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The Right Brain Develops First ~ Why Play is the Foundation for Academic Learning

Click to read the article “The Right Brain Develops First ~ Why Play is the Foundation for Academic Learning“, by Vince Gowmon

Honolulu Waldorf School

honoluluwaldorf

Honolulu Waldorf School is an independent school founded in 1961. PK-HS located on 2 beautiful acres under a canopy of Monkeypod trees in Niu Valley.
Raising Resilient Children in a Digital Age - Our Raising Resilient Children in a Digital Age - Our school has started a community-wide book study on The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, a thought-provoking book that explores the impact of smartphones and social media on children’s mental health. Haidt emphasizes the importance of fostering resilience through free play, risky exploration, and reduced screen time—practices that have been central to Honolulu Waldorf School since 1961. At our school, we’ve long recognized the value of a mobile phone-free environment. Through activities like unstructured outdoor play, creative arts, and collaborative learning, we empower children to grow strong, independent, and “antifragile”—ready to face life’s challenges with confidence. Join us as we continue to celebrate the benefits of free play and share how Waldorf education helps children thrive in today’s world. Curious about our approach? Visit our website to learn more or to schedule a tour. #HonoluluWaldorfSchool #KulaHoomohalaPua #HawaiiPrivateSchools #AWSNA #WaldorfEducation #TheAnxiousGeneration
Happy Birthday, Aunty Ingrid! Today we celebrate y Happy Birthday, Aunty Ingrid! Today we celebrate you, a guiding light in our Early Childhood community. Your gentle hands and warm heart nurture our keiki, weaving love and wonder into their days. Like the blossoms of a lei, your kindness and care bring beauty and joy to all around you. May this year be filled with the same magic and light you so generously share with others. Happy Birthday! #HonoluluWaldorfSchool #KulaHoomohalaPua #HawaiiPrivateSchools #AWSNA #WaldorfEducation
Today, we celebrate our incredible Middle School t Today, we celebrate our incredible Middle School teacher—Happy Birthday, Ms. Watanabe! Ms. Watanabe’s passion for teaching shines brightly in everything she does. She inspires her students with curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning, making each day in her classroom an adventure. Her dedication and enthusiasm are a gift to our school community, and we are so grateful for all she brings to her students and colleagues. Please join us in wishing Ms. Watanabe a birthday filled with joy and appreciation! Happy Birthday! #HonoluluWaldorfSchool #KulaHoomohalaPua #HawaiiPrivateSchools #AWSNA #WaldorfEducation
Happy Birthday to our wonderful EC Kukui class lea Happy Birthday to our wonderful EC Kukui class lead teacher, Aunty Ulli! Aunty Ulli brings such warmth, love, and light to the Kukui classroom, nurturing each child's wonder and joy as they grow. Please join us in wishing her a year ahead filled with as much kindness and beauty as she shares with her students! #HonoluluWaldorfSchool #KulaHoomohalaPua #HawaiiPrivateSchools #AWSNA #WaldorfEducation
Today we celebrate Aunty Jo, whose warmth and care Today we celebrate Aunty Jo, whose warmth and care brighten the lives of our early childhood Koa Class keiki. Your gentle guidance and loving spirit inspire us all. Wishing you a birthday filled with as much joy and aloha as you bring to others! Happy Birthday! #HonoluluWaldorfSchool #KulaHoomohalaPua #HawaiiPrivateSchools #AWSNA #WaldorfEducation
This #GivingTuesday, join us in celebrating the he This #GivingTuesday, join us in celebrating the heart of Honolulu Waldorf School — our students, teachers, and community. Your gift directly supports hands-on learning, creative exploration, and the unique Waldorf experience that nurtures mind, body, and spirit. When you give to our annual fund, it helps: • Enhance our classrooms and programs • Expand additional field trips for our grades • Support the school’s operations and essential needs Every donation, no matter the size, has an impact. Learn more and give at honoluluwaldorf.org/giving. #HonoluluWaldorfSchool #KulaHoomohalaPua #HawaiiPrivateSchools #AWSNA #WaldorfEducation
Today is #GivingTuesday! At Honolulu Waldorf Schoo Today is #GivingTuesday! At Honolulu Waldorf School, we inspire creativity, compassion, and a lifelong love of learning in our students. Your generosity helps us nurture this vibrant community, support innovative programs, and provide resources that empower every child to thrive. Visit honoluluwaldorf.org/giving to learn more and donate today. #HonoluluWaldorfSchool #KulaHoomohalaPua #HawaiiPrivateSchools #AWSNA #WaldorfEducation
