Once a week KS Maui Elementary students in second to sixth grade get an extended amount of time to pursue an area of interest or strength in our Poʻakolu Hoʻoulu projects. Through the vision and professional learning of the staff, the master schedule was tweaked to provide this innovative and cutting edge opportunity for our students. At the beginning of the term, teachers pitched their themes to the students, who was then able to select which project they wanted to join. Students explore that project for half the term and then switch activities mid-way through to have different Hoʻoulu opportunities and experiences. First trimester projects include: creating and preparing our Wake Up Warriors! morning broadcast teams, lei making, learning about electric circuits, the Artist of the Week, and enhancing student leadership skills to name a few.
Students eagerly anticipate their time to explore, create, and advance their skills in a purely intrinsic learning enviroment free of grades, homework, and due dates. Nainoa, a fifth grader, said, “I like this because we have more time to do hands-on learning and not everything is from a book and sitting in class.” Another fifth grader, Mahina added, “This activity is fun because you get to create what you want to and not always be told what to do.” We will continue to learn, grow, and innovate as a school in this model to provide our students with the 21st Century knowledge and skills that will better prepare them for the future that they will live in.
An emerging artisan looks up from her mat weaving project to take a quick picture. Artist of the Week, Uncle Mika, a niu weaving expert, shared his ʻike with our haumāna and showed them how to weave and create many different items.
Credit: Mr. Pahukula, Kula Ha`aha`a Po`o Kumu
Two of our video production specialist creating their introductory videos for Wake Up Warriors, our live morning broadcast show. Through Poʻakolu Hoʻoulu, we were able to offer more students the opportunity to be a part of one of oue three different morning broadcast crews.
Credit: Mr. Pahukula, Kula Ha`aha`a Po`o Kumu
After learning about caring for the lāʻi around our campus, these second and third graders learn how to braid lei and bracelets made of the lāʻi. We hope to use those in this group to make lei that we can present to special guests who visit our campus.
Credit: Mr. Pahukula, Kula Ha`aha`a Po`o Kumu
These young craftsmen are creating a fine wood sander using an electric motor to rapidly spin a sanding type material. The deep intensity and engagement at which these young men are building and problem solving is undeniable.
Credit: Mr. Pahukula, Kula Ha`aha`a Po`o Kumu
Kumu Kaiaokamalie, our iLearning Lab Kumu and Wake Up Warriors Advisor, pitching to garner student interest in joining the Wake Up Warriors broadcast teams.
Credit: Mr. Pahukula, Kula Ha`aha`a Po`o Kumu
Kumu Stenger, our upper elementary Science kumu, raising the bar of enthusiam as he pitches for his mad scientist electricity and circuits Hoʻoulu class.
Credit: Mr. Pahukula, Kula Ha`aha`a Po`o Kumu
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