Ka Hale Hoaka

Join us for the Ke Aupuni Palapala workshop series, inspired by the powerful words of King Kauikeaouli, the revered ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi: “He aupuni palapala koʻu; o ke kanaka pono ʻoia koʻu kanaka.” This phrase translates to “Mine is the kingdom of education; the righteous man is my man,” emphasizing his unwavering belief in the transformative power of literacy and education. In the 1800s, this commitment led to an extraordinary 98% literacy rate among the Kanaka Maoli population. Over three enriching days, we will delve into the successful educational systems established during our monarchs' reign. We aim to weave Hawaiian culture and traditional concepts into daily teaching practices, allowing you to cultivate a stronger sense of identity, place, and kuleana (responsibility). 

**Anticipated Outcomes for Educators:**

 By the conclusion of this series, you will emerge with a profound understanding of your role within the *kaiāulu* (community), enabling you to make a meaningful impact. 

**Assessing Impact on Student Learning:**

 This workshop will empower you to foster an inclusive learning environment that nurtures a strong sense of belonging for all students, leading to improved engagement and learning outcomes. 

**Ongoing Support and Resources:

Participants will receive membership to Ka Hale Hoaka’s online classroom for Ke Aupuni Palapala, granting access to all slides, materials, and resources discussed during the workshop. Additionally, attendees will have the valuable opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow Hawaiʻi educators and facilitators.

** Day 1 - Ho’okumu: Looking to the Source **

Hoʻokumu signifies the act of beginning, creating, and establishing foundations. In this workshop, educators will engage deeply with the ʻōlelo noʻeau "He lālā nō wau no kuʻu kumu," which affirms, "I am a branch of my tree/my teacher." Participants will assertively examine their genealogy of learning (moʻokūʻauhau) and the essential pillars of knowledge (kukulu) that have shaped their educational experiences. We will confront the realities of a century of miseducation in Hawaiʻi and its profound effects on students' lives. Kumu will be equipped with powerful tools to forge a strong foundation through their personal stories and insights gained in the workshop. By the conclusion, they will have a definitive understanding of their beginnings, their journey, and a clear mission for their future as educators, anchored in a resolute sense of kuleana (responsibility).

Day 2 - Hānai Kumu - Praxis of Hawaiian Pedagogies

Hānai Kumu, meaning to nourish, sustain, and care for teachers, embodies the heart of this transformative workshop. Designed to strengthen teacher-student relationships, this session offers a vital and ethical cultural orientation that empowers Hawaiʻi educators with essential knowledge and skills. By creating impactful experiences for haumāna (students), we can help them emerge as engaged agents of their learning, fostering an empathetic environment specifically for Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) students. 

How can Hawaiian pedagogies shape a thriving learning atmosphere where both teachers and students can flourish? In this workshop, educators will delve into a rich array of Hawaiian pedagogical practices such as ʻŌlelo Noʻeau (wise sayings), Moʻolelo (stories), Mele (songs), Oli (chants), Hana Noʻeau (artistic creations), ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language), and even Makahiki games. As participants immerse themselves deeper into these traditions, they will also explore the significance of lawena—cultural behavioral expectations—and its practical implications in educational settings. 

Moreover, attendees will discover effective ways to integrate ʻĀina-based (land-based) learning into their classrooms and outdoor settings. We encourage educators to create a final project that establishes and reinforces Hawaiian cultural expectations, enhancing classroom management through the application of these rich pedagogies. Ultimately, students will learn to embody Hawaiian culture and traditional values in their daily lives, nurturing a profound sense of self, belonging, and kuleana (responsibility). Join us in this journey to cultivate a vibrant, culturally responsive educational experience for all!

** Day 3 - Ho’okahua - Designing Multidisciplinary 

Units of Study Through a Hawaiian Lens **

Hoʻokahua is defined as establishing, laying a foundation, or dedicating oneself to a task with determination to see it through. This workshop will address the question, “How can I effectively teach a diverse group of learners, integrate multiple concepts and content areas, and incorporate Hawaiian pedagogies into a single unit of study?” 

The Hoʻokahua workshop will provide educators (kumu) with the tools needed to confidently build a strong foundational (kahua) understanding that allows for the integration of Hawaiian methodologies and pedagogies across various content areas. Facilitators will offer guidance and resources to help educators design individualized frameworks that apply the principles of Hawaiian ways of learning, which can accommodate a broad spectrum of learners. 

Our goal at Hoʻokahua is to empower educators to plant lasting seeds of knowledge and serve as living examples of invaluable Hawaiian pedagogies. Together, we will collaborate to outline a project, lesson, or unit plan that can be effectively implemented in their learning environments.