CURRICULUM

CURRICULUM AT PS 39

The curriculum at PS 39 utilizes a balanced literacy approach, with arts integration in the content areas. It is designed to help students become confident, competent readers and independent learners. Small group instruction and cooperative learning approaches allow for effective assessment and teaching.

LITERACY

PS 39 follows the workshop model for teaching literacy based on the balanced literacy approach. Teachers implement reading and writing workshops by collaboratively planning units of study. Instruction is differentiated to meet the needs of the diverse student population.

Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade

MATHEMATICS

PS 39 follows the workshop model for teaching mathematics and uses Engage NY curriculum in K- 5. Math Instruction is designed to provide students with numeracy skills and opportunities for children to apply them to multi-step problems.

Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade

SCIENCE

Grades K through 5 have weekly science classes where they engage in hands-on learning and are provided with opportunities for exploration. PS 39 has a full-time science teacher that works with grades 2- 5 and a dedicated science and technology lab.

Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade

SOCIAL STUDIES

PS 39 uses an enrichment choice model for Social Studies instruction. Students explore grade level social studies topics through literature and project work based on student interests.

Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade

THE ARTS

The arts are an integral part of the core curriculum at PS 39. PS 39 students have art and music classes weekly. PS 39 has a full-time visual arts and Music teacher. Our visual arts program takes place in our art room, where students explore art concepts through the work of notable artists. In our music program students will experience music concepts through movement, vocal, and instrumental instruction.

ENRICHMENT PARTNERSHIPS

The curriculum at PS 39 is supported and enhanced by our many enrichment partnerships that include organizations such as The Brooklyn Museum, the YMCA, The New York Philharmonic, New Victory Theater, Brooklyn Arts Exchange, Arts Connection, and City College Poetry Outreach. In addition, our students in Grades K- 2 receive chess instruction during the school day.

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
PS 39 uses the 4R curriculum from Morningside Center to support students social emotional learning. Morningside Center defines social emotional learning (SEL) as the process by which we develop our capacity to understand and manage our feelings, relate well to others, deal well with conflict and other life challenges, make good decisions, and take responsibility for improving our communities – from the classroom to the world. Learn more on our SEL Page

ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Our school recognizes that not every student that struggles to meet grade level standards qualifies for an IEP. Our Academic Intervention Support (AIS) instruction program is geared to provide these students with some additional, targeted support to improve their academic progress. Learn more about Academic Intervention Support at PS 39.