School: Kamaile Academy Public Charter School
Grade Level: Grades Pre K-K
Teacher: Chikyra Crabbe, Darlene Kay, Haunani Quizon, and Jolene Soto
Driving Question: How can we, as thinkers, find things that interest us so that we can apply our mind, hands, and hearts to do things that interest us to keep our mind working, thinking, and busy?
What did the students DO?
The Our Mind, Our Choice group fosters a strong sense of identity, kuleana (responsibility), and pilina (connection) through choice-based learning centers rooted in student interest and expression. By honoring the manaʻo and individuality of each keiki, the group creates a safe space for self-discovery, peer connection, and emotional well-being. Students are encouraged to think deeply (noʻonoʻo), work collaboratively, and engage in purposeful activities that nurture their naʻau, minds, and bodies. A recent huakaʻi to Ua Lani O Mākaha Farm allowed haumāna to deepen their understanding of mālama ʻāina and connect their classroom learning to real-world experiences.
- Empowered Learning Through Choice: Students are given the opportunity to select from diverse learning centers that align with their personal interests and strengths. This intentional practice nurtures their sense of agency and supports growth through hands-on engagement, critical thinking, and creativity.
- Building Pilina Through Social Interaction: Keiki practice respectful and inclusive interactions during center time. Through play and collaboration, they learn how to resolve conflict, take turns, and care for one another, strengthening their sense of community and empathy.
- Huakaʻi to Ua Lani O Mākaha Farm: During a meaningful visit to Ua Lani O Mākaha, students explored the interconnection between ʻāina and self. They engaged in hands-on learning and witnessed the values of mālama ʻāina and sustainability in action, creating a real-world bridge between their learning centers and community life.
- Mentorship Across Grade Levels: Kindergarten students work alongside pre-K peers during common center times, providing support and encouragement. This pilina-based mentorship fosters a nurturing environment where older students model positive behavior and leadership, while younger students gain confidence and guidance.
- Fostering Well-Being and Expression: By placing value on voice and choice, students are encouraged to express themselves authentically and confidently. This culturally responsive approach promotes emotional balance, encourages reflection, and helps keiki build a healthy internal foundation for learning and relationships.
Our Mind, Our Choice has become a space where students flourish socially, emotionally, and intellectually. By integrating Hawaiian values such as kuleana, mālama, and aloha kekahi i kekahi (love and care for one another), the group creates a learning environment that supports the whole child. The inclusion of real-world experiences, like the huakaʻi to Ua Lani O Mākaha, reinforces the importance of ʻāina-based learning and community engagement. Through consistent opportunities to make choices, collaborate with peers, and engage meaningfully with their surroundings, keiki are developing a strong sense of identity and responsibility—essential foundations for their journey as lifelong learners and community-minded individuals.
