HŌ'Ā Program Overview
At its core, the HŌ'Ā program is about collaboration, connection, and creation. Students connect to the ‘āina and create art from this place of connection in order to develop individual and community well-being.
Overview
Students grades 2-6 and their teachers work with a Teaching Artist and ‘Āina Educator during five scaffolded sessions that introduce them to their home moku, engage them in outdoor, place-based learning, and lead them through the artistic process. Two of the five sessions will take place in the mālama ‘āina site where the ‘Āina Educator is based. These huaka‘i (field trips) will offer students an opportunity to build relationships with a culturally important place near their home while reflecting on their learning through art making with the Teaching Artist. The Hawai‘i SFCA’s Art in Public Places artwork will help students connect their learning at the mālama ‘āina site with their lives. Lessons will be tied to Nā Hopena A‘o and National Core Arts Standards.
*All fees for the field trips, buses, guest teacher stipends and supplies are covered by the HŌ‘Ā program.
Program Flow
In-Class Session 1
Classroom visit with Teaching Artist and ‘Āina-based Educator to introduce theme and prepare for huaka‘i experience
Huaka‘i (field trip) #2
Field trip to the Mālama ‘Āina site including culturally meaningful work, hands-on learning and reflection on an evolving relationship with ‘āina through art
Huaka‘i (field trip) #1
Field trip to the Mālama ‘Āina site including culturally meaningful work, hands-on learning and reflection through art
In-Class Session 3
Classroom visit with Teaching Artist to reflect on learning and further develop a piece of art or arts practice.
In-Class Session 2
Classroom visit with Teaching Artist to reflect on learning and develop a piece of art or arts practice.
Hō‘ike
Students, with the guidance of their Classroom Teacher, create a presentation of their learning for younger children, parents or the community.
Before the sessions with students, Teaching Artists, ‘Āina-based Educators, & Classroom Teachers come together for a Kick-Off professional development session, orientation session and meetings to create a culturally rich arts learning curriculum for elementary school students grades 2-5.
Collaboration is our foundation
Key Elements
Culturally meaningful work that develops a sense of belonging and responsibility within students
Engagement in the artistic process that leads students from a concept, through revision and into a final piece of art that expresses an important emotion or idea
A student-led project to present HŌ‘Ā learning to ʻohana, community or younger children at the school
Engagement with the State’s Art in Public Places collection to develop National Core Arts Standards-based learning
Extensive professional development for teachers on arts integration and ‘āina-based learning, especially as they relate to Nā Hopena Aʻo