Literacy
We believe that literacy learning flourishes in a supportive environment where children’s reading and writing experiences are meaningful, varied, prolific and at children’s level of understanding. 

We follow a ‘Gradual Release of Responsibility’ teaching model or ‘To, With and By’ as it is commonly referred to.  This basically means we model strategies for children (read alouds, whole class phonics lessons, modeled writing), we have guided sessions (guided reading+writing) with groups of children at their instructional reading/writing level, and we allow them to practice what they have learned during independent work time (literacy centers, independent reading).  Building on the literacy skills the students have and helping them know what they need to learn next, the teacher can give the students just the right amount of support and guidance. 

We try to develop a ‘culture of reading’ at school and at home with book clubs, encouraging library visits, home reading, and book club ‘blogging.’  Teachers, students and parents are clear about their student’s independent reading/writing levels and the high expectations we have for growth in literacy skills.  

Math
Our curriculum is Everyday Mathematics and it establishes a framework for dialogue about mathematics between teacher and children and among children themselves. Thinking with mathematics becomes as natural as thinking with language. “Everyday Mathematics” focuses on expanding the range of mathematical experiences and ideas. Mathematics is integrated into both the ongoing daily routines of the classroom and into other subject areas. The program is geared to developing problem solving strategies and mathematical concepts. The emphasis is on establishing links between a child’s past experiences, concrete materials, pictures, talking, and symbolic arithmetic statements.

Working with this curriculum, PS 62’s  math scores on the NY State math assessment has consistently shown an increase in the number of students achieving levels 3+4 (on grade level) for four consecutive years from 62.3% in 2003-2004 to 91.3%  in 2006-2007.  At the same time we also consistently lowered the number of students in level 1 for the same years.

Instructional Technology
PS 62 currently has 14 SMART Boards, interactive white board systems, for classrooms to use. Teachers are utilizing the SMART Boards in a variety of ways such as; creating interactive math and literacy activities, collaborating on electronic documents, sharing useful information, displaying multimedia materials and many other exciting ways. Ms. Olino’s fourth grade class is currently studying the history of the thirteen colonies. In the following picture, Stephanie from 4-306 is showing her class how to research the State of Connecticut.