K Art

What is going on in Papa Mālaaʻo Art?

Balance -

Nā haumana focus on what creates symmetry (balance) and look at familiar shapes to recognize "mirrored" images. Using the Pueo (owl) as the imagery, they create painted symmetry and collaged symmetry by cutting shapes.

Pueo Maka'ala

Students painted a "mirrored" eye and cut folded symmetrical shapes for feathered tufts, beak, and body.

Egg Carton Pueo


Discussion Catalyst Questions for Nā Mākua:

  • Question 1 - How many kinds of pueo are living in Hawai'i? What are the names?
  • Question 2 - Where do the pueo live?
  • Question 3 - Who are the enemies of the pueo?


Shapes -

Nā Haumana of Papa Mālaa'o study shapes: rectangles, squares, circles, triangles. Using collaborative painting sessions to create bold textured printed paper, students collage their shapes into a "Big Truck Shape Project".

When doing collaborative projects, students focus on the concept of "kākou"...thinking of "we" and not a personal art form. The collaborative printed paper is shared and enjoyed by all, it does not have a personal owner. In this way, students practice the values of aloha, malama and kōkua with each other.

Discussion Catalyst Questions for Nā Mākua:

  • Question 1- What is a square, triangle, rectangle and circle look like?


Displayed in office hallways

Kākou Project -

Students respond to working as a class 'ohana using cultural values of 'ike, mālama, and aloha toward each other. As an 'ohana building activity, students create a collaborative art mural called "Kākou Project" for Papa Niu and Papa Ulu.

Discussion Catalyst Questions for Nā Mākua:

  • What is a "we" not....about me project?

Let's build pasting skills

Haumana practice cutting and glueing skills using the "Dot..dot...not a lot..lot" method of drops of glue around the cut shapes.

Nā Waiho'olu'u - Colors

Primary colors - Red, yellow, and blue are the focus for Papa Mālaa'o. Students mix, color and identify these colors in both English and Hawaiian.

Secondary colors - Orange, Purple, and Green are "mixed" using primary colors of paint and oil sticks.

Nā Laina - Linear Lines

Vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines are identified and used to create compositions with paint. Haumana look and identify linear lines of buildings in their environment.

Self Portrait

Kindergarten students express themselves with a collaged self portrait.