Wishing Ayaka, our amazing Institutional Advanceme Wishing Ayaka, our amazing Institutional Advancement Officer, the happiest of birthdays! Your dedication and care help our school bloom, and we’re so grateful for the warmth and inspiration you bring to our community. On your special day, we wish you a year filled with joy, inspiration, and the fulfilling rhythm of meaningful work and cherished moments. May you always feel the same warmth and gratitude you bring to those around you. #HonoluluWaldorfSchool #KulaHoomohalaPua #HawaiiPrivateSchools #AWSNA #WaldorfEducation
In honor of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Na In honor of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Heritage Month, we’re pausing to reflect on the land upon which our school sits. Kula Ho‘omohala Pua (Honolulu Waldorf School) is in the moku of Kona and the ahupua‘a of Niu. Nestled between Wailupe to the west, Kuliou‘ou to the east and divided into two valleys by the Kūlepeamoa ridge, Niu extends from Maunalua Bay to the Ko‘olau range. Historically, this area was characterized by thriving fishponds along the coastline. Our school is less than a mile inland from what was once the Kūpapa Fishpond (now Niuiki Circle) and the summer home of Kamehameha I (Paikō Beach). Less than a mile upland are the remnants of Kūlepeamoa heiau. Today and every day, may we all express gratitude for this place and all that it holds by continuing to learn and mālama ‘āina. #HonoluluWaldorfSchool #KulaHoomohalaPua #HawaiiPrivateSchools #AWSNA #WaldorfEducation #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth
Join Us for the Honolulu Waldorf School OPEN HOUSE Join Us for the Honolulu Waldorf School OPEN HOUSE EXTRAVAGANZA! Date: Wednesday, November 13 Time: 2:45 pm – 4:45 pm Honolulu Waldorf School is seeking engaged students and families to join our school community for the educational experience of a lifetime! At HWS we nurture each student's mind, body, and spirit in a holistic educational environment. On Wednesday, November 13th from 2:45 pm – 4:45 pm, join us to learn about Waldorf curriculum from our Early Childhood and Grades 1 - 8 programs at our upcoming All School Open House. Prospective and current parents, friends, family, and extended community are all welcome, so please spread the word! We are accepting applications for the current and for the 2024-2025 School Year. Prospective parents can contact the school for information and set up an in-person tour. Priority consideration is given to applications received by February 1st. To help us prepare and ensure a smooth gathering, please visit our website to RSVP, indicating if you would like to register for child care. We look forward to sharing this special day with you!
Thank you to all of the military families in our c Thank you to all of the military families in our community, we appreciate your service! #HonoluluWaldorfSchool #KulaHoomohalaPua #HawaiiPrivateSchools #AWSNA
Our hearts are aglow from last week’s El Día de Our hearts are aglow from last week’s El Día de los Muertos celebration! Our talented students captivated us with their incredible Spanish performance, while our whole school community came together to create a beautiful ofrenda—a stunning tribute of love and remembrance. This day reminds us of the deep joy in honoring our ancestors and celebrating life in all its beauty. Mahalo to everyone who joined us and contributed to making this curriculum event so truly special. #HonoluluWaldorfSchool #KulaHoomohalaPua #HawaiiPrivateSchools #AWSNA
Tomorrow, Thursday, October 31 is the LAST DAY to Tomorrow, Thursday, October 31 is the LAST DAY to place your orders for your Christmas Tree and holiday decorations! This is a wonderful opportunity to bring some holiday spirit to your home, while supporting HWS students and programs. Visit www.hawaiichristmastrees.com to order, and choose “Honolulu Waldorf School” in the drop-down menu to ensure we receive our portion of the proceeds. #HonoluluWaldorfSchool #KulaHoomohalaPua #HawaiiPrivateSchools #AWSNA
Today we celebrate Ms. Tiffany, our lovely Milo cl Today we celebrate Ms. Tiffany, our lovely Milo class teacher! Ms. Tiffany brings steady, thoughtful care to her classroom, encouraging curiosity and a love for learning each day. Her dedication to creating a space where children can grow, explore, and discover the world is a gift we are grateful for. Please join us in wishing Ms. Tiffany a joyful birthday filled with the beauty and peace she inspires in others. Happy Birthday, Ms. Tiffany! #HonoluluWaldorfSchool #KulaHoomohalaPua #HawaiiPrivateSchools #AWSNA
ORDER NOW: Time is running out! Honolulu Waldorf S ORDER NOW: Time is running out! Honolulu Waldorf School has the perfect Christmas tree, wreath, or door charm from www.hawaiichristmastrees.com. Make sure to select “Honolulu Waldorf School” in the drop-down menu to ensure our school benefits from the proceeds. Order by next Thursday, October 31st! Spread the holiday cheer and make your home shine bright this holiday season! #HonoluluWaldorfSchool #KulaHoomohalaPua #HawaiiPrivateSchools #AWSNA
