Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 11, Number 4, 1 April 1994 — Hawaiian Language Immersion Programs for Children [ARTICLE]

Hawaiian Language Immersion Programs for Children

Immersion is an educational approach that has been successfully implemented throughout the world as well as here in Hawai'i. In immersion programs, all instruction and eommunieation are conducted in the Hawaiian language. In this way, students acquire language fluency naturally by interacting with teachers and their schoolmates. Family members also may receive language instruction so that Hawaiian ean be spoken at home as well.

Eunana Leo is an immersion program that begms working with children at the preschool level. Their curriculum is conducted entirely in Hawaiian and stresses culturally appropriate activities. Waiting lists for current programs do exist, but Pūnana Leo is also willing to work with people who have an interest in starting new sites in their community. For more information, eall: Pūnana Leo o Honolulu 84 1 -6655 Pūnana Leo o Wai 'anae 696-02 1 2 Hale Kāko'o Pūnana Leo 1-800-498-4979 The Department of Education has also initiated immersion programs called Kula Kaiapuni Hawai'i at six public schools in Hawai'i. The Hawaiian Language Immersion Program provides the educational instruction and experiences of the DOE's Foundation Program, but through the use of Hawaiian as the exclusive language of instraction until fifth grade when English is introduced. By the end of grade six, students will be expected to be totally fluent and literate in both Hawaiian and English at the appropriate achievement levels. For more information, eall the immersion school site nearest you: Waiau Elementary School 456-9446 Pā'ia Elementary School 579-9696 Pū 'ōhala Elementary School 235-1361 Keaukaha Elementary School 935-1959 Kapa'a Elementary School 822-4141 Kualapu'u Elementary School 567-6126