Experiential Learning
Learning in Action
M.I.N.I. ExperiencesOur M.I.N.I. (Minds Investigating New Ideas) program integrates additional topics into the curriculum that may include American Sign Language, cooking, Healthy Me, On Stage, Play On and much more.
Grade 1 Year-Long Units of Study
- Authors & Illustrators: Students complete projects that broaden and deepen their interactions with literature
- Artists: Students study artists such as Michelangelo, Monet, Grant Wood, Diego Rivera and Ansel Adams. After writing about each artist, students experience their style of artwork and create an heirloom-quality collection of pieces.
- Friendship: Students explore age-appropriate dimensions of friendship by spending a day throughout the school year with each classmate. Students interview one another and memories are captured in a book that the child brings home at the end of the year.
Field Trips
Typically, all Primary students participate in an annual field trip that enhances the social studies curriculum. Grade-level experiences, such as the first graders' trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts, are also highly anticipated.
Learning to Lead
Special Events
Excitement builds among the students as they prepare for one of the many special events that take place throughout the year. These include Authors' Day, Grandparents' Day, service projects, student-led prayer services, Prize Day performances and holiday celebrations. Ultimately, students develop confidence, leadership and presentation skills through these activities.
Primary Press
Using the "language experience approach," students help compile and produce The Primary Press, a newspaper about current events. Once assembled, it is distributed to Primary students and parents. Each child has the opportunity to write an article for publication.
Social Studies
One day each week is devoted to the social studies curriculum. Themes are presented in a three-year rotation, and students assist the faculty in preparing and presenting the lessons.