Dr. Amber Makaiau Publishes two new articles with Noboru Tanaka

Dr. Chad Miller hosts Sandy Patterson and  Karen DeBrum, teachers from Lānaʻi Elementary and High School

On October 25, Dr. Chad Miller hosted Sandy Patterson and  Karen DeBrum, teachers from Lānaʻi Elementary and High School, on a day long p4c Hawai’i experience in the Kailua Complex. Provided below is a quick summary of their experiences throughout the day:

The day started at Kailua High where he provided the historical and conceptual background of the p4c Hawai‘i movement in the Kailua Complex and then participated in a Plain Vanilla inquiry with Dr. Kiki Bushʻs tenth grade English Language Arts class. From there, we moved to Kitty Martinʻs third grade class at Maunawili Elementary School, where we engaged in an amazing inquiry with her students contenting fractions (is one-half always equal). I donʻt think we will ever look at a piece of pepperoni pizza the same after hearing their ideas! Then, we scooted across town to engage in an inquiry concerning cultural appropriation with Brock Crawfordʻs eighth grade social studies class at Kailua Intermediate School. After a quick bite to eat, our last visit was to Enchanted Lake Elementary School to participate with the Kailua High School philoSURFERS (high school students who intern as  philosophers in residence) in a Diana Sutton’s kindergarten and Kiara Del Aragon’s first grade classes. It was a busy visit, but one that will help the teachers of Lānaʻi start their p4c Hawai’i movement. As Karen said, they “ LOVED it. Every moment. We came home so invigorated and excited.” This speaks of the power “doing” philosophy with students and their teacher possesses for those who have never experienced such an approach to teaching and learning. I look forward to supporting Sandy and Karen’s efforts on Lānaʻi!

Visit from students at National Chiayi University

In part with the College of Education (COE), the Uehiro Academy welcomed a group of students from the National Chiayi University. During a visit to Waikiki Elementary School the guests students were able to observe many p4c sessions

Hanahau’oli School Starts After School philosophy for children Hawai‘i Enrichment Class

Hanahau’oli School Starts After School philosophy for children Hawai‘i Enrichment Class

Is it possible to exist and not think of anything at all? What is time? When something is past, is it gone forever? What do I fear losing the most? Do I need to have lots of possessions to be happy? What is a good friend? What are numbers? If you could start a country from scratch, what would it look like? What makes something beautiful? Students at Hanahau’oli School will have the opportunity to work alongside seasoned philosophy for children Hawai‘i teacher, Alder Olive, to ask questions like these and think about them with their friends in a brand new p4cHI after school enrichment class that is being piloted at Hanahau’oli School this fall. Mrs. Olive and the students will spend the semester creating an intellectually safe community of inquiry where they can develop their ability to think for themselves in responsible ways by exploring “big questions” that arise from their interests, experiences, and class materials (e.g. texts, short films, and artwork). As part of this process the students will make and use a community ball, learn about the “Good Thinker’s Tool Kit,” engage in “Plain Vanilla” discussion-based inquiries with their peers, and partake in daily reflective activities. The Uehiro Academy hopes to learn a lot from this pilot and expand the class to other school communities.

Dr. Makaiau Leads p4cHI Professional Development in HIDOE Central District

Dr. Makaiau Publishes Two Chapters in It’s Being Done in Social Studies: Race, Class, Gender and Sexuality in the Pre/K-12 Curriculum

The purpose of this edited book is to share examples of Pre/K – 12 grade teachers, schools, or school systems that infuse race, class, gender and sexuality in the curriculum. This book offers concrete examples of social studies teachers, schools and schools systems committed to the inclusion of topics often deemed as sensitive or controversial. Makaiau has one chapter about her work with Teaching Tolerance in elementary schools and a second chapter about Ethnic Studies at Kailua High School. Ih this second chapter she shares how she used the film, A Place in the Middle to stimulate philosophical inquiry using p4cHI. To learn more about the book click here: http://www.infoagepub.com/products/Its-Being-Done-in-Social-Studies

p4c Hawai‘i at the Board of Education Community Meeting

Dr. Chad Miller recently engaged community members and educational stakeholders, including Superintendent Christina Kishimoto, in several p4c Hawai‘i activities at the first Board of Education community meeting of the 2018-19 school year.  p4c Hawai‘i provided the structure to engage the general public in a “meet and greet” with the new Board Chairperson Catherine Payne and new Board Member Dwight Takeno.

Dr. Thomas Jackson’s p4c Intro w/ Rosanna Fukuda in Hilo

Dr. Thomas Jackson will be doing a p4c Intro with Rosanna Fukuda (DOE Social Studies Dept. Head) Aug at the Ka`au-Kea-au-Pahoa Complex Area (KKPCA) Summit Day August 6.

p4cHI Civics Educators Visit From Japan at the End of September

p4cHI Civics Educators Visit From Japan at the End of September