Specials

In addition to the courses taught by homeroom teachers, children study a variety of specialty subjects, known as "specials", each of which is taught by a different specialist.

The goal of the art program is to help children develop their ability to create and respond to meaning in visual imagery. A sequenced curriculum in grades kindergarten through sixth, includes a wide variety of media, including painting, collage, printmaking, and sculpture. These techniques are experienced in depth.

The differentiated studio arts curricula (specializing in clay and wood-working) accentuate skill development with an accumulation of skills from year to year. In studio, students enhance tactile and fine-motor skills, as well as tackling artistic problem-solving.

Instruction emphasizes the development of communication skills and insights into foreign cultures. Beginning with songs, games and dramatic play, and moving to textbooks and periodicals, students are introduced to either Spanish or French.

In addition to the mandated math curriculum, HCES provides a laboratory program that stresses investigations of mathematical concepts, real world applications of mathematical skills, and the development of learning strategies for solving problems. The Math Lab is designed to meet each child's individual needs; acceleration or extra help is available. Students in second to sixth grades participate in this program.

The goals of the music program are to develop musicality and an appreciation of music through listening, singing, performance, creative experiences, and playing rhythm and melody instruments. In the early grades students have keyboard instruction, while in the later grades, they experience a variety of winds and strings.

Starting at the kindergarten level, all children participate in physical education. The curriculum is sequential, beginning with movement education, manipulative skills, cardiovascular exercise, and non-competitive games and activities. Special attention is given to developing a sense of fair play and good sportsmanship, in addition to fostering a positive attitude towards physical education. The gymnasium space has been renovated with a new floor and new bleachers.

Children are exposed to a wide range of activities and experiences in Life and Physical Sciences. At each grade level, students concentrate on a particular science discipline. They are taught to plan projects and test out hypotheses. Collection and analysis of data are practiced as students progress through the grades.

The Elementary School Library is designed to support the curriculum, encourage independent study and offer recreational reading. The collection includes comprehensive reference materials as well as fiction, nonfiction and biographical titles and an extensive multicultural collection. The Library has an on-line catalogue and is connected to the Internet. Each class has a weekly scheduled period and the library is open for independent study from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Since 1981, Hunter College Elementary School has offered a 24-week chess program conducted during the school day. The emphasis is on improving skills rather than competitive play. Children may further pursue this interest by joining the chess team.

Cultural Arts combines movement with multicultural activities as a means of encouraging self-expression. Designed for students in kindergarten through second grade, the class incorporates movement activities so the children can become aware of their bodies in relationship to themselves, to others, and to space. The multicultural activities are designed to develop children's understanding of themselves and the world in which they live. Classroom themes are incorporated into the program.

Classrooms are equipped with computers providing Internet access. There is also a computer lab where classes meet for projects and assignments as well as instruction in basic computer concepts.