Education is not preparation for life; it is life itself. – John Dewey, a leader of the progressive movement in education in the United States. As we begin the New Year, it is important to think and reflect upon the importance of education. Reflecting upon John Dewey’s big idea, education…
The Importance of Performing Arts in School
The importance of drama and performing arts in education cannot be understated. Engaging in drama and the performing arts develops the creative side of the brain and builds students’ creativity, problem solving, and their ability to work collaboratively as part of a group. I have made many presentations at professional conferences over the years speaking to audiences…
The Importance of Reading Fluency
Reading fluency is a prerequisite to reading comprehension. A student cannot learn to comprehend when reading unless they are able to ready fluently with prosody. Dr. Timothy Rasinski, Professor of Literacy Education, Kent State University, is one of the leading authorities in the world on how kids learn to read….
What is a Global Citizen?
A global citizen celebrates different people of different cultures. A global citizen cares for others and respects differences. A global citizen protects the environment for future generations. A global citizen is socially responsible. A global citizen has perspective and empathy. Wikipedia defines Global Citizenship as the idea that all people…
What Our Children Eat Affects Their Success in School
The Impact of Diet on Learning It’s a fact. The medical and scientific community has shown, based on countless studies, that diet has an impact on children’s cognitive abilities and learning in school. Day-to-Day When children skip breakfast, they struggle to concentrate and focus in class. When lessons and learning…
Making Mathematics Meaningful at NYA
Over the past two decades, the profession of education has become much more research-based and data driven. That’s good news. The challenge is that change within any system or institution comes slowly. At New York Academy we embrace change. We honor research-based evidence and data to drive our methods of…
Word Study Fun with the Little Ones
Word Study is the progressive approach to spelling. It is not just about memorizing how words are spelled, but hearing the sounds in words and learning the patterns and rules for spelling. For example, this week Mr. Brian went into the PK 4, Kindergarten, and Grade 1 classes to model…
Making Critical Thinking Visible
The fundamentals of Critical Thinking are a set of cognitive processes. You might ask, “What are cognitive processes?” Cognitive processes are the types of higher level thinking we do to make meaning. Often, we do them naturally without realizing or naming what we are doing! Let’s explore how these types…
The Advantages of Split Classrooms
The Advantages of Split Classrooms New York Academy has had split classrooms in its first years. This has not been by design, but by necessity as a new and growing school. However, we know the research and are taking full advantage of the benefits a split classroom can offer. When…
SCIENTIFIC PROCESS at NEW YORK ACADEMY
New York Academy follows the scientific process to engage the kids in learning. It’s a process where students learn to learn and think, rather than just gaining facts, knowledge, and skills. Students engage in hands-on experiments with a focus on the application of the scientific process, which is the series…