Curriculum

Core Emergent Concepts

Balance. Heffalump works to create the perfect balance of music and art, learning and playtime, individual and group development. To help promote the growth of the whole child, the emergent curriculum includes field trips, week-long projects, guest speakers, musicians, artists, and story tellers.

Social Interaction While children begin to exert their independence, they also gain a better understanding of group play. We promote sharing, cooperating and taking turns to teach your child the importance of self-regulation and respect for others.

Discovery Heffalump's children are busy examining their environment and learning to communicate their thoughts. Your child will discover something new each day through games, songs, movement and art.

Community Heffalump builds a strong partnership among teachers, parents and children through daily communication. This interaction fosters confidences and a foundational love of learning that will last a lifetime.

Assessment is observation-based and ongoing. Teachers discuss each child’s development to make sure that learning is occurring at an appropriate pace. Performance reviews are scheduled twice a year to discuss the progress of the child and to encourage communication between teachers and parents. Parents can make an appointment at any time to discuss their questions or concerns.

Themes 2011-2012

Preparing children for the diverse, global world we now live in.

September - International Friendship Month: This ice breaker is a great opportunity for students to build on “Art of making a friend” skills. Also builds teamwork and promotes taking turns.

October - Health and Safety Month: Students learn to prevent the spread of germs in school and home, what to do in a school emergency ( fire or earthquake), safety tips when riding a bike, safety tips and procedures for field trips.

November - Nutrition Month: Called International Nutrition Month because it is a great opportunity for parents to introduce new foods and cultures as we explore, “Where food comes from and healthy choices”.

December - International Share and Care Month: A time to build on sharing and responsibility. Student's can bring a toy on Fridays for show and tell. (Make sure it is a toy they do not mind sharing) Also a great time for parents to share holiday spirit by creating a celebration activity from their childhood. ex. ( Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa)

January - Parents Month: Called “BE NICE TO YOUR PARENT'S” This is a time for exploring families ex. ( Do birds have parents? What about insects? Do parents have parents?) A great time for parents to visit, share experiences or stories from childhood.

February - Science Month: A time to we explore things of scientific nature, maybe build a dinosaur land, or create a moon base.

March - Exercise Month: A time to add more music/movement activities, along with walks and a parade ( March 3rd is still Squeaky the Toad Day)

April - Earth Month: A time to explore recycling projects like building instruments, or structures from reusable materials, learn recycling at school and home, plant flowers and vegetables.

May - Storytime Month: A time to reinforce reading and listing skills. Students bring in their favorite stories. Small and large group activities.

June - Play Month: A time to relax a bit and explore free time, using what is learned all year (SELF REGULATION) June is a short month. Check calender for days. School year ends.

Optional July/August: Summer Day Camp: Walks, Games, Sports, water play, arts and crafts