Teaching Ideas to use with Finding Our 'Ohana
Finding Our 'Ohana is not just a story about Lani and Maleko finding a home and enjoying local food. This story creates discussion as to what or who makes a family. In Hawaii, we have many extensions to what is considered the typical family. One example is having a hanai family who takes us in during times of need, or who are there for us in addition to our own typical family.
I have also incorporated local food in Hawai'i into the story, as a way to share part of Hawai'i's culture. When we enjoy the different cultural dishes, this is one way we create a connection with each other. This can be seen during potlucks, and we often talk about and share our recipes. Often when we are invited over to another person's home, we rarely go empty handed. There is always food to enjoy during our visits!
I have also incorporated local food in Hawai'i into the story, as a way to share part of Hawai'i's culture. When we enjoy the different cultural dishes, this is one way we create a connection with each other. This can be seen during potlucks, and we often talk about and share our recipes. Often when we are invited over to another person's home, we rarely go empty handed. There is always food to enjoy during our visits!
Sequencing skills
1. Type the words from the book. Cut apart each line and give them to the students to glue back in order. They could then draw a picture to go along with the words.
2. Have the students predict what is going to happen next in the story based on the illustrations.
3. Go through the book again with the students, but this time without using the words. Have the students tell the story by using the illustrations for help. Write down the story as the class "reads" it. How important are the illustrations in a picture book?
Daily Journal Writing
Monday - What would you do if you found an empty crate?
Tuesday - You are walking down the street. Describe the smells coming from the restaurants.
Wednesday - If you could be any character in the story, who would you choose and why?
Thursday - Discuss your favorite foods.
Friday - Write about a trip to a favorite place.
Comprehension
Use picture cards and put the events in order and be prepared to retell the story.
What kind of emotions are being displayed by each character?
Connect events in the story to life. Who is your 'Ohana?
Story Map
Title:
Setting:
Characters:
List five questions you would like to ask the characters.
Do a character sketch of your favorite character.
Draw a map of the journey of Lani and Maleko. Show the location of the buildings and roads. Include all of the settings of the story.
Write a Story
Use the story Finding Our 'Ohana and break up the story into parts into the following:
1. What is the hook? How does it grab the interest of the reader?
2. What are the three tension building sections of the story, with the third being the turning point or climax?
3. How does the character(s) of the story try to solve their problem?
4. What is the conclusion to the story.
After taking apart the story, have the students create a continuing adventure story for Lani and Maleko. What happens to Lani and Maleko? Do they experience more adventures? What is special about Tūtū Aloha's home? What happened to Lani and Maleko before the beginning of the story?
1. Type the words from the book. Cut apart each line and give them to the students to glue back in order. They could then draw a picture to go along with the words.
2. Have the students predict what is going to happen next in the story based on the illustrations.
3. Go through the book again with the students, but this time without using the words. Have the students tell the story by using the illustrations for help. Write down the story as the class "reads" it. How important are the illustrations in a picture book?
Daily Journal Writing
Monday - What would you do if you found an empty crate?
Tuesday - You are walking down the street. Describe the smells coming from the restaurants.
Wednesday - If you could be any character in the story, who would you choose and why?
Thursday - Discuss your favorite foods.
Friday - Write about a trip to a favorite place.
Comprehension
Use picture cards and put the events in order and be prepared to retell the story.
What kind of emotions are being displayed by each character?
Connect events in the story to life. Who is your 'Ohana?
Story Map
Title:
Setting:
Characters:
List five questions you would like to ask the characters.
Do a character sketch of your favorite character.
Draw a map of the journey of Lani and Maleko. Show the location of the buildings and roads. Include all of the settings of the story.
Write a Story
Use the story Finding Our 'Ohana and break up the story into parts into the following:
1. What is the hook? How does it grab the interest of the reader?
2. What are the three tension building sections of the story, with the third being the turning point or climax?
3. How does the character(s) of the story try to solve their problem?
4. What is the conclusion to the story.
After taking apart the story, have the students create a continuing adventure story for Lani and Maleko. What happens to Lani and Maleko? Do they experience more adventures? What is special about Tūtū Aloha's home? What happened to Lani and Maleko before the beginning of the story?
* "Teacher Ideas" contribution to the book from Beth Young, first grade teacher in Alabama.
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