May Day is Lei Day: Free Activities!
“May Day is Lei Day” is a most beloved tradition of Hawaiian culture. I’m excited to have you join me in the celebration. In real life the festival is May 1st and 2nd, but here at the iceberg we will celebrate the wonderful things about our 50th state for several weeks. So “Aloha from the Iceberg” where you will find free activities in a power point format.
“May Day is Lei Day” is a major time of pageantry and celebration in Hawaii. The first two days of May are filled with many experiences. It is fascinating learning about the origin of lei design and construction. It is fun wearing beautiful leis. Everyone enjoys the hula dancing: the girls and boys. Everyone has spent weeks in preparation at school and at home. Many hours are spent searching for the best hibiscus, orchids, plumerias, and tea leaves. There have been many lei making sessions and many practices of your hula dance.
The state of Hawaii officially recognizes only 137 islands in the state which includes four islands of the Midway Atoll.[1
“Hawai’i Facts & Figures” (PDF). State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. December 2022. Retrieved January 1, 2023
May Day is Lei Day: Free Activity #1 – Labeling the Eight Major Islands
“May Day is Lei Day” is a wonderful time to focus on eight major islands of the 137 island that compose the state of Hawaii.
Within this slide show, you will see two map resources. You can determine which aid would work best for this activity. It depends on the map skills of your kiddos. When I’m setting up for this assignment, I either copy a map for each table or for a small group of kiddos to use as a reference. Secondly, you could project the map using technology for all to see and discuss as a whole group.
Without a doubt, you know that there are not enough hours in a day to grade papers. 🙂 So to provide a helping hand, each activity that requires responses will have a “Self-Check” recording sheet!
Each island has its own original “nickname”, a specific color, and a particular flower.
“May Day Lei Day”: Free Activity #2 Vocabulary Cards
“May Day is Lei Day” comes alive learning the following 41 vocabulary and phrase cards. A major part of the pageant is the Acknowledgement of the royal court. King and Queen, and the Princesses that represent each of the islands.
You may use the vocabulary cards for a class word wall. If your classroom doesn’t have enough room, copy at 50% and the kiddos can add them to their journals.
May Day is Lei Day for Activity #3 – A,B,C Order
“May Day is Lei Day” is a perfect time for practicing A, B, C Order. The vocabulary used are island names, flowers, colors, and terms that are associated with the celebration. Enjoy the slideshow overview of the A, B, C Order assignments. There are three versions of the assignments to meet the needs of your kiddos. There is a “Self-Check” for each version of 6 words, 8 words, or 18 words.
Congratulations you’ve made it!! Here are the promised FREE activities. Download the power point, “Print-n-Go”.
In conclusion, I would love to know about your kiddos’ reactions to the activities. Please come back and leave a message.
Mahalo,
The Penguin Teacher
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