In our program, we maintain a balance
between teacher-directed activity and unstructured time. Within the general
structure of each day we have a central project or activity. We follow a
monthly curriculum that contains themes
for each week, and the daily activities (art, science, cooking, gardening,
music or drama projects, or fieldtrips) relate to this theme. Typical
themes include topics such as "Animals," "Shapes,"
"Feelings," "Energy," "Communication," and
"Film Making." Projects range from simple finger painting to
building a functional electronic robot. Our field trips take us to parks,
children's homes, the firehouse, the zoo, tours of local businesses, berry
picking in Pescadero, and on boat and train trips.
We place a strong emphasis on the importance of the children's play, and
see it as the method with which they accomplish their most profound growth.
Using
the children's ideas and imaginations as the seeds for many of the projects
and trips brings an additional dimension to much of the activity at
Heffalump, allowing the children to truly own the exciting experience of
learning. The level of engagement that can be fostered by this sensitive
approach benefits children in the immediate satisfaction of accomplishment
and also generates an ongoing enthusiastic, positive relationship with
learning. It is a special thing for us to share in.
We do not pressure children with achievement-oriented instruction.
Accomplishment of specific skills (reading, writing, etc.) is only incidental
within the broader view of what is appropriate and of lasting benefit to
our children. While we continually encourage the children to expand their
horizons and gladly work further on specific skills with those who
demonstrate an appropriate interest, we do not 'alphabeat' our children. We
believe the positive effects of being tantalized by their own innate desire
to learn, and developing their own internal resources, far outlast the
transient merit of acquiring a performance-oriented skill.
While
we actively monitor and support the growth and development of all facets of
the children's personalities, our primary focus is on their emotional and
social well-being. Underlying our program is the genuine concern that our
children be able to know themselves, feel good about being who they are,
and grow to share this with others. We seek to empower our children to
become happy, well-adjusted, and self-actualized individuals.
Joining the Heffalump community provides parents with the opportunity to be
directly involved in their child's early education experience and to share
this with other parents. It is a rewarding endeavor, and also importantly,
one in which all of us who participate have fun.
themes
for each week, and the daily activities (art, science, cooking, gardening,
music or drama projects, or fieldtrips) relate to this theme. Typical
themes include topics such as "Animals," "Shapes,"
"Feelings," "Energy," "Communication," and
"Film Making." Projects range from simple finger painting to
building a functional electronic robot. Our field trips take us to parks,
children's homes, the firehouse, the zoo, tours of local businesses, berry
picking in Pescadero, and on boat and train trips. 
Using
the children's ideas and imaginations as the seeds for many of the projects
and trips brings an additional dimension to much of the activity at
Heffalump, allowing the children to truly own the exciting experience of
learning. The level of engagement that can be fostered by this sensitive
approach benefits children in the immediate satisfaction of accomplishment
and also generates an ongoing enthusiastic, positive relationship with
learning. It is a special thing for us to share in. 
incidental
within the broader view of what is appropriate and of lasting benefit to
our children. While we continually encourage the children to expand their
horizons and gladly work further on specific skills with those who
demonstrate an appropriate interest, we do not 'alphabeat' our children. We
believe the positive effects of being tantalized by their own innate desire
to learn, and developing their own internal resources, far outlast the
transient merit of acquiring a performance-oriented skill. 
While
we actively monitor and support the growth and development of all facets of
the children's personalities, our primary focus is on their emotional and
social well-being. Underlying our program is the genuine concern that our
children be able to know themselves, feel good about being who they are,
and grow to share this with others. We seek to empower our children to
become happy, well-adjusted, and self-actualized individuals. 