THE YORK AVENUE DIFFERENCE
Art. A rich, process-oriented arts program allows children to explore, discover, invent, create and grow in this expressive area. Texture, shape, color, line and form (the five elements of art) are used creatively and imaginatively in the art studio. Children are introduced to media used by artists, they observe specific works of art and they apply this knowledge within their own expressive parameters. Our children focus on the works of artists represented in the many museums throughout New York City.
Music. Music instruction is provided to all classes in our music room. In music class the children sing, dance and respond to music, which supports the development of memory, listening skills, motor skills and imagination. Every week the students are given an opportunity to experiment with instruments and props to engage their senses further.
Library. We have our own lending library with over 7,000 volumes and a dedicated librarian. The children visit each week to choose books to share with their families and listen to a story read by a "Guest Reader," a parent volunteer. Students in our Fours program visit the library twice a week. During their second visit, the children participate in a hands-on non-fiction lesson which ties into their classroom curriculum.
Spanish for Fours. "Hola"... "me llamo"... "uno, dos, tres..." can be heard as our children listen, dance and sing while learning Spanish. Our language program provides exposure to Spanish language and culture as children begin to develop a basic vocabulary.
Physical Education. All children attend an indoor Gym program; once a week as Twos and Threes and twice a week as Fours. Our children work on flexibility, agility, balance, fitness and core strength with trained coaches in our facility. Playground is included daily for each class, weather permitting. Additionally, all children experience a Yoga class once per week.
Living Science. An animal expert visits each Twos and Threes classroom once a month. Having the animals in the classroom affords children the opportunity to learn interesting facts about them, along with knowledge of their habitat. Children are able to interact gently with many of the animals, as modeled by the teachers.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) Fours students visit the STEAM Lab once per month. Our STEAM program is designed to encourage young thinkers to investigate, discover and understand the world around them. Through age-appropriate, hands-on activities and projects, children are challenged to think critically. STEAM Lab fosters each child’s innate curiosity while inspiring a passion for exploration.
Cooking. In addition to cooking in their classrooms, all classes visit our kitchen at least once a month. Our chef-teachers guide the students through a hands-on, age-appropriate preparation of a delicious recipe. Math, science, and language are all incorporated as the students measure, mix, and slice, while crafting their own treat to take home. By taking ownership of the process, children are more willing to try novel foods and ingredients.
