Our Philosophy

The program at P.S. 333, The Manhattan School for Children, was created
to include children with severe motor impairments, children who are
non-verbal and children with unique learning styles into a general education
setting.  We provide appropriate educational opportunities in the least
restrictive environment for all children. Every child follows the on grade
curriculum, accessing it in their own way. Our goal is not to create new
curriculum or to simplify old curriculum but to create tools and adaptations so
that every child can follow the standard curriculum.

Our fundamental premise is that children learn by doing.  Some children best
absorb information when they read it, others need to see or hear what they are
studying.  Our school provides time for exploration and experimentation and
invites children to become involved in their own education.  As a community,
we value process over product and nurture creativity and critical thinking
skills in a way that encourages children to become lifelong learners. 

At the Manhattan School for Children we facilitate social interaction and
friendships between all children.  Expectations are high for every child, as all
children work to their highest individual potential.  This is clear when you see
a classroom where whether a child is reading chapterbooks or beginning levelled
books, the teacher is teaching to each child's specific needs.
 
          This website was created...
                                                    (A note from the creators)

Our first year with this program was difficult, we were aware that the model
was to be "inclusion" or "immersion" although we were not sure exactly
what this meant.  Neither of us were willing to wait to create a dream
classroom for every child, "it can not be done in one day" was never good
enough.  With much support we can truly say that by mid-year our classroom
was a place where all children were learning and thriving.  We are still not
sure whether our classroom is an "inclusion" classroom, an "immersion"
classroom or a "collaborative team teaching" classroom.  We prefer to call it
a Universal Classroom, since we use Universal Design to create a positive
learning environment for all children, a place for children to learn their letters
and numbers as well as a place to cultivate emotional growth and happiness.

This is how this site and these ideas came to be.  We wanted to help others
creating their own Universal Classroom.  Keep in mind that we are not
computer programmers or web designers.  This site is and will be for a while,
a work in progress.  Use this site because every item and every idea has
been put to practice in a happy, loving, and successful classroom. 
            
    
  Love,
   Mia and Lisa







  This site will be updated monthly.  
  Please check back soon!