Focus
We learn that a Hawaiian Chant (oli) can help us focus our mind. It is an 'oli that Kumu often says before she begins her teaching. By sharing it with us, we can learn to focus as well. We hold hands, palm to palm, so that the energy that is in Kumu may be passed through person to person. Close your eyes and feel the energy. Listen to the 'oli.
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What IS energy?
We ask our students what they think energy is and get a wide range meanings. Some are identified in every class. Sun Plants Life Sun People Life Animal Rain Hi'iaka Pele Sun Batteries Nature Chakra Sun Ocean Rain Light Moon Food Earth Sun Trees Life Na'au Mind Earth Electricity Light Galaxy Universe Sun Stars Water US
Moon Journal-Nightly Homeplay for 28 days
Handmade moon journals are given to each student. The journals have 28 pages. One side of the page is meant for students to record their observations as seen through their eyes as scientists. A circle is drawn on each page, with the date, and space to write the Hawaiian moon phase. Students have learned how to write observations this week in science class. We have practiced by looking at the current moon phase and recording the observations in student classroom journals. Students were given hints on how to draw by looking at the object, and drawing what they see on their paper. Eyes need to look, then hands need to draw, eyes need to look, then eyes need to draw. We are practicing the skills needed by scientists to do science. Observing something over a long period of time, recording changes, drawing what we see. This is a skill needed for Science Standard 7.1.1
The flip side of each page is blank. This side is meant for students to record their feelings as they look at the moon. Students REFLECT on their emotions. One word reflections are not permitted. Students write statements and words that will be used to craft a poem that helps them communicate this 28 day pledge to the moon and the changes that occur. Changes that occur and how they feel about those changes. Every Day. Changes. Energy. Emotions. Reflect. Moon.
If you forget, Mrs. Prevenas has all the information on Hawaiian moon phases. IT IS SO BORING TO JUST LOOK AT THE PICTURES INSTEAD OF LOOKING AT THE REAL MOON!
But if you forget, and don't do it after she has you write the assignment in your planner, everyday, and given you a journal she made, and reminded you everytime you came to class for two weeks, and Kumu reminded you each time she came. Well you have to spend your own time doing it then, during recess, and class time and everytime else too, until you have it made so you can do the next step. Write a poem using your science vocabulary, energy words, emotions you felt, and Hawaiian words.
Click here for the information on the Hawaiian phases of the moon.
Hawaiian Moon Phases
Lastly students learn the phases of the Hawaiian moon. 28 phases. This is a big task, so the phases are put it into a high energy chant that can be taken in as an edgy, pulsing whole. That is our hope. We know that repetition makes for learning, so we practice the words, in rhythm twice. Some of the students already know a Hawaiian hand game that gives the phases. Two of the students share their knowledge with us all.
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