English/Language Arts
Developmentally appropriate reading readiness is taught under a rich umbrella of literature using the SRA Open Court Reading language arts curriculum. Open Court Reading is a research-based curriculum grounded in systematic instruction of phonemic awareness, phonics and word knowledge, and writing and language arts skills and strategies. Reading fine literature is one of the founding principles of Open Court Reading. Lower School students continuously develop reading skills through the guided reading program Accelerated Reader.

KINDERGARTEN

• Phonetic approach to beginning sounds
• Daily journal time
• Expression of imagination through letters, words, and illustrations

FIRST GRADE

• Reading and writing skills
• Extensive reading of both patterned texts and quality literature
• Introduction of Rebecca Sitton spelling methodology
• Early editing skills, grammar, and report writing

SECOND GRADE

• Phonics, comprehension, critical evaluation and application of ideas
• Grammar, punctuation, word usage, and sentence construction
• Writing process for fiction and non-fiction
• Rebecca Sitton Spelling methodology: spelling skills, high frequency words, proofreading, dictionary skills, and word mastery

THIRD GRADE

• Literature-based reading: anthologies and novels
• Comprehension, study skills, basic grammar, and expanded vocabulary
• Research writing and creative writing
• Zaner-Bloser cursive handwriting method
• Rebecca Sitton Spelling methodology: spelling skills, high frequency words, proofreading, dictionary skills, and word mastery

FOURTH GRADE

• Literature appreciation through independent reading and novel studies
• Grammar, word structure/usage, sentence building, vocabulary, study skills and composition
• Writing skills in paragraph development, poetry, creative fiction and research reports
• Rebecca Sitton Spelling methodology: spelling skills, high frequency words, proofreading, dictionary skills, and word mastery

FIFTH GRADE

• Anthologies for comprehension, literature and vocabulary skills
• Book studies for comprehension, vocabulary and critical thinking skills
• Independent reading with testing on individual levels
• Grammar, writing skills, handwriting, and listening and speaking skills
• Rebecca Sitton Spelling methodology: spelling skills, high frequency words, proofreading, dictionary skills, and word mastery

Mathematics
Based upon the McGraw-Hill mathematics curriculum, math concepts are integrated into an experience-oriented curriculum.

KINDERGARTEN

• Graphing
• Patterns
• Number concepts to 100
• Money
• Measurement
• Beginning addition and subtraction
• Time
• Basic geometry
• Problem solving and critical thinking skills

FIRST GRADE

• Numeration and counting
• Addition and subtraction
• Operations and relations
• Data analysis
• Geometry
• Measures and reference
• Rules and patterns
• Money
• Problem solving and critical thinking skills

SECOND GRADE

• Place value
• Two-digit addition and subtraction
• Measurement
• Fractions
• Problem solving and critical thinking skills

THIRD GRADE

• Multiplication and division
• Place value
• Borrowing across zeros
• Regrouping
• Problem solving and critical thinking skills

FOURTH GRADE

• Computational skills in all four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)
• Measurement
• Data and graphing
• Geometry
• Place value
• Fractions
• Problem solving and critical thinking skills

FIFTH GRADE

• Advanced computational skills in all four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)
• Decimals and fractions
• Geometry
• Measurement and problem solving

Science
The science program uses a hands-on, experienced-based approach derived from the Discovery Works Science and Full Option Science System (FOSS) curricula. The scientific method provides a framework for frequent demonstrations and student projects to explore the intricate designs and workings of God’s Creation. All Lower School students are encouraged to participate in the annual Science Fair.

KINDERGARTEN

• Weather and seasons
• The five senses
• Animals and their habitats
• Plant life
• Environmental awareness

FIRST GRADE

• Insects: monarch butterflies raised from eggs to butterflies
• Solar system
• Magnetism

SECOND GRADE

• Interaction among living things
• States of matter (solids/liquids/gases)
• Changes over time

THIRD GRADE

• Life cycles of plants
• Weather
• Inventors, inventions, and simple machines
• The scientific method

FOURTH GRADE

• Animal behavior and habitats
• Astronomy
• Measurement
• Magnetism
• Electricity
• Experimentation and the scientific method

FIFTH GRADE

• Oceanography
• Cells
• Microbes
• Scientists and the scientific method
• Environmental studies including a three-day field trip to Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in northern Minnesota

Social Studies
The Nystrom Geography Program (K-2) and the Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Social Studies Curriculum (3-5) form the basis of the social studies program, with emphasis on American History in grades four and five. Each grade level focuses on the geography and culture of a different continent.

