As I perform my daily classroom visits, I am so proud to see the depth of learning and understanding that our learners are experiencing at Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School. This depth of knowledge and understanding is displayed by the outstanding facilitators who are facilitating the learning your children receive on a daily basis at our school.
In addition to hearing the many different explanations of the African masks learners were working on, within three days, I was able to see the transformations of the creations from start to finish. Their classroom facilitator was able to help all learners transform these African masks from one-dimensional drawings to finished three-dimensional clay masks. The first/second grade facilitator explained the process as follows:
“We then discussed the purpose of ‘how-to’ writing and how to structure this type of format. Learners then chose a design to complete a ‘How to Make an African Mask’ guide specific for their design while drawing a picture or creating a paper version of their masks.”
“When making the masks, we discussed symmetrical designs and how to form the clay with hand and sculpting tools. We completed the project by publishing their ‘how to’ writing and presenting their masks to the class, describing elements they chose to include based off of what they discovered in their research.”
When I have daily conversations with our learners about what they have learned through a particular project they worked on over several weeks, they confirm for me that they are developing into 21st century learners, which is our goal for all learners who attend Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School. Mission accomplished!
Thank you,
Frederick A. Birkett, Ed.M
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Director