Sample Enrichment Programming by Semester for each Grade
(may not be current)
KINDERGARTEN
Fall programming
At the beginning of a kindergarteners school year teachers and support staff work at establishing a routine and assisting children with transitioning into their new school and schedules. No programming will be scheduled.
Spring programming
Dance with Anastasia — Writing Thru Dance encourages students to explore dance as a form of communication through the integration of writing and movement activities. Participating classes can either take a story already written or write their own story. Kindergarten classes learn through fables.
FIRST GRADE
Fall programming
Dance with Anastasia — Writing Thru Dance encourages students to explore dance as a form of communication through the integration of writing and movement activities. Participating classes can either take a story already written or write their own story. First graders are given a writing prompt and then use the prompt to create improvised dance and movement pieces. Recent themes have included the seasons.
Spring programming
Theater (New York City Children’s Theater)
SECOND GRADE
Fall programming
Art House Astoria – Teaching Artists will focus on teaching all our 2nd graders rhythms through body movement, such as clapping or stepping with the beats. Additionally, they will learn songs that contain the learned rhythms, and play movement games that require students to keep a steady pulse. Students will also demonstrate the learned rhythms on keyboard, xylophone, and percussion instruments.
Spring programming
Architecture with Ms. Karen from KidSpire: dedicated to providing unique learning experiences for children through hands-on architecture and design projects. Develop spatial reasoning skills by engaging children in fun 2D to 3D construction challenges that build a deeper awareness of the environment around them. Inspire students to stand at the intersection of their art, history, social studies, math, and science lessons, and develop new connections.
THIRD GRADE
Fall programming
Yoga with Ms. Jeanette – This practice connects the mind, breath, and body, and can help kids learn physical strength and flexibility, deep breathing for more peace and energy, mindfulness, balance, self-care, and relaxation.
Spring programming
Chess with Tom Moran – Mr. Moran is a USCF Certified Chess Coach, level 3. His goal is to make learning chess fun! He focuses on teaching students to apply the benefits of chess to their everyday lives and academics. These benefits include improvement with creative problem solving, improved memory, focus, foresight, sportsmanship, mental fortitude and an ability to learn from and not repeat mistakes.
FOURTH GRADE
Fall programming
Chess with Tom Moran – Mr. Moran is a USCF Certified Chess Coach, level 3. His goal is to make learning chess fun! He focuses on teaching students to apply the benefits of chess to their everyday lives and academics. These benefits include improvement with creative problem solving, improved memory, focus, foresight, sportsmanship, mental fortitude and an ability to learn from and not repeat mistakes.
Spring programming
Haitian Dance (Town Hall with Mr. Peniel): Peniel Guerrier, teacher, choreographer, performer, and founder of Kriye Bode, focuses on research, preservation, education, promotion and presentation of Haitan culture in terms of music and dance.
FIFTH GRADE
Fall programming
NYC Children’s Theater – Teaching Artists will lead our 5th graders over 12 weekly visits through acting, playwriting, and songwriting workshops to adapt a children’s book. Each class will partner with another for Sharing Day, where they will present the works they’ve created. Language, literacy, writing, speaking, listening, and reading comprehension skills are reinforced.
Spring programming
Filmmaking with Astoria Film Festival: Guide students through all phases of film production, from pitch to premiere, both in front of and behind the camera.
