Informed by the ʻike (knowledge) from Heʻeia community educators, ʻike kupuna (ancestral knowledge), and developmentally appropriate practice, a compilation of foundational components of an ʻāina-based early childhood curriculum is presented. As these concepts are necessary for effective and relevant learning experiences, the design of my curriculum utilizes these aspects to create a “menu” of lessons to build for and with Papahana Kuaola, a non-profit mālama ‘āina-based organization located in Waipao, Heʻeia, Oʻahu. Just as each element in a lei is intentional, every element in the creation of this curriculum was hand-picked to include perspectives from the stewards and educators of this space.

STEMS² Pillars: Aʻo, Makawalu, Moʻolelo, Sense of Place, Advocacy