Wrapping Up and Starting Anew

1st/2nd Grades

Before winter break, students began creating their own imaginary islands—rooted in real life, but shaped by imagination. This project grew out of students’ class inquiries around the concept of Place. Students first made a list of real-life places that are meaningful to them. These ranged from familiar community spots like Costco, 7-11, and Kid City, to deeply personal places such as Grandpa and Grandma’s house, Haleʻiwa, and home. Each student then chose symbols to represent these important places.

Next, students used pebbles to create the contours of their islands. While some islands took the form of letters or recognizable shapes, many students allowed the process to guide them, resulting in organic, winding shorelines. We looked closely at an old map of Iceland and noticed how mountains, lava, sea creatures, and ice were represented with symbols. Inspired by this, students added their own symbols to their maps—illustrating both special places from their lives and places they’d love to visit in their imaginations.

This past week, we added the finishing touches by refining outlines, choosing colors, and incorporating special materials. Wool became clouds, glitter transformed into shimmering shores or snowy peaks, and gems helped bring magical places to life.

Beyond offering a glimpse into students’ inner worlds, this project was also a wonderful opportunity to practice our “Good, Better, Best” mindset. Students learned that some of our strongest work emerges when we slow down, revisit our creations, and think about how to improve them. The pride students felt in their finished maps was evident—each student even recorded a voice note (available in Showbie) describing the most important parts of their island.

Classroom teachers will be holding onto the maps until the end-of-semester inquiry share, but families are welcome to take a sneak peek sooner in Showbie or on our class Padlets (accessible through MyPueo).

3rd/4th Grades

With the start of the new semester, 3rd and 4th graders have been exploring a variety of art projects and styles as we ease back in and take time to notice where student interests naturally emerge.

One project students were especially excited about was the creation of a “never-ending book.” Using four pieces of paper folded and glued together in a precise way, students created a structure that appears to unfold endlessly. Many were reminded of a never-ending cube toy and were thrilled to make their own. This project required patience, perseverance, careful listening, and close observation. While our art room always makes space for exploration and expression, it’s also important to balance that freedom with projects that demand focus and provide immediate feedback—letting students know when something is working and when it needs adjustment. The project also encouraged collaboration, as students supported one another and made sure everyone was ready before moving on to the next step.

Students completed their books by drawing a new image, scene, or object on each unfolding page. We plan to revisit this project later, potentially as part of an inquiry-share connected to their Kūleana studies—exploring how one action leads to another and how cycles are created over time.

In preparation for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, students watched a video about Dr. King’s life and legacy and then explored some of his powerful quotes. Each student selected a quote that resonated with them and used calligraphy pens to thoughtfully bring his words to life, adding illustrations or designs to draw attention to the meaning behind the message. It was a meaningful lesson in slowing down, focusing on language, and using art as a way to deepen understanding.

During open studio time, a growing number of students have shown interest in fiber arts. Following their lead, we recently devoted class time to a mini fiber arts exploration. Students could choose from needle-felting patches or small sculptures, sewing simple stuffies or pillows, weaving on looms, making pom-poms, crocheting, or braiding. Engagement was high across the board, and students are already looking forward to another fiber-focused day to finish projects and experiment with new techniques. I’m currently brainstorming ways to extend this learning and thoughtfully build skills to support their growing love of fiber arts—more to come!

5th Grade

Our 5th graders have been busy creating their legacy portrait tiles—an art tradition that lines the walls on both sides of the 5th-grade classrooms. These tiles represent nearly 20 years of students and serve as lasting expressions of each child’s skills, personality, and interests.

The process is intensive but fun, and students have approached it with focus and pride. They begin by drawing the portrait they envision, then carefully roll out a slab to the correct size and thickness. From there, students cut their tiles accurately, trace their portrait and retrace facial features to clarify details, and use a special loop tool to recede the background. Clay elements are added to make each tile pop, and students finish by including their name, year of elementary graduation, and any additional symbols they wish to commemorate their 5th-grade selves.

We are nearly finished with this project and are currently preparing to fire the tiles and apply several coats of glaze to bring them to life.

In addition, students are enthusiastically working on their culminating digital art projects. As 5th graders, they are now able to create original digital artworks from scratch using Procreate, thoughtfully applying the full range of tools and techniques they’ve learned. The assignment is intentionally open-ended, allowing students to decide what to create and how to create it, while we revisit effects and tools that help bring their ideas to life.

Once complete, students’ digital artworks will be displayed on the large screen in the school office, and each student will receive two printed copies—one to take home and one to be added to the ʻApapane Gallery in the art cottage, where it will inspire younger students. These meaningful 5th-grade projects make it very real that this is our final semester together, and we are savoring this time to create, reflect, and enjoy being in creative community just a little longer.