Inspiring People Through a Child's Eyes: Ku I Ka Mana

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Ku I Ka Mana

Ku i ka mana

Like the one from whom he received what he learned.

Said of a child who behaves like those who reared him. Mana is food masticated by an elder and conveyed to the mouth of a small child. The haumana (pupil) receives knowledge from the mouth of his teacher.

Resource: Pukui, M. K. (1983). 'Olelo no'eau: proverbs & poetic sayings. Honolulu, Hi: Bishop Press

As an Early Childhood Educator, I nurture all of my students this way. My students are as young as 3 years old to as young as 84 years old. I share with all of my students the importances to observe, acknowledge, seek righteousness to live with compassion.

All of my inspiration (ancestral knowledge) comes from the heart expressed through the (ha) breath of life.

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Personal Childhood Web

I Maika'i ke Kalo i ka 'Oha - The taro is good because of its base. Said of a child with good upbringing.

I am the grandson of a wonderful woman who cared for me during my infant stages. Leinaʻala, is the name of my maternal grandmother who prayed over me daily and asked for blessings to guide me throughout my life. My grandmother always prepared the way for my prior arrival. During my HeadStart journey, she met with the educators to learn about the different appropriate lessons they would inspire me with during the day. She even became an aid and volunteered throughout the day. During my preschool, she spoke with my teachers and my elementary teachers as well. My last journey with my grandmother by my side was a trip to my high school, she guided me as I took the bus from home to school. My grandmother left me physically 24 years ago, yet she continues to inspire me spiritually.

My mother has been the foundation of my being, guiding me in all directions allowing me to make my own decisions. She provided me with achievable boundaries and allow me to seek my goals with no restrictions. She has always kept me grounded in everything I have done and she continues to encourage me to move forward. Today, my mother enjoy the many inspirations I receive and share with my community, my students all around the world and my mentors.

My father is a silent mentor who has been stern and direct when it comes to the many directions that crosses my path. He has been an admirer from a far, never feeling comfortable about the directions I have chosen for myself. Until, at a recent event where I directed and inspired 150 children ages 5 to 18 years old at a Hula Drama for a Hawaiian Public Charter School. He sat in the audience and was amazed at the well disciplined students sharing the stories of Righteousness. My mother reached over to him and share that your son was in charge of the entire production. He was so proud that he waited for me that evening to tell me how proud he was. Today, my father admires my work and inspirations I share with everyone that crosses my life.

My uncle who coached me in the Hawaiian art of paddling (rowing) inspired me since I was 11 years old. At the age of 12, he asked me to become his assistant coach. I assisted him for the next 13 years and I inspired children ages 12, 13, 14, 16, and women 25 - 45 years old. His inspiration to me was that everyone has a story but the walk one takes is most important. His way of nurturing was an interesting one, speak and act straight forward and direct clearly all thought no matter who that person is. When he died, I coached for one (1) more year and then I moved away.

Currently, my mentor is my hula (dance) teacher who has inspired me through his teachings, but I learned best when I spend time with him. Culturally, he will assist me with the children that I will inspire in the Hawaiian Immersion program. I plan to implement his teachings with my kindergarten class this January 2013. My mentor is a very powerful leader in our state and I have admired him so much that I aspire to become just like him.

Inspiring Quotes and Messages

President Lyndon B. Johnson spoke "The Great Society rests on abundance and liberty for all" (Baptiste, Orvosh-Kamenski & Kamenski, 2004).

Dr. Lilian Katzʻs strong statement, "If this is what we, as teachers, want for our children, then we must exemplify these qualities" (Katz, L.G., 1970).

Passion:

Louise Derman Sparks (Filmstrip, 2012) shares her "passion is to create a safer more just world for all kids."

Leticia Lara LCSW (Filmstrip, 2012) shares her "passion to change policies affecting early childhood education and influence research as well, with her personal and professional relationship."

Baptiste, H.P., Orvosh-Kamenski, H., & Kamenski, C.J. (2004). American Presidents and Their Attitudes, Beliefs, and Actions Surrounding Education and Multiculturalism, Multicultural Education, vol. 12, no. 2 pg. 34-47, EJ781919.

Katz, L.G. (1970-1971). Four Questions on Early Childhood Education. Child Study Journal, vol. 1, no. 2, pg 43-51, ED 703820.

The Passion for Early Childhood. [Filmstrip]. Laureate Education, Inc. (2012). Walden University.

Inspiring People Through a Child's Eyes

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ALOHA

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Ku I Ka Mana

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