Our hearts are still glowing with joy from last Fr Our hearts are still glowing with joy from last Friday's enchanting Halloween Story Walk! Families and friends gathered under the twinkling night sky, where children in delightful costumes brought magic to life. From whimsical tales shared along our storytelling path to a heartwarming puppet show and joyful dancing, it was a celebration to remember. We are deeply grateful to all who joined us in making this event such a magical success. Special thanks to our Grade 8 students and the community for their support. All proceeds will go toward their much-anticipated class trip, a journey of learning and adventure. Mahalo nui loa for being part of this beautiful evening, where imagination, community, and joy came together! #HonoluluWaldorfSchool #KulaHoomohalaPua #HawaiiPrivateSchools #AWSNA
Get ahead of the holiday hustle and bustle this ye Get ahead of the holiday hustle and bustle this year, and order your very own Christmas tree, wreaths, and door charms, adding a dash of magic to your holiday home. We are partnering once again with the local and heartwarming nonprofit, Habilitat, this year! Visit www.hawaiichristmastrees.com to order, and choose “Honolulu Waldorf School” in the drop-down menu to ensure we receive our portion of the proceeds. Add your child’s name so they get credit for your support – and please share with family and friends! The order deadline is Thursday, October 31. You will receive a confirmation email with your ticket(s) from Habilitat, which will include details on pick-up locations and times. #HonoluluWaldorfSchool #KulaHoomohalaPua #HawaiiPrivateSchools #AWSNA
Today, we honor Indigenous Peoples' Day, a day tha Today, we honor Indigenous Peoples' Day, a day that has carried different meanings and names over the years. In 1937, Columbus Day became a national holiday. However, in 1971, Hawai‘i's State Legislature introduced “Discoverers’ Day,” set on the second Monday of October to recognize the Polynesian navigators who discovered the Hawaiian Islands. They made it clear this was not a state holiday, distancing Hawai‘i from the celebration of colonization and instead honoring all explorers, especially those from the Pacific. The conversation around changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day began in 1977 at a UN-sponsored conference. But it wasn't until 1989 that South Dakota led the way by officially renaming the holiday and celebrating Native American Day. Today, various places observe this day as Native American Day, Indigenous Peoples' Day, or Columbus Day. At HWS, we wish everyone a wonderful Discoverers’ Day and a happy final day of fall break! Hōkūleʻa Sailing Home after the 1976 voyage to Tahiti. Star-Bulletin Archives #HonoluluWaldorfSchool #KulaHoomohalaPua #HawaiiPrivateSchools #AWSNA
Today, we joyfully celebrate the birthday of one o Today, we joyfully celebrate the birthday of one of our wonderful Early Childhood Assistants, Aunty Margaret! With her gentle hands and nurturing heart, Aunty Margaret has blessed our keiki with warmth and kindness. Her presence brings laughter, love, and care to all she touches. Let us take a moment to send her our love and gratitude for the light she shares so freely. Happy Birthday, Aunty Margaret! May this year bring you as much joy as you bring to our school every day! #HonoluluWaldorfSchool #KulaHoomohalaPua #HawaiiPrivateSchools #AWSNA
You and your young child are invited to join our P You and your young child are invited to join our Parent Child program for parent education, indoor and outdoor play time, songs, stories, puppets, simple crafts, and snack time. Our program welcomes one adult caregiver with one child, between the ages of 1 year to under 3 years, to participate one day per week, in a nurturing, lively atmosphere with basic classroom structure introducing your children to our preschool setting. During the Second Quarter, classes are held Monday - Friday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, excluding holidays. Space is limited to 8 families and will be filled on a first-paid, first-served basis. A minimum of 3 students must be enrolled for the class to run. Parents can opt for two days. If Mon/Tues is selected for the first day, Wed/Thurs is recommended for the second day. Fridays will be a free play and community playdate. Email, fax, or mail in your registration form and non-refundable payment in order to secure your place in the class. Please contact parentchild@honoluluwaldorf.org with any questions! Visit honoluluwaldorf.org to learn more. #HonoluluWaldorfSchool #KulaHoomohalaPua #HawaiiPrivateSchools #AWSNA
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