Pāhana ʻĀina Lupalupa

The second set in the Pāhana ʻĀina Lupalupa (PʻĀL) series of Hawaiian culture-based science readers inspires keiki to use all their senses to kilo (carefully observe). By observing the ua (rains), makani (winds), and ao (clouds), keiki can begin to forecast the weather. Learning ʻōlelo noʻeau (Hawaiian proverbs) and the cycles and signs of the natural world inform keiki about the ʻāina, when to plant or harvest, when to fish, and what to expect in the ocean. Learning about Pele and her mele teaches keiki about volcanic eruptions and lava flows. And understanding how species arrived in Hawaiʻi and became Hawaiian helps keiki to understand how plants and animals are shaped by the ʻāina and how important it is to protect the unique organisms and environments of Hawaiʻi.

Each set of readers is accompanied by a Big Ideas Science Book that offers teachers and parents an opportunity to model reading to your keiki, review with your keiki the main scientific and cultural concepts of the set, consider and discuss essential questions, introduce more complex concepts and vocabulary your keiki will encounter in the leveled readers, and share additional place-based knowledge.

PʻĀL integrates Hawaiian language, culture, and place-based content with literacy and science concepts that meet national standards. Developed in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and translated into English, this exciting series was created through partnerships among a group of Hawaiʻi educators, literacy specialists, and Hawaiian-language resource developers in consultation with scientists and cultural practitioners.

The first set in the Pāhana ʻĀina Lupalupa (PʻĀL) series of Hawaiian culture-based science readers takes keiki on a fascinating journey into the diverse environments that make Hawaiʻi the special place that it is. From high mountain forests shrouded in clouds to coastal waters teeming with life, your budding reader will discover the amazing diversity of Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems and their unique inhabitants. Meet the koa bug, pāoʻo fish, wiliwili tree, and other Hawaiian endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Colorful photographs and illustrations along with informative text will delight and intrigue your young explorer, and Hawaiian language, traditions, and settings will help your keiki build a firm foundation in the rich, deep ʻāina of Hawaiʻi nei.