Kindergarten

The Kindergarten program focuses on beginning reading and writing skills, enhancing communication skills, and reading comprehension strategies through daily read-alouds, introductory writing lessons, and small reading groups. A multi-dimensional curriculum of phonics activities, sight word vocabulary, and handwriting development is supported by The Wilson Fundations program and leveled classroom libraries.

Grade 1

In first grade, reading is structured to include a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction texts, which students explore during daily small group literacy instruction, as well as independent reading time. Boys are exposed to a wide variety of literature, including stories, poetry, and informational texts, with an intentional focus on Browning’s core values. Students learn to use syntactic and contextual clues to develop both oral fluency and accurate comprehension. Explicit spelling patterns, phonics, handwriting, capitalization, and punctuation are taught using Wilson Fundations, further enhanced with various multi-sensory activities. Personal narratives and daily journals provide creative writing opportunities, as students develop into emergent writers with enhanced content, grammar, and spelling skills.

Grade 2

In second grade, students explore a wide variety of theme-related books and current authors to promote a love of reading. Comprehensive exercises and small group discussions foster critical thinking and develop students’ ability to make inferences and draw conclusions, deepening their overall comprehension skills. Studying authors’ styles, comparing fantasy and reality, and using reference books for research build skills in creative and expository writing. Students engage in small group reading instruction daily in leveled groups. The Wilson Fundations Program progresses further into the study of word structure, reinforcing phonemic awareness, spelling patterns and sight words, irregular spellings, prefixes, and suffixes. Grammar, sentence structure, and parts of speech are reinforced through written and oral exercises. Writing units include creative story writing, narrative writing, persuasive writing, and informational report writing. Grade 2 students learn to brainstorm, organize, edit, and publish their writing.

Grade 3

Grade 3 students increase vocabulary, develop higher thinking skills, and move toward greater fluency and understanding of oral and written language while continuing to develop their love of reading through various literary forms. Creativity, self-motivation, and independence in all areas of reading and writing are emphasized. Students learn the structure and parts of a story or text, and how to read and write non-fiction text. Third-grade boys learn to construct an expository essay, craft fictional narratives based on an author-study, and use writing to communicate their ideas with increased clarity and detail. More advanced spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, and sentence structure techniques continue to be studied. Writing projects throughout the year allow students to draft, revise, and edit their work.

Grade 4

Grade 4 boys read a variety of texts across multiple genres that reflect Browning’s values, particularly the value of dignity. Selected works highlight a range of perspectives and life experiences, helping students strengthen comprehension skills while developing empathy and critical thinking. As writers, students explore expository, persuasive, creative, and personal narratives, applying techniques such as figurative language and focusing upon vocabulary building. Students develop a keen sense of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and paragraph development, as well as note taking techniques, as they research and prepare multimedia presentations about the lives of individuals who exemplify our Browning values.

Grade 5

The Grade 5 literacy curriculum introduces students to narratives set in a variety of historical periods and settings. Offering a range of perspectives on major events from the 20th century, novels contextualize an integrated humanities program in which each setting and period inspires inquiry through a historical lens. Students use close reading strategies, including inferring, questioning, visualizing, and predicting to build comprehension skills with more complex texts. Each student creates a record of his thinking (wonderings, questions, feelings, and conclusions) about each novel through annotation and reflection. Students engage in daily writing practice to develop vocabulary and build grammatical fluency. Writing instruction focuses on increasingly sophisticated sentence and paragraph composition, often based on prompts from the class novels. From simple and complex sentences to single- and multi-paragraph assignments, the boys develop a strong foundation in expository and creative writing.

Assessment

Each boy’s reading level is formally assessed several times each year in Kindergarten through Grade 2. In Grades 3-5 the boys take a standardized assessment to measure literacy and mathematics skills, and the results are used for program planning. Scores are shared with parents and teachers.

