The goal of this month's theme is to allow the Heart House students to experience all of the fun and unique ways reading and writing is used in self-discovery, hobbies and entertainment, careers, and life in general. Inside and outside of the classroom are both equally challenging places to help kids improve their literacy skills. With this curriculum, we hope to reconnect the Heart House children with the wide world of literacy in all its forms.
Some special project topics and activities include:
- Phonics & Phonemic Awareness for Early Elementary
- Reader’s Theatre Activities for Lower & Upper Elementary
- Poetry Activities
- Host Your Own Poetry Slam
- Lyrics & Music
- Create Your Own Cookbook
- Reading & Writing in a Digital World
- Pen Pals & Mailboxes
- Book Buddy: a special reading and writing project pairing older students with younger ones
- Banned Books: a look into why certain writing is challenged and whether books should be banned
And here's what we studied recently:
Recently we have been busy bees investigating fact versus fiction for our “Myth Busters” theme. These activities were focused on scientific investigation in order to create well-informed hypotheses, observations, and conclusions. Some of the topics we explored were common misconceptions about insects and animals, fruits and plants, and life beyond Earth! We wrapped up our unit with our own spin on a popular kids’ game show, which we renamed “Are You Smarter Than a Heart House Kid?: Myth Busters edition”. The kids beat the socks off of the Heart House staff!
Special Guests
- Kelly and Alex Freeman brought in worm bin to explore the benefits of worms in our environment.
- Katie Kizziar and Kate Monzo conducted a scientific investigation of how to build flying objects other than airplanes.
- Bat Conservation International discussed common misconceptions about bats and brought in several types of real live bats for kids to see!
We love special guests at Heart House! In the past, we've had everyone from ballerinas to slam poets to Scuba Steve visit us. You're invited to join us one day after school to share your talent and passion with the children. If you would like to be a special guest or organize a special project with your friends, please let us know. You can call our Volunteer Coordinator at (512) 929-8187 or email us at volunteer@hearthouse.org. We look forward to hearing from you.
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