Specialists

Art class focuses on developing fine motor skills, creativity, and an understanding of basic art concepts through various mediums like drawing, painting, and sculpting. Students explore different art techniques, learn about famous artists and art movements, and express their creativity through individual and collaborative projects. Students explore different art techniques, and are introduced to basic elements of art like line, shape, color, and form, and principles of design.

Physical Education lessons and units at Transfiguration School are based on the National Physical Education standards in accordance with being a Christian athlete that tries their best in everything they do. Physical education teaches physical and social skills, as well as an overall sense of well-being, personal development, team interaction, the importance of fitness and nutrition, and promotes overall learning while fostering a Christian attitude toward good sportsmanship.

The Spanish language program emphasizes learning written and verbal communication skills and developing cultural awareness. In the kindergarten through third grade classes the students learn vocabulary and basic phrases and explore the Spanish language through music and art. In fourth and fifth grade the students begin basic grammar concepts and vocabulary is reinforced and expanded. The students are assessed through written tests, oral presentations and projects. All of the elementary students learn about various cultural traditions and celebrations. The middle school program focuses on learning formal grammar to improve writing, reading, speaking and reading comprehension skills. Middle school students research Spanish-speaking countries to learn about geography, history, government, religion and culture. The students learn prayers and participate in a Mass in Spanish.

Music is offered to students in Preschool through Eighth Grade. Students will age-appropriately demonstrate basic music literacy, develop an appreciation of music as an art form, evaluate music as it contributes to society, understand music’s place in cultures of this country and the world, display performance skills and concert etiquette, and understand music’s role in the liturgy. Students imitate, improvise, compose, and evaluate music as they sing, move, and play instruments. Students participate in Christmas and Spring Concerts and the yearly talent show. All students use unpitched percussion and Orff instrumentarium. Recorders are studied in grades 3 - 5 with the Recorder Karate Program. Middle School students study ukuleles. The MN State Standards and National Standards are used to measure benchmarks.