Kindergarten

In Kindergarten, boys explore the topic of community by learning about each other through artifacts and stories from our families and traditions. This encourages students to pursue new knowledge, develop empathy, and appreciate different perspectives. We extend our learning to explore the Browning community and the ways people function within it by interviewing faculty and staff members from the larger community. Students are introduced to our core values of honesty, dignity, curiosity and purpose and explore what it means to be a Browning boy and a good friend within and outside our school community. Throughout the year we learn tools to support becoming independent, self-reliant, and compassionate community members.

Grade 1

Grade 1 students begin an in-depth exploration of their environment by studying their families and communities. Throughout their investigations, they learn to accept differences in themselves and others. Important units explore families past and present, as well as community economics. Through these units, students recognize the important roles of people they may encounter daily, and their own responsibilities as citizens of their local and global communities. Students explore how families and communities may look different and celebrate the unique qualities that make each of us special. Discussions of historical figures, heroes, and holidays throughout the year encourage the boys to become responsible citizens of the world.

Grade 2

Students begin the year by learning about how we govern ourselves within our class, school, and communities. We discuss rights, rules, and the responsibilities of community members. Our geography unit begins with the study of orientation, mapping tools, and cardinal directions. Building on their knowledge of mapping, students begin an inquiry into the 50 states and find evidence for how geography, climate, and natural resources influence the lifestyles and cultures of people. Our final unit delves into an exploration of New York City neighborhoods and boroughs, as well as the subway system. Students develop research, presentation, and collaborative skills throughout the year, with each unit enriched by field trips and culminating projects that show their depth of understanding.

Grade 3

The year begins with an in-depth study of Native Americans who lived in the woodland areas that are now New York. We then move on to examining the Pilgrims, one of the first groups of Europeans who settled in North America. The year ends with a study of immigration and we examine historical events and cultures with respect and curiosity, encouraging students to ask questions and consider multiple perspectives. Expository essays are written during the study of Native Americans, journal writing is done during the study of the Pilgrims, and research projects are completed when learning about immigration. Students are encouraged to participate in large and small group activities that help to discover the value of teamwork and cooperation. Field trips, art, music, and literature are used to enrich the curriculum.

Grade 4

Through novel study, research, and multimedia tools, students learn how to synthesize historical understanding and analyze literature to explore concepts of human dignity. Through interdisciplinary thematic units, students study individuals throughout history who demonstrate courage and perseverance, exploring how people have worked to make society more fair and effect change. Fourth graders also engage in an in-depth study of the American Revolution. Students engage with these topics and work to build their research and writing skills within the social sciences.

Grade 5

Through integrated study of literature, history, and the social sciences, Grade 5 students deepen their engagement as students of the humanities. Beginning with a structured approach in the fall, students gradually assume greater responsibility for the inquiry process when exploring historical movements and periods. By spring, boys choose their own topic as well as the form of a project, performance, or original piece to most effectively demonstrate their learning. Developing the skill to create and effectively employ open- and closed-ended questions informs all facets of this work.

Kindergarten

The Kindergarten math program gives boys a deeper understanding of basic mathematical concepts such as the physical quantity of a number, sorting, patterning, counting, adding, and subtracting through hands-on, concrete activities. Teacher resources include Math in Focus which is based upon Singapore Math. Students focus on concentrated fact fluency practice within 20 and exploring number patterns to 100. To ensure solid understanding and retention of skills, previously introduced concepts are reinforced as new topics are introduced.

Grade 1

In Grade 1, math includes teacher-led instruction, hands-on activities, and games with math manipulatives that lay a foundation for a thorough understanding of concrete and abstract concepts. Multiple approaches to problem solving are demonstrated. Subject areas include: patterns, multi-digit addition and subtraction, place value, word problems, graphing, measurement, geometry, money, and time using text and materials from Math in Focus, a Singapore Math-based program.

Grade 2

The Grade 2 mathematics program continues work with Math in Focus, as concepts and skills are reinforced and deepened through the continued use of hands-on manipulatives and visual modeling. Grade 2 students focus on manipulating number facts, determining extended place value, addition and subtraction with regrouping to three digits, working with concepts of time and money, and understanding word problems. Later in the year, introductory multiplication, division, and fractional concepts are covered, as well as measurement and ways of applying math skills to real-world situations using bar models.

