Dream Big Learning Pod is a homeschool group supported by a teacher for students 4th — 8th grade 

Learning Framework:  Dream Big will draw from a creative and hands on learning philosophy that can be currated for each student.   Our students can meet and exceed the standards required by the state of Hawaii.  Each child will build a portfolio that tracks they're learning.  The state of Hawaii requires testing to be given for Grades 3, 5, 8, and 10.  All the writing, math, science, social studies, history, home economics, finance and art will encompass each quarters  theme.  Theme based learning will allow students to explore concepts in depth and then demonstrate they're learning through what interests them within the theme. The first quarter theme will be teachers choice, but the last 3 quarters the students will vote on a theme they want to explore.  Parents may have input on learning themes if they feel they may have something to contribute to that learning unit.   Students will have individual choice as to how they demonstrate each quarters final project with teachers final approval.  ​

Students will take workshops and classes based on Hawaiian values of Aloha Aina. Farming practices, learning to grow food and survival skills will be built into the curriculum .  In a world where technology is ubiquitous, it's easy to forget that there was a time when humans had to rely on their own wits and resources to survive. With the changing uncertainty of the future,  it is essential to learn basic survival skills to know how to survive in a non-technological world. Things like building shelters, starting fires, fishing, and cleaning fish  can seem like ancient arts, but in reality they are essential life skills that everyone should know. Students will have opportunities to learn how to grow food and fundamental survival skills.  Students will grow a garden and there will be  opportunities to learn fundamental survival skills throughout the year.

Goal for Students: Each child is special and unique in their own way. They all learn differently and have their own passions and interests. Our goal is to help each child find their learning style and key into their passions. We want to help them find their natural skill sets and talents. By teaching to each child's learning style, they will be able to retain more information and be successful in school. Lessons will be more interesting to the child because they are learning in a way that works best for them. It is important to keep in mind that each child learns differently so it is important to find a way to teach that works for them specifically. This will help them be successful now and later in life when they need to learn new things.

Where Will Class Be Held:  Students will learn both in both indoor and outdoor spaces around the island.  Classroom home base will be in Honolulu (Nuuanu area)  with carpool available for those that need assistance. 
Lots of learning will be done on field trips and on outdoor walks and adventures. When you learn in a traditional classroom, learning is limited to the space inside the room,  but when learning outdoors, the sky's the limit! Learning can be done in a park, on a farm, or even hiking. Parent based carpooling can make it easy for everyone to get where they need to be around the island. (Transportation arrangements will be coordinated by the week, to facilitate the flexibility of learning places and parents schedules.)

Who Will Be Teaching :  Elementary/Middle school  teacher, parents with specific skill sets and qualifications (Art, Music or Languages etc…) and additional  hired educators for specific learning units or skill sets.  
N.B. For the current year 2022/2023 we have opted for Spanish Introduction  to be held 3 per week as afternoon. (This class is also offered to students not attending the DB pod.)

How Will Learning Be Monitored:  Student portfolios will be kept throughout the year and state required tests will be given for Grades 3, 5, 8th grade to meet the state of Hawaii homeschool requirements.

Lunch: Families and/or students bring home lunch/snacks on certain days. TDB on the future calendar.
*** A  slush fund from parents will help create a shopping list where the children create and make their own lunch menu and dish (under the supervision of adults). The goal is to encourage independence and use local resources. Weekly amount TBD based on curriculum , etc.. 

Any food allergies should be shared upon sign up and made aware to all attending.  Students will be  involved in their lunches with planning, shopping, and cooking. 

After School:  After school clubs will include book club and robotics.  Other after school programs can be developed based on student and parent interests.  Parents will co-op the after-school life of students by working together on carpooling to after school opportunities and facilitating after-school clubs and activities.