Heart House uses a model of teaching based on methods originally designed for "gifted and talented" children.  In our learning centers, we provide enriching, academically supportive activities to students who would normally never receive such fun and effective learning.

Research indicates that the needs of educationally at-risk children require innovative instructional methods, methods that traditionally have not been thought of as appropriate to this group.  Remediation (education offered below age or grade level) is the method commonly applied to the educational needs of at-risk children, but has been found to diminish effective learning.  Remediation does not necessarily enable children to apply learning or to transfer learning to new content.   

At-risk students have been found to have high levels of academic potential, and when challenged with difficult concepts and the expectation that they could achieve solutions, have produced work of remarkable quality.  The research suggests that instructional methods normally reserved for students of high academic ability, such as thinking skills, and challenging questioning techniques, SHOULD be used with at-risk students.

Thematic teaching is an instructional program design which recognizes that there is potential in every child.  This design offers a total program that modifies the regular curriculum to address learner’s individual needs while organizing enrichment opportunities for individual growth.  The aim of this program is to develop qualitatively differentiated experiences which focus on self-directed learning, critical, creative, and productive thinking strategies in a variety of interdisciplinary activities. 
    

Sample Theme: “Forces of Nature”

  • What impact can forces of nature have on our lives?
  • What is a force of nature?
  • What are the different kinds of forces that exist?
  • Where do these forces occur? Why do they occur in certain areas?
  • How do they impact an area of land? Communities? Me?
  • How can I be safe when they occur?

Heart House is proud to announce a sponsorship opportunity called "Sponsor of the Month." A Sponsor of the Month is a critical Heart House partner, demonstrating true civic leadership in the community. Your donation helps cover the cost of staff and programming expenses during the thematic learning month.   

Sponsorship benefits include:

  • Commemorative photo and recognition

  • A press release on the sponsorship and the activities your company will be sponsoring

  • Your logo and sponsorship acknowledgement on the Heart House website on the first page, the corporate sponsorship page, and the "Our Programs" page

  • Your logo, sponsorship acknowledgement, and company information in the monthly Heart House Herald online newsletter under the "Our Programs" section

  • Your logo, sponsorship acknowledgement, and company information in the monthly parent newsletter

  • Signage in the Heart House main activities room

  • Hand-made thank you cards and drawings from the children to display at your company

  • Tailor-made employee volunteer opportunities or other team building activities for your company during your sponsorship month

  • Invitations of employees to culminating event of the month

  • Employee tours of our facility

  • Limited use of Heart House logo use for promotional purposes

  • Invitation and special thanks at our annual open house and some events

  • Best of all, an opportunity to visit children and parents you are helping to see the difference your gift can make!

Examples of learning themes available for sponsorship are:

  • Media/TV and Film

  • Animals of the World

  • The World of Video Games

  • Under The Sea

  • Games and Sportsmanship

  • Mysteries and Investigations

  • The Community We Live In

  • Finding New Places and Spaces:  Explorers and Adventures

  • Inventors and Inventions

  • My Family

  • Heart House and the Friends We Make Here (mini-unit)

  • The Prehistoric World:  Dinosaurs, Early Humans and Environment

For information on becoming a Sponsor of the Month, please contact us to discuss your organization's donation to Heart House.  Your corporate sponsorship inquiries will be handled with efficiency and tailored, as much as possible, to fit your corporate giving guidelines.