Grade 3

Students at this level are learning to work quickly and efficiently with the number system. Computational accuracy is emphasized. Students employ basic mathematics skills, both computational and conceptual, including addition, subtraction, place value, multiplication, division, simple algebra, geometry, and beginning fractions. The curriculum is geared towards solving real-world problems. In addition to math games and projects, Math in Focus supports this curriculum.

Grade 4

In Grade 4 math classes, advanced concepts working with fractions and decimals are integrated as students learn to compute using fractional numbers. Additionally, students practice measurement and geometry, learn to arrive at reasonable estimates, and organize and interpret data represented in a variety of formats. Mental arithmetic and math terminology are solidified, with the ultimate goal of helping the students become computationally fluent and confident as they respond to and apply mathematical instruction. Grade 4 continues to use the Singapore Math-based program, Math in Focus, as well as engage in several creative projects throughout the year through which math skills are applied to real-world situations.

Grade 5

Grade 5 math begins with advanced exploration of whole numbers and their operations. Visual models and games are incorporated to enhance number sense and mathematical reasoning. Boys practice ways to explain the reasoning behind their problem-solving processes as they deepen their understanding of fractions, decimals, and percentages through increasingly sophisticated problems. Geometry and data analysis are also covered, with a focus on the real-world application of mathematics. Low stakes quizzes (LSQs) give frequent feedback on progress to the student and teacher, and larger tests, projects, and math lab activities allow students to demonstrate and deepen their understanding of the subject through the use of the Singapore Math-based program, Math in Focus.

Kindergarten

In Kindergarten science students begin delving into the five senses, understanding their significance in observing and comprehending the world around them. Kindergarten boys are introduced to the scientific method, a framework that guides their inquiries and experiments. They actively participate in numerous investigations, examining the properties of solids, liquids, and gasses. Later in the academic year, students study seasons, weather, and climate. They track the elements of New York City's climate through maintaining weather journals. Students end the year exploring diverse animal groups, the processes of seed germination, and witnessing the growth of living organisms over time.

Grade 1

Through the construction of models, role-play, and exciting experiments, first graders discover the biological systems that make our bodies function. Next, students embark on a study of dinosaur diversity and the timeline of prehistoric life. With the concepts of paleontology as their guide, students investigate fossil evidence and unlock the secrets of ancient creatures. Boys then use their creativity and problem-solving skills as they explore the world of simple machines. Engaging in hands-on projects, students design, build, and test their own engineering solutions. In a study of space, first graders investigate the solar system and the relationships between the sun, moon, and Earth, before concluding the year by exploring light and sound waves.

Grade 2

In Grade 2, students learn about measurement and the metric system, discovering how to calculate distance, mass, volume, and temperature. The extinct mammal unit allows the students to study some of the animals that existed after the dinosaurs. Continuing their study of living organisms, students investigate reproduction as a characteristic of living things through the study of decomposers, fungi and worms, examining the different types of fungi, their anatomy, and life cycle. Boys then study buildings and bridges through a series of design challenges, investigating some of the tallest and most unusual buildings in the world and building their own structures using recycled materials. Finally, we investigate the impact of waste and ways to reduce it, helping students think critically about how people care for the environment in practical ways.

Grade 3

The Grade 3 science curriculum begins with an exploration of different forms of energy. Students investigate heat transfer, potential and kinetic energy, sound vibrations, electricity, and magnetism through engaging lab investigations. Next, third graders study the solar system. They construct a scaled model of the planets and learn about the vast distances between them. Adopting a planet as their own, students design unique adaptations for an alien species that could inhabit their chosen planet. In the winter, third grade students analyze and classify the physical properties of different types of rocks. Finally, the Grade 3 science program is highlighted through a special design-thinking project in which the boys conceptualize and create games for the Third Grade Arcade.

