School: Ka Waihona o Ka Naʻauao, Public Charter School
Tutor(s): Kiʻilani Kwan and Deirdre Makanani
Driving Question: How can we as beginning readers bring a story to life?
What did the students DO?
The Literacy to Life PALS group took reading to a whole new level as they engaged with stories from multiple genres. Their favorite reads were cultural stories particular to the Waiʻanae Coast of Oʻahu. Students enjoyed these stories best because they were based in the places dearest to their hearts, the places they call home. Following each book sharing, the group participated in discussions to help them identify basic literary components including story elements and character development. To aid in retelling stories, students created art pieces using a variety of art mediums; and ventured into simple set production, costume making, and theatrical performances to bring those stories to life. These activities were interactive, fun, and exciting for all!
Aside from the experiences above, the students participated in a three-day cultural-based workshop. The three-day workshop was facilitated by a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner, who engaged the students in the process of kapa making from beginning to end. They learned how to tend the wauke, prepare for dying, the use of natural dyes, and created their own kapa piece. Maikaʻi loa!
Place-Based Field Experiences/Connections
The students explored place and culture through the retelling of stories and books. They worked closely with the teachers and as a group to retell these fond stories to others.
- Stories of the Waiʻanae Coast
- Stories based on the various mural located on their school campus
- 3-day workshop with Fyah Island Family
Note: The Literacy to Life PALS group emerged for the first time during SY 2019-2020. Due to the circumstances of this time, the group did not have the opportunity to complete everything they planned to accomplish. Although the group was short-lived for that particular school year, we hope that when given the opportunity to return to school, they can resume their adventures through reading books together.
