Specialty Classes

Art, music, physical education, French, physical world lab (sometimes called, “shop”) along with library and technology/communications while called “special subjects” are, in fact, part of the core curriculum at Hanahau`oli.  The concepts, processes and skills in each discipline are taught as a foundation for creative, self-expression and connection-making as children study classroom units. 

Children are offered a studio experience in visual arts which includes a variety of media from drawing and painting to clay and sculpture to weaving and design.  Problem solving is the focus as children learn to observe carefully and investigate the creative process.  In Physical World Lab, children are invited to explore science and social studies concepts as they learn to use woodworking tools, investigate simple machines, discover the physics of sound or create a replica of an imaginary island.  The program builds on the Deweyan notion that thinking and doing are connected and satisfaction results from a job well-done using one’s hands.

Capitalizing upon the variety of strengths children bring to school and celebrating different learning styles, the RPM Team (music, French and physical education), have designed a program that builds upon the natural connections between movement, music and language.  Rhythms, patterns and movement are shared core elements of all three disciplines which when brought together invite children to lead from their preferred intelligence as they explore the others.  The power inherent in this combination is visible as children design and choreograph special school wide programs.  Each discipline is also taught separately: 

• music emphasizes singing, exploring and playing instruments, moving to the music and using concepts and skills to create, improvise and compose;
• in French, children engage in culturally authentic activities as the context for using language skills as a communication tool and developing a sense of themselves as citizens of a larger world;
•  the activities and skills pursued in physical education emphasize movement and cooperation as foundations for healthy living while children learn traditional and non-traditional games and sports ranging from flag football and volleyball to creating original games, juggling and choreographing jump rope routines.

The library supports all classroom units with both fiction and non-fiction books as well as non –book materials. The librarian offers story times for children introducing them to new literature or genres along with working side-by-side with classroom teachers on literature and poetry units.  Children can be found designing movie-like trailers of their favorite books for a school wide audience or blogging about literary elements as they read together.

Technology is generally integrated within the classroom program.  The Communication Center offers specialized training in using programs and equipment not available in the classroom and works with classroom teachers to help children to learn to use various tools and sites to access information and to facilitate learning how to do multi-media presentations.

Orchestra and Band are offered to children beginning what would be third grade in a traditional school setting.  No prior experience is necessary and children are invited to play an instrument of their choice.  There are two annual performances along with participation in the Parade of Orchestras and special events.

Enrichment classes are offered fall and spring each year after school (a separate fee is charged).  While they vary with each year, a sampling includes stain glass design, painting and drawing, robotics, gymnastics, Japanese language, and hula.