Grade 4

In Grade 4 science, the year begins by having the students examine Newton’s Laws of Motion, studying the effects of friction, gravity, momentum, velocity, and aerodynamics on a car’s ability to travel down ramps at various angles. The Grade 4 boys then examine the history of space exploration through a study of the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs by designing, building, and testing their own straw rockets. Next, a study of waves and light commences. The boys look at the parts of a wave and examine how waves are able to move objects by constructing a model of a wave. As the class delves into the study of light, students explore how light is reflected by designing and building their own periscopes. A study of animals is next as boys examine how the internal and external structures of an animal enables it to survive in its particular environment. The Grade 4 boys also examine how erosion and deposition, as well as other factors, have contributed to change in the Earth’s landscape throughout history, using a stream table to demonstrate these principles. In the spring, Grade 4 students delve into the world of innovation through the Grade 4 Invention Convention.

Grade 5

The Grade 5 Science course focuses on student participation in the processes of science and engineering. Students engage in learning experiences that explore identifying and describing scientific variables, developing models to illustrate matter as tiny particles, and investigating the outcomes of mixing substances. They delve into how energy from the sun supports ecosystems, and how plants make food by using resources from sun, water, and air. Students research and learn about different biomes, discerning the unique adaptations of organisms to their habitats. Additionally, students model the interactions within Earth's spheres, examining the distribution of Earth's water, analyzing weather patterns, and understanding the geologic time scale and its impact on Earth's surface. This course emphasizes hands-on learning and evidence-based analysis to cultivate a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

Grades 1 and 2

In these grades, boys spend half the year studying Spanish and the other half of the year experiencing French. Songs, games, and interactive conversation activities help build beginning vocabulary in each language. Lessons are interactive and engaging, helping students to acquire early linguistic skills as they get excited about language learning and explore traditions, celebrations, and everyday life in French- and Spanish-speaking countries.

Grades 3 and 4

In Grade 3 students choose French or Spanish for the next few years. Modern Language in Grades 3-5 focuses on the acquisition of practical vocabulary and encourages students to develop listening and basic conversational skills. Students learn how to count, express the time and date, use basic present-tense verbs, and ask simple questions. Teachers use interactive activities such as role plays, games, and songs, to allow students the opportunity to use language in context. Vocabulary and grammatical work are punctuated by lessons on the cultures of the French or Spanish-speaking worlds.

Grade 5

In Grade 5 French and Spanish classes, students engage in interactive language experiences, receiving comprehensible input through listening and reading, and practicing output through speaking and writing. Instruction is sequenced and aligned with language learning standards and supported by the use of Reporteros 1A for Spanish and Reporters Francophones 1A for French. Building on the foundation developed in earlier grades, Grade 5 boys deepen their understanding of the French or Spanish language, learning to recognize grammatical structures and to begin conjugating high-frequency present-tense verbs. The overarching aim is to build a strong linguistic foundation and a growing repertoire of expressions that students will continue to expand, align, and refine in middle school.

KINDERGARTEN

This course serves as an introduction to the elements and principles of art, art history, and techniques across different media. A series of scaffolded projects introduces materials and processes of drawing, printmaking, painting, and sculpture. Projects are generally inspired by nature, classroom experiences, and historical themes. An emphasis is placed on understanding color theory, technique, proper use of tools, appropriate studio behavior, and creativity.

GRADE 1

Grade 1 boys learn many new skills such as color mixing, drawing to create deep space, using color to create an atmosphere, and paper construction. Students hone their techniques in painting, drawing, and sculpture while expressing themselves through their artwork. The students also develop problem-solving and independent skills in ceramics by creating a sculpture depicting an animal of their choice.

GRADE TWO

By Grade 2, we focus on individualization and self-expression. Techniques and projects become more involved as the boys continue to study the elements and principles of art. Over the course of the year, students explore the basics of drawing, collage, sculpture and textile arts using a variety of materials and processes. Lessons are built around the study of selected works by a wide range of contemporary and modern masters, as well as cross-curricular topics. The course also serves as a further introduction to ceramics and functional form with the use of slab and coil construction.

GRADE 3

In Grade 3, students take on increased responsibility in the artistic process, engaging in multi-step projects that move from initial sketches to completed works of art. Emphasis is placed on realism as students deepen their understanding of the elements and principles of design. Building on last year’s portrait work, they will create a realistic self-portrait using watercolor techniques. The main project challenges students to sculpt a highly detailed plate of their favorite food, encouraging both creativity and craftsmanship. In addition, students will explore textile arts through weaving and the creation of colorful tapestries, introducing them to new materials and methods of artistic expression.

