Programs
Ko'u Pilina Kai – Our Relation to the Ocean
This school year the students in grades 2 and 3 are focusing on “Our Relation to the Ocean” or Ko'u Pilina Kai. The students began the 1st quarter with an interdisciplinary introduction to the kai. We explored our theme through a play focusing on the water cycle performed for our ‘ohana at Open House. Students were also introduced to the microscope, exploring sand at the different levels of the beach at ʻŌhaiʻula, and viewed a NASA presentation of the World that showed the different seas. Students also expanded their knowledge of symmetry as they produced a self-portrait, as a creative means to learn mapping skills.
As part of their physical education, students participated in water safety and awareness workshops, which were held every Thursday at ‘Ōhai'ula. As part of our study of our wahi pana of Kawaihae, we spend an overnight huaka’i at Hālau Kukui. In Language Arts, the students were introduced to the importance of oral history, by conducting personal interviews with their peers. They also began learning Hawaiian and English dictionary skills to find the difference between Kai and Moana and were introduced to the Kumulipo, a cosmogonic genealogy which describes the evolution of life from the depths of the ocean.
As part of our ongoing efforts to strive to reach our highest level, kumu, ‘ohana members and students continue to engage in reflection. Such a recent reflection of the 1st quarter prompted the revision of our 2nd quarter schedule to better accommodate our younger students at Lälämilo. Preliminary data show that students prefer our new schedule since it allows more time for them to meet individually and in smaller groups with their kumu. Moreover, our new schedule also allows students to share and alakaÿi in areas of strengths, which in turn encourages younger peers to strive to learn what their older peers know and are learning. Kumu and parent observations indicate that students who were once shy and hesitant are now taking the lead in protocol, oral presentations, and striving to go beyond their comfort zone. Research suggests that self-directed learners are curious and willing to try new things view problems as challenges, desire change, and enjoy learning. They are also found to be motivated and persistent, independent, self-disciplined, self-confident and goal-oriented and overall more effective learners and social beings.