The H.E.A.R.T. Framework: Building AI Literacy from Kindergarten Up

When we think about preparing students for the future, it’s easy to focus on what they need to know. But when it comes to artificial intelligence, what truly matters is that they become curious, compassionate, and thoughtful learners who understand how technology shapes the world around them.

That’s the foundation of the H.E.A.R.T. Framework—Human-Centered Education with AI, Resilient & Trusted.

Why a Framework Matters

In classrooms everywhere, AI is becoming part of how students explore, create, and problem-solve. But without guidance, AI can feel abstract or intimidating, especially in the early grades. Teachers need a pathway that’s simple, adaptable, and anchored in what matters most: connection, creativity, and ethical thinking.

The H.E.A.R.T. Framework was designed for this purpose, a roadmap that helps teachers introduce AI concepts through empathy and inquiry, rather than fear or formulas.

What H.E.A.R.T. Stands For

• H – Human-Centered Learning
  Every lesson begins with people, not programs. Students explore how AI affects daily life and reflect on what makes human intelligence unique: our emotions, imagination, and moral compass.

• E – Empathy & Ethics
  Through stories and classroom discussions, students consider fairness, bias, and the impact of technology on others. They learn that innovation and integrity must go hand in hand.

• A – Agency & Awareness
  Students are not passive users of technology; they are creators and decision-makers. They learn how AI tools work, how to question their outputs, and how to use them responsibly.

• R – Reflection & Resilience
  Mistakes are part of discovery. Students practice thinking critically, trying new solutions, and reflecting on how to improve skills that matter far beyond the science lab.

• T – Trusted Technology Use
  Students build confidence in using AI safely and purposefully. Lessons emphasize transparency, consent, and collaboration, helping young learners understand that trust must be earned even with machines.

A Progression that Grows with Students

Across the grade bands, students meet Arti, the friendly guide who grows with them from Explorer to Engineer to Navigator. Each stage builds on the last, weaving durable skills such as curiosity, critical thinking, and communication into every activity.

The framework isn’t a curriculum to add on top of what teachers already do. It’s a lens that integrates seamlessly into reading, science, and STEM, turning everyday lessons into opportunities for discovery.

Bringing AI Literacy to Life

In classrooms that use the H.E.A.R.T. Framework, you’ll see students asking questions that sound less like test prep and more like wonder:

• “Can a robot learn kindness?”

• “What does it mean to be fair?”

• “How do computers know what we like?”

Those questions are where real AI literacy begins, not in code, but in curiosity.

The Future We’re Building

When we lead with heart, AI becomes more than a tool; it becomes a catalyst for human learning. The H.E.A.R.T. Framework helps teachers nurture that balance between innovation and empathy, ensuring that our youngest learners grow up ready not just to use technology, but to shape it with purpose and care.

Coming Next

In the next post, you’ll meet Arti, the classroom companion who helps bring the H.E.A.R.T. Framework to life through stories, activities, and badges designed for real-world curiosity.

Want to see the H.E.A.R.T Framework in action?

Explore the K-5 lesson series that helps teachers bring empathy, ethics, and creativity to AI.

— Dr. Tonya Coffey 💡 Bringing Science & STEM to Life, One Classroom at a Time