GRADE 4

In Grade 4, students explore a wide range of media, including ink, clay, paint, and embroidery. A focus is placed on studying different philosophical approaches to making art from around the world by studying vessels and embroidery from a range of cultures and time periods. Students complete a Poetry Vessel project inspired by David Drake.

GRADE 5

Grade 5 art is devoted to enhancing each student’s creativity, technical ability and work ethic, while at the same time teaching the elements of good design and composition. Boys explore art using two- and three-dimensional media. Activities within each unit include drawing, painting and ceramics. For their main project, Grade 5 boys create a clay shoe. Each unit is broken into phases designed to improve the understanding of the individual elements and principles of the process. Content for these units uses visual aids and imagery produced by historically significant as well as contemporary artists. There are also a number of cross-curricular components which further enrich the program.

Kindergarten - Grade 2

Students in Kindergarten through Grade 2 explore music through singing, rhythmic patterns, and playing classroom instruments, as well as moving to and listening to music. Basic musical concepts are introduced using songs and games, as well as exercises designed to develop musical reading and writing skills. Note values are studied, with emphasis on reading simple rhythmic notation and an introduction to lines and spaces on the music staff. Students are encouraged to sing in unison and simple rounds, feel and move to the beat of the music individually, and recognize differences in pitch, timbre, tempo, mood, and dynamics. The Kodaly solfège syllables are introduced to improve the students’ understanding and performance of melodies, and percussion instruments such as drums, step bells, and xylophones allow boys to explore musical instruments with creativity. Musical concepts are reinforced through exploration of music and musicians from around the world. Dramatic acting and performance opportunities at assemblies are also incorporated into the music program through song and small narrative vignettes.

Grades 3-5

In Grades 3-5 music classes, focus, enjoyment, and confidence in making music are reinforced. Vocally, unison and solo singing lead the curriculum with simple harmonic parts and rounds being used to enhance selected songs. The Kodaly solfège syllables continue to be used to improve the students’ understanding and performance of melodies. Ear training of musical intervals and sight singing are nurtured in these grades and more advanced rhythmic and melodic patterns are introduced using Orff and other percussion instruments, as well as the recorder in Grade 4. In the area of notation, boys strengthen their reading/writing rhythmic and melodic/harmonic patterns on the treble and bass clefs staff. From across the United States and around the world, many styles and eras of music are incorporated into the program, highlighting popular composers while studying the differences and similarities in timbres of various instruments used in their compositions. Dramatic acting and performance opportunities at assemblies continue to be incorporated into the music program through song and small narrative vignettes.

KINDERGARTEN - GRADE 1

The primary objectives of library classes in Kindergarten and Grade 1 are to ignite literature appreciation, grow an understanding of story structures, and promote comfort in the library. Kindergarteners begin library classes by establishing an understanding of what a school library is and how to utilize our school resources in a respectful, effective way. Through wordless picture books, students practice their skills of interpretation, prediction, and observation. Kindergarteners explore storytelling’s power to connect, reveal, and ignite imagination. First graders deepen their understanding of storytelling by examining the roles authors and illustrators play including how one story can be told in a variety of ways by people with unique ideas and perspectives. A highlight of the first grade curriculum is the study of folktales. The boys learn how to define and recognize fables, tall tales, myths, fairy tales, and legends from across the globe.

GRADES 2 - 3

Second grade students examine the “where” of stories and books, delving into a study of where stories come from and the ways in which the setting helps create meaning in literature. Through exploring Cinderella tales from different cultures including Haiti, Zimbabwe, and France, students compare and contrast how the place of origin affects a story. Then the students read a series of modern adaptations of Cinderella tales. This unit culminates in the boys creating their own version of a Cinderella story. Third graders spend their year in library classes learning to define and recognize literary genres such as historical fiction, fantasy, biography, and informational texts. We focus on nonfiction as the boys engage in a study of biographies, autobiographies, and poetry. The students create their own autobiographies and in the process assess the intersection between what information they want to share, what other people would like to learn about them, and what is uniquely theirs to tell. Lessons also focus on informational texts and how their features help us find facts, as well as practice in decoding the differences between fact and opinion.

