School: Nānāikapono Elementary School
Grade Level: Grades K-1
Teacher: Mary (Nani) Kahalewai and Kelli Liu
Driving Question: How do we, as hula dancers and Hawaiian language learners, perpetuate Hawaiian culture so that it lives on for many generations?
What did the students DO?
This energetic group of keiki is growing in both hula and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi as they develop consistent routines, build stamina, and embrace cultural learning. Under the guidance of Kumu Nani and an additional teacher, students are exploring mele, basic hula steps, and foundational Hawaiian language skills. Their excitement for learning is evident as they prepare for their upcoming hōʻike.
- Establishing Routines and Building Stamina: The younger keiki have adjusted to after-school rituals such as checking in with their kumu, enjoying a snack, taking a bathroom break, and completing homework before diving into hula practice. While energy can fade after routines, they are steadily building the stamina to fully engage in learning.
- Dedicated Teaching and Support: Kumu Nani has welcomed another kumu to help guide the group, ensuring that both hula and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi remain top priorities during PALS time.
- Cultural Learning Through Song and Language: The keiki have learned Mele Pana, Oli Mahalo, months of the year (Nā Malama o ka Makahiki), days of the week (Nā Lā o ka Pule), colors (Nā Waihoʻoluʻu), and numbers (Nā Helu) in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
- Hula Basics and Song Mastery: Students are practicing foundational hula steps, including kaholo, hela, and ʻumi, while becoming well-versed in the mele Lahaina.
- Welcoming New Haumāna: Two new students have joined the group this month, bringing fresh enthusiasm and eagerness to learn hula and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
- Hōʻike Preparation: The group is rehearsing two songs and two ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi games to share at hōʻike, building confidence and joy in performing for their ʻohana and community.
- Creative Learning Tools: Students created flashcard games for hōʻike, pairing ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi words with matching illustrations to reinforce vocabulary in an engaging way.
This group exemplifies the living spirit of Hawaiian culture by embracing hula as a form of storytelling and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi as a means of communication and identity. Through mele, movement, and language games, they are fostering confidence, cultural pride, and a sense of belonging—laying a strong foundation for the perpetuation of Hawaiian traditions for generations to come.
