Enrichment Programs
Hands-On Learning Experiences and Programs
Core to our mission as a PTA, and a primary role of the Enrichment Committee, is supporting the school in the successful education of our children. These are the hands-on learning experiences we will be bringing to all the students of PS166Q! Focused on fostering creative expression, movement, and critical thinking skills, these activities will be introduced to all classes in each grade as described below.
We call them Enrichment Programs because they do just that — they enrich every child’s educational experience and make it more well-rounded. Working closely with our very supportive Principal, we have established partnerships with a variety of NYC-based educational vendors who offer customized programs suited for our school’s curriculum needs and tie into Common Core.
Enrichment programs are broken into two terms, fall and spring. Fall programs run from late September/early October through late December and Spring programs run from late January through late April.
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.
First Grade.
Fall programming
Dance with Anastasia – Teaching artist will provide a comprehensive dance experience including a Lecture Demonstration, a series of Dance Workshops, and a culminating performance. RIOULT Teaching Artists lead a series curriculum-based classes developed with the classroom teacher. Students create original movement phrases and collaboratively use them to craft a dance. The residency concludes with a culminating performance where students perform their dance work for the school, parents, and community.
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.
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.
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.
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.