GRADE 4

Grade 4 boys begin to hone their research and inquiry skills in the library. In conjunction with writing and social studies projects from their homerooms, students practice keyword searches and learn to identify the most appropriate databases to use when researching. Lessons focus on why we learn to research effectively and how we apply that information. Students also begin to put words to the media literacy skills they learned throughout Lower School and add new tools including looking for bias in sources and appreciating nuance and context as important elements of understanding complex subjects. The boys use both digital and print reference works and learn to evaluate resources they find on the internet. Additionally, fourth grade library classes encourage students to continue developing their own reading lives, exploring a variety of genres and seeking out texts that pique students’ individual interests.

Grade 5

In Grade 5, Media Literacy classes focus on essential skills such as email etiquette, plagiarism prevention, paraphrasing techniques, proper citation of sources, and critical evaluation of resources. The librarian also supports students in their history research projects, teaching them effective research strategies and information literacy skills.

Grades 2-3

In Grades 2 & 3, boys begin learning the basics of programming with visual block commands. Students are introduced to programming as they begin to practice the foundations of coding starting with sequences, conditionals, loops, and debugging. Programs such as Code.org, CodeMonkey, Scratchjr, and Kodable help to reinforce these skills. Students learn to express themselves creatively through the programming of the Dash robot and Ozobots, in addition to exploring use of the design-thinking cycle. Through collaboration, boys are able to form interdisciplinary connections and apply their learning to real world applications as they engineer different robotic structures and challenges for their robots to navigate.

Grade 4

In the Grade 4, boys are introduced to Scratch, a block-based programming language, and learn to create games and animations incorporating more advanced programming blocks such as variables, operators, and functions. They engineer and integrate microcontrollers in their programming in Scratch, and begin to understand input and output devices. Boys continue to build their understanding of and practice with the design-thinking cycle as they work both independently and collaboratively to code, design, and engineer.

Grade 5

In Grade 5, boys explore responsible and ethical use of technology, focusing on digital citizenship and cyberbullying. Students also gain a foundational understanding of engineering through a hands-on cardboard construction project. Additionally, students transition from block-based programming to mastering the basics of programming with text commands using Codesters, a Python-based platform. Students design and develop their own games and animations using basic code.

Kindergarten and Grade 1

Kindergarten and Grade 1 classes begin with a warm-up activity including a jog, tag game, or cardiovascular exercises to elevate students’ heart rates and prepare them for physical activity. Warm-up routines and games also include strength-building exercises and stretches to improve flexibility. In movement education, students focus on body control, fine and gross motor coordination, space dynamics, and group interaction. Students practice the skills of throwing, catching, kicking and trapping, as well as striking, such as in baseball and hockey. Skills are introduced with instruction and demonstration, followed by individual practice, a drill reinforcing the skill, and finally a game or activity incorporating the skill in which boys practice the skills they have learned.

Grades 2-3

In these grades, students combine movements and fundamental skills for various sports. Boys continue to learn about teamwork and sportsmanship by participating on teams selected by the coaches. A variety of sports are introduced. Athletic and movement skills continue to be presented and reinforced as students begin to show proficiency in throwing, catching, kicking, and striking. Boys learn about game strategy through teamwork, focusing on movement with and without the ball, body positioning, and different positions on teams. The students play various team games and are expected to incorporate good sportsmanship, as well as appropriate strategies and skills.

Grades 4-5

Boys in Grade 4-5 build and employ their athletic and movement skills through direct instruction and practice, as well as in game situations. Boys practice game strategy through teamwork, body positioning, and by trying out different positions on teams. Student athletes are coached in incorporation of good sportsmanship practices, as well as increasingly refined strategies and skills during game play. Grade 4-5 boys are assigned to a different team for several sports units, as they participate in an intramural program designed to help them develop their teamwork skills in preparation for interscholastic athletics in Middle School.