KINDERGARTEN

• Self, family, community, state, country, and global awareness
• Geography, celebrations around the world, historical events and people
• Continent study: Australia

FIRST GRADE

• Introductory map and globe skills
• Families, neighborhood, and communities
• Historical biographies and current events
• Continent study: Europe

SECOND GRADE

• Locations of continents and oceans
• Components of flat map projections
• Map-reading skills
• Native Americans and Pilgrims
• American Presidents
• The Civil War and the Underground Railroad
• Continent study: Africa

THIRD GRADE

• History, governments, people, cultures, and resources of communities
• Map scale, legends, grids, and landforms
• Continent study: South America

FOURTH GRADE

• Early peoples and cultures of North America
• European exploration and colonization
• Revolutionary War and the birth of a new nation
• U.S. history until the Civil War
• 50 U.S. states and capitals
• Continent study: North America

FIFTH GRADE

• U.S. history from the Civil War to the present
• Slavery, westward expansion, industrialization, immigration
• World War I, the Depression, World War II
• The civil rights movement
• Current events
• Continent study: Asia

Bible
Conveying the love and goodness of God is the primary goal of the Christian Schools International Bible curriculum. Through stories of God’s working in the lives of Old and New Testament people, students learn to recognize God’s work and His plan in their own lives. All Lower School students and teachers meet together weekly for a chapel service.

KINDERGARTEN

• The world God made
• The Patriarchs
• Exodus to the Promised Land
• Kings and Prophets
• Jesus’ birth and life on earth
• Jesus’ death and resurrection

FIRST GRADE

• The world God made
• The Patriarchs
• Exodus to the Promised Land
• The Ten Commandments
• Judges
• Jesus the Savior
• The early church

SECOND GRADE

• Creation
• Judges and Kings
• Prophets
• Jesus’ early life and teachings
• The early church
• Christian living
• The Lord’s Prayer

THIRD GRADE

• Creation
• Judges and Kings
• Prophets
• Jesus’ birth, ministry, and teachings
• Jesus’ death and resurrection

FOURTH GRADE

• Characters and stories of the Pentateuch
• Overview of Genesis to Ruth
• Samuel, Saul, and David

FIFTH GRADE

• Patriarchs of the Pentateuch
• Job, Daniel, and Esther
• Psalms and Proverbs
• Prophets
• Jesus in the four gospels
• The New Testament message

World Languages
Beginning Language instruction in Spanish (South Campus) and French (Bloomington Campus) also includes geography, culture, and global citizenship, while integrating content from the grade-level classroom.

Music
Students listen, sign, move, play instruments, and perform in several Lower School vocal concerts during the school year. Grade-level instruction includes music theory, rhythm, melody, harmony, composers and compositions, and concert performance manner. Band and orchestra are offered beginning in grade five.

Art
Students begin a comprehensive art education program that continues through all levels at Minnehaha Academy. Artistic expression is a gift given to each child by God. Students explore elements of artistic design through weaving, fabric and fiber arts, drawing, printmaking, watercolor, canvas painting, clay sculpture, batik, and basketry. Artistic achievements of various cultures and individuals are studied.

Physical Education/Health
Physical fitness, age-appropriate health topics, team building and sportsmanship are promoted through activities and games. With a spiritual foundation, students are encouraged to develop physically, socially, intellectually, and emotionally for total health and wellness.

Technology/Library/Media
Students learn how to deal with Information Age by experiencing a variety of technology, including electronic resources and, where appropriate, the Internet. Skills include reading for pleasure, research skills, search strategies, keyboarding, and formatting.