Hawaii Learning Resource reaches out to diverse learners
Hawaii Learning Resource reaches out to diverse learners
The nonprofit Hawaii Learning Resource caters to students who learn differently. It helps these diverse learners with a variety of academic concerns — phonics, reading, writing and math — and those grappling with dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, lack of confidence and social skills.
Originally founded in 1998 as North Hawaii Women and Children’s Services, HLR launched in 2003 to help children get the right help at the right time for better academic success. It is headquartered in Waimea and open to islandwide learners, their parents and teachers. Offerings include monthly free community education workshops, two summer academic enrichment camps and professional teacher development.
Starting this month, the nonprofit debuts a free parent support group for families of diverse learners. It is partnering with Alice Bratton of Hawaii Families as Allies to lead the group. The group will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School, Room E-104. Register at hawaiilearning-resource.org.
HLR relies on a partnership with Honolulu’s Assets School to incorporate innovative teaching practices into its enrichment camps and workshops to benefit both students and instructors. Called differentiated instruction, this teaching approach provides teachers with ways to adjust the curriculum and its presentation to learners. Based on individual needs, students are given multiple options for processing information and making sense of ideas.
Using an Assets-based curriculum, HLR began offering summer camps in 2010. There are two sessions geared for specific age groups. The Summer Spy Academy (June 11 through 22) is open to students entering grades two to five and focuses on building learning skills with an emphasis on observation, focus and listening. The Game of Life (June 25 through July 6) is for youth entering grades six to eight and provides life lessons designed to build learning, team and life skills.
Camps are held at Hawaii Preparatory Academy and include lunch and snacks. Tuition to the two-week academic camps is $400; financial assistance is available.
Applications for students and teachers for 2012 summer camps are available at the HLR website listed above or by calling 885-9318.
The April Parent Education Workshop, “Summer Activities to Keep Your Child Engaged in School,” will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today at Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School library. The workshop is presented by Jyo Bridgewater of Assets School and Judy Stevenson, academic coach. Register at above website.
For more information, visit the website or call the above phone number.
Picture yourself at Hawaii Volcanoes
Saturday to April 29
“Picture Yourself in a National Park” is the theme of this year’s National Park Week, and Hawaii Volcanoes is marking the occasion with an opportunity for park goers to do just that. From Saturday through April 29, visitors are encouraged to post photos or videos of themselves, their families and friends exploring and enjoying the park on the park’s Facebook page: facebook.com/hawaiivolcanoes.
The park will offer ranger-led hikes and other programs during National Park Week. Registration is required for a challenging hike into Kipukaakihi in Kahuku, Saturday. Call 985-6011.
An After Dark in the Park program featuring the park’s endemic flowering plants is offered Tuesday.
Entrance fees are waived during the nine days of National Park Week at all parks on Hawaii Island. Fees at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are also waived June 9, July 14, Sept. 29 and Nov. 10 through 12.
More information can be found at nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/events.htm. Check the ranger activities bulletin board at the Kilauea Visitor Center each day at 9 a.m.