Crafting a lei can teach children about the history of another cultural group.
Although Hawaii is the 50th state, it has remained culturally distinct from the other 49 states of the U.S. mainland. This is largely because of the conscious effort of Hawaiian islanders to maintain a coherent separation, distinguishing their heritage from the general history of the nation. Since statehood, this barrier has become permeable to traditions from other island and East Asian cultures. Incorporating Hawaiian art projects into your curriculum provides a valuable opportunity for students to learn more about this region and the aesthetic products of this dynamic cultural fusion.
Illustrated Stories
A rich, history of story-telling is central to Hawaiian culture. Read Hawaiian stories with students and then complete paintings or drawings to illustrate the central characters and scenes. Compile drawings to create a classroom display or bind them to create a classroom portfolio. Consider creating a portfolio of illustrations for each unit that your class completes: American folk tales, fables, myths and legends.
Lei Making
Leis are necklaces that are given as gifts at many occasions such as birthdays, graduations and job promotions. These necklaces can be made out of flowers, leaves, vines, beads, ribbon and other materials. The colors, scents and type of material that go into making a lei are often symbolic and change the meaning of the lei. For example, a kukui nut lei may symbolize enlightenment and respect for wisdom. Make your own leis by stringing various materials onto a thick fishing line or sturdy cord.
Animal Art
Paint or draw animals that are common on the islands such as sea turtles and geckos. Mount illustrations onto a sturdy paper and add a description or explanation of the animal. Consider writing a brief origin story that explains how the animal reached the islands. There is no conclusive biological theory that explains the presence of plant and animal life on the Hawaiian islands, so there is a lot of room for imagination.
Hawaiian State Flag
Use chalk or acrylics to make illustrations of the Hawaiian state flag and the native Hawaiian flag. Talk about the history behind each of the designs. Invite older students to make comparisons between Hawaii's flags and the history of the American flag. Coordinate this activity with a relevant national holiday such as Memorial Day. Remember to treat the drawn flags respectively as they are symbols of cultural and historic significance.
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