Sept. 28, 2017

Contributed by Kristen Purdy

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.