February 2021 Newsletter

What is ‘Āina-based Learning?

The word ‘āina literally means “that which feeds” from the land and earth. An ‘āina -based organization is driven by the fundamental premise that, by nurturing the Land and Earth, we nurture ourselves. It is a holistic practice that is inextricably intertwined with learning, living and teaching to perpetuate extant knowledge acquired across millennia.

In the 21st century, it has taken on an even more important meaning. A healthy community is one that is connected to the ‘āina. In turn, the practice of ʻĀina-based education connects and empowers people to be lifelong learners. By empowering each other we can accomplish more.

In this pandemic time, caring for place and each other are more important than ever. It is the connection to ‘āina that is fundamental to recovery based on an indigenous Hawaiian history applied in new, profound ways.

Maika’i loa
(well done)
Puohala Elementary School!

With Purple Mai’a, a Hawaii non profit that teaches Hawaiian children to code, the students at Puohala have used Minecraft in an innovative way!

Haumana (students) are challenged to build model ahupuaa systems with the digital application. At first glance the students seem to just be playing the relatively popular Minecraft video game, BUT, students are acutally building connection to place and each other!

Kumu Jenny and Kumu Jarom guide students by creating experiences for practical applications of learning the values of a kaikuaʻana & kaikaina (older and younger sibling) relationships.

Class sessions and growth experiences are only guided and monitored by the kumu, leaving most of the experiences driven by the haumana. The Kumu would, from time to time, increase the challenge (and incentive) by extending build challenges, math obstacle course or a ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi wale nō (only Hawaiian language) time period to keep everyone on their toes.

The real beauty was in how students collaboratively built homes & communities using this digital ʻāina. Concurrently, they developed relationships, skills and values, affording them the comfort to take risks, fail, learn and grow together. It was what education could and should be!

The ʻOhana Corner 

We hope to encourage and equip you to help your child succeed -- not just at school, but for life. We will try to answer your questions and share resources with you so you can decide what's best for you, your child and family.

♥

Hawai’ian Phrase of the Month:

E aloha a me mālama kekahi i kekahi

(To love and take care of one another)

Storytime in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi!

with

special guest reader 

Kalei Maioho-Carillo

Hawaiʻian language teacher at

Hālau Kū Māna Charter School.

ʻO Manu, Ke Keiki Aloha Manu is the translated version of the newly released picture book Manu, the Boy Who Loved Birds.

TUITION-FREE ENROLLMENT IN THE SKILLS WE NEED?

Hanahau'oli School announces the return of our virtual summer experience for students across the islands entering grades 2 through 5. Join us in multi-age, child-centered, collaborative and interactive online classrooms aimed at building the skills and foundation needed for lifelong learning and engagement in our diverse democracy.   In this virtual course, students will embark on a thematic exploration of who they are, how the world around them is quickly changing, and the importance of connection.

Part 2 of our 5-part Series, a discussion on teaching keiki what they mean and how to live them.

Today we feature: RESPONSIBILITY

Being responsible means knowing the difference between right and wrong, thinking rationally, and being accountable for one’s behavior.

Children who are responsible are more willing to do their homework, complete their chores, and take care of their belongings. They will also learn to respect other people’s property as well as their own.

Children who are given appropriate responsibility are more likely to behave responsibly, both when they are with their parents, as well as when they are on their own.

Give children chores:

When children have chores that are appropriate for their age, they learn that they are capable. They manage their time and finish what they start. When everyone pitches in, the home runs smoother.

Getting Ready for School:

School age children can be responsible for getting themselves up and dressed for school. Many children respond remarkably well when you give them an alarm clock and tell them how much time they have. For children who don’t want to get dressed, taking them to school once or twice in their pajamas usually solves the problem (pack clothes to change into in their backpacks!)

Doing Homework:
Set them up; get them started; tell them to ask if they need help and then let you know when they are done so that you can check it. When they ask for your help, ask them how you can help them, but do not do it for them. When you check their homework, you should just check to make sure that they have done what was assigned. Your job is not to correct it.

Taking Care of Pets:
Younger children can have the responsibility for feeding pets, and older children can also cleaning up after pets.

Taking Care of Belongings:
Teach them to take care and put away their own belongings, toys, clothes, and sports equipment. Preschoolers can be taught to put away their own toys. Elementary school age children can put away their own clothes and sports equipment. Middle schoolers can wash and put away laundry.

Keeping Commitments:

One of the best ways to teach them to keep their commitments is by modeling. When you tell them you are going to do something, make sure you follow up; whether it involves discipline, taking them somewhere, or keeping a personal obligation.

Being a Role Model:

Most of all, if we want to raise children who are responsible, we must be good role models ourselves. Follow through on your commitments. Be considerate of others’ feelings. Take care of your surroundings.

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