Lesson Plan - Bringing Lilo to Life

Watch the Video
Build background knowledge about Hawaiian culture and history by watching the video “Across the U.S.: Hawaii” as a class. Discuss: Based on the video, what are some things you think make Hawaii unique?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• heritage
• authentic

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about things that are important to your home state.

1. What are some ways that Lilo and Maia Kealoha are alike?
Lilo and Maia Kealoha are alike in that they are both from Hawaii, they both surf, and they both love hula.
^{(RI.4.5 Comparison)}

2. How does the author support the idea that staying true to Hawaiian heritage was important to the filmmaking team?
The article supports the idea that staying true to Hawaiian heritage was important to the filmmaking team by explaining that production designer Todd Cherniawsky traveled to Hawaii to learn about the state. The article explains, “He attended a luau, a Hawaiian celebration with traditional food, music, and dancing.”
^{(RI.4.8 Reasons and Evidence)}

3. Based on the article and the sidebar, “Hula History,” why is hula an important part of Hawaiian culture?
Based on the article and the sidebar, “Hula History,” hula is an important part of Hawaiian culture because it is unique to Hawaii, has been around for centuries, and has traditionally been a way for people to pass down Hawaii’s history. Even after missionaries banned it, Hawaiians performed it in secret. The article explains, “Before the 1800s, there was no written language in Hawaii. Hula was a way for people to pass down Hawaii’s history to new generations. Each dance tells a story.”
^{(RI.4.1 Text Evidence)}

FEATURED SKILL: Paired Text
Distribute the skill builder “The First Hula” and explain that it shares a traditional Hawaiian tale about how hula got its start. Have students answer the questions about the tale and then discuss as a class.
^{(RI.4.9 Paired Texts)}