A Hawaiian Ohana theme works well for beginning-of-the-year classroom activities.
Ohana means close-knit family in Hawaiian. By using this theme, students can be introduced to the culture of the state as well as provided with the opportunity to feel closer to their classmates. These activities can be done at the beginning of the semester to bring a class closer together, no matter what grade they are in. These activities can be low budget, but the memories they bring will be cherished for the rest of the year.
Decorating the Classroom
Hand out cutout paper tropical flowers or leaves and have children make them into vines using string (dyed green) and glue. Have other children either string together or glue together seashells. When these decorations are dry, place them around the classroom, explaining the history of Hawaiian culture, as well as the significance of Ohana and "family" in the state.
Creating Flower Leis
Creating flowers in order to make the celebratory leis used by the Hawaiian people allows children to become creative in the classroom while learning about Hawaiian traditions. Hand out previously cutout cardboard shapes of Hawaiian flowers to your students while explaining the different types of flowers. Provide the students with crafting paper, scissors, needles and strings and show them cut out then string the leis. While doing so, explain the significance of the long flower necklaces. After all the students are done, have them each give a lei to another child, placing it over her head, to cement "family" bonds.
Hula Hoops
Divide the children into several teams. While playing traditional Hawaiian music, have a competition to see which children can hula the longest. If possible, have a hula instructor teach your students the hip moves required to keep the hoop rotating before beginning the competition. As the kids hula, read out some basic facts about the family unit in Hawaii. After the competition is done, ask the children questions about these facts, with multiple choice answers, to see who was concentrating while hula-hooping.
Games
Traditional Hawaiian games can be played by the class while learning about Hawaiian families. For example, rolling stones, foot races and spear throwing can work well for classes as they are engaging for students while simple enough to teach.
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