Elementary Program Overview

HEaT holds four instructor-led enrichment sessions and a lunch period. Younger students are placed on our Ground Prowlers team, while older learners are placed on the Canopy Climbers team. Our class sizes are capped at 18. Elementary students will take all classes and rotate through them with their assigned group. Course subjects change each semester. Below are sample offerings.

Language Arts: In this language arts unit, students will explore what it means to be an author and an illustrator, and discover how their favorite books are brought to life. Through engaging read-alouds and guided discussions, students will be introduced to well-loved authors such as Eric Carle, Mo Willems, Kevin Henkes, Ezra Jack Keats, Jan Brett, Tomie dePaola, Patricia Polacco, Dr. Seuss, and Julia Donaldson. Each week, students will focus on a different author and notice what makes their stories unique. We will look at how words and illustrations work together to communicate ideas, emotions, and meaning. Through a variety of hands-on and creative activities, students will begin to build confidence in expressing their own ideas.

Art- In this hands-on art class, students will embark on a creative journey into the rainforest while exploring a variety of artistic elements, techniques, and mediums. Their art will complement what they are learning in Language Arts and Science. Emphasis will be placed on the art-making process, encouraging students to think like artists rather than simply complete crafts. Through painting, drawing, and mixed-media creations inspired by the vibrant world of the rainforest, students will develop artistic skills, express their ideas, build confidence, and grow in their love of creative expression.

Science- This semester, students will take an adventure into one of the most amazing places on Earth—the rainforest! Together, we’ll discover what a rainforest is, where rainforests are found, and what makes them so full of life. Students will learn about the plants, animals, weather, and geography of the rainforest, and how all of these parts work together like a giant living team. Along the way, we’ll explore why rainforests are so important to our planet, from providing homes for countless plants and animals to helping keep Earth healthy. Through curiosity, hands-on learning, and wonder, students will grow to see rainforests as vibrant, connected spaces that truly matter to the world we share.

Physical Education- In this Elementary Physical Education course, students will discover how teamwork enhances both performance and enjoyment in physical activity. Throughout the semester, students will engage in interactive lessons centered around basketball, volleyball, and soccer, building skills in cooperation, communication, and mutual support within a team environment. The HEaT values of RED—Responsible, Empathetic, and Diligent—will be consistently emphasized as guiding principles in every activity. Each class will open with a guided warm-up and a short “team talk,” encouraging students to think about the role of teamwork. These moments are designed to help students build connections and recognize how working together positively impacts both sports and everyday life. As the semester progresses, students will apply teamwork strategies through skill-building exercises, small-sided games, and two designated days focused on classic PE activities. These experiences will provide opportunities to practice collaboration in a variety of settings. At the end of each class, students will participate in the “Final Five,” a brief period of choice-based activity that allows students to have fun, build friendships, and reflect on their development as supportive teammates. By the end of the course, students will have strengthened their physical abilities while gaining valuable teamwork skills they can carry beyond the gym.

Lunch- Students will need to bring a nut-free lunch each week, along with a water bottle. There will be a 25 minute lunch break for students to eat and socialize.