School: Kamaile Academy Public Charter School
Grade Level: Grades 2-3
Teacher: Chassidy Kaaihue, Steven Moore, and Camille Kaye
Driving Question: How do art and theater activities enhance our haumana’s critical thinking skills and social skills to uplift our Kamaile community?
What did the students DO?
The art-focused haumāna of this dynamic group began their journey just before fall break, diving into a wide range of artistic expressions through both visual and performing arts. From self-portraits and watercolor paintings to holiday crafts and stage set design, students explored their creativity through hands-on experiences and huakaʻi (excursions). Their learning was deepened by visits to museums, mentorship from a Waiʻanae High School class, and participation in theatrical events, setting the stage for their own performances and cultural expression.
- Artistic Exploration: Students immersed themselves in a wide range of artistic mediums, including tie-dye, painting, drawing, and magazine collage. They thoughtfully created holiday crafts such as ceramic tile coasters and handmade greeting cards, offering them as makana (gifts) to their ʻohana, deepening the spirit of giving and cultural expression.
- Cultural Enrichment & Museum Huakaʻi: As part of their learning journey, haumāna visited the Bishop Museum where they observed traditional Hawaiian and Pacific Islander artifacts to inspire their own artistic growth. They also explored the Honolulu Museum of Art and participated in the “Search for Snoopy” Interactive Experience, where they learned about storytelling through set design and the role of art in shaping narratives.
- Performing Arts Integration: Students attended local theatrical productions and engaged with the Hawai‘i Theater for Youth, gaining firsthand insight into the world of live performance. In class, they practiced reading monologues, experimented with scriptwriting, and began working on set design in preparation for their own student-led creative performances.
- Mentorship & Collaboration: This group partnered with a mentor class from Waiʻanae High School, building meaningful pilina (connections) through shared artistic experiences. Together, they collaborated on multi-medium projects that fostered creativity, strengthened relationships, and encouraged students to take risks and grow as young artists.
This visual and performing arts program provided a rich, creative space where students could express themselves and connect with others through art. By integrating huakaʻi, mentorship, and hands-on projects, haumāna deepened their appreciation for both contemporary and traditional art forms. The program fostered confidence, teamwork, and cultural awareness, helping students embrace their unique voices and share their stories through color, movement, and performance.
