from the text.

 

Teachers implement the gradual release model, incorporating modeling, explicit instruction, guided practice, collaborative learning, and independent work. Small-group instruction is embedded throughout the day to provide targeted support, enrichment, and differentiation based on student needs.

To support students requiring additional support, A.I.S. providers utilize the S.P.I.R.E. program and Sounds Sensible, offering structured, multisensory instruction focused on foundational reading skills. Intervention students are further supported through S.P.I.R.E. placement assessments and fluency concept drills to monitor progress and guide instruction.

 

Assessment is an integral part of our literacy program. Teachers use i-Ready Reading and Acadience Reading as diagnostic, screening, and progress monitoring tools, along with HMH Into Reading module assessments and Wilson FUNdations unit assessments, to inform instruction, monitor student growth, and ensure responsive teaching practices.

 

Through high-quality curriculum, rigorous and data-driven instruction, and a commitment to research-based practices, our literacy program ensures that all students develop the skills, strategies, and confidence needed to become lifelong readers and writers.

 

At P.S. 53, math instruction in grades K–2 allows students to experience opportunities to make sense of mathematics with the intention to develop conceptual understanding of the subject with real-world application. Teachers implement a high-quality core curriculum using enVision Math to ensure all students receive explicit, systematic instruction that builds strong foundational skills and deep mathematical comprehension.

 

Our math program emphasizes explicit teaching while utilizing problem based learning, visual learning, and conceptual understanding. In the early grades, students develop strong foundational skills relating to; numbers and operations, operations and algebraic thinking, geometry, measurement and data, and problem-solving and reasoning. These areas of focus support students as they become confident and independent mathematicians. 

 

Instruction is aligned to the Next Generation Learning Standards, and students engage daily with grade-level problems that promote critical thinking, academic vocabulary development, and meaningful discussion. Throughout the math block, students participate in math-based conversations, share multiple math strategies, solve problems both as a group and independently and utilize different physical math tools during each math block in order to ensure hands-on learning. Teachers implement the gradual release model, incorporating modeling, explicit instruction, guided practice, collaborative learning, and independent work. Small-group instruction is embedded throughout the day to provide targeted support, enrichment, and differentiation based on student needs.

 

To support students requiring additional support, A.I.S. providers utilize the Zearn Math program, offering structured, multisensory instruction focused on accelerating learning through a blended approach of teacher led, small group instruction, and digital lessons.

 

Assessment is an integral part of our math program. Teachers use i-Ready Math and Acadience Math as diagnostic, screening, and progress monitoring tools, along with enVision Math mid and post module assessments to inform instruction, monitor student growth, and ensure responsive teaching practices.

 

Through high-quality curriculum, rigorous and data-driven instruction, and a commitment to research-based practices, our math program ensures that all students develop the skills, strategies, and confidence needed to become lifelong mathematicians. 

 

Students are using these platforms to learn Math: