Leis and pineapple are typical finds at a Hawaiian luau.
While most luaus take place on a beach -- or at least outside -- you can still have one right inside your classroom. Having a luau party in school is a way for your students to learn about Hawaiian culture and traditions without traveling across the ocean. You may not be able to light up any tiki torches or barbecue a pig on a spit, but you and your students can still engage in traditional activities and enjoy typical luau fare. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Set a date and time for the party and inform your students. Encourage people to wear Hawaiian or floral print clothing if they wish.
2. Decorate the classroom with luau and Hawaii-inspired designs. Floral print tablecloths, seashells, palm fronds, colorful parasols and silk flowers all set the luau mood.
3. Play Hawaiian music, like Hawaiian reggae, ukelele and other laid-back tunes.
4. Set out light party snacks. While some more lavish luaus offer traditional fare like pulled pork and coconut shrimp, a school party -- especially one on a budget -- should stick with snacks like watermelon, pineapple, mango, bananas, pineapple upside-down cake and tropical punch.
5. Welcome everyone to the party by saying "Aloha" and draping a lei around their neck.
6. Play traditional Hawaiian games, like ulu maika, in which players attempt to roll a stone disc between two posts across the room. Organize a hula hoop contest to see who can keep his or her hoop going the longest.
7. Learn to do the hula as a class by playing traditional music and learning a few simple moves, like "Love," in which you cross your hands over your shoulders.
Tags: your students