University of Hawaii Learning to Grow

05/31/2026

A growing number of keiki nationwide are damaging their hearing by prolonged exposure to loud noise. National Save Your Hearing Day is the perfect day to learn ways you can protect children’s hearing. The American Academy of Audiology shares childhood noise risks and tips to protect children from hearing loss.

Hearing loss can happen at any age. A growing number of teens and kids are damaging their hearing by prolonged exposure to loud noise.

05/30/2026

Dancing with shakers is a simple way to get children moving their bodies. Make a shaker with a toilet paper roll, seeds or small pebbles, and tape, then enjoy shaking your percussion instrument and dancing with your children.
https://www.cdm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ShakerInstrument.pdf

05/29/2026

Join the Makawao Public Library for their hands-on STEM for kids event tomorrow, May 30th, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Keiki will spend the afternoon working on STEM projects like Dash robots and spaghetti towers.

Kids of all ages are welcome at the Makawao Library for an afternoon of hands-on STEM projects, including Dash robots, spaghetti towers, and more! These […]

05/28/2026

Follow these tips to protect yourself and your family from the sun. The American Cancer Society shares tips, such as staying in the shade during peak hours, using sunscreen and applying it correctly, and wearing long clothing to cover your skin.
https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/cancer-control/en/booklets-flyers/protect-from-the-sun.pdf

05/27/2026

The National CACFP Association shares different levels (green, yellow, and red) of processed foods. Educate your family and children about processed food and start making healthier options.

The Institute of Child Nutrition delves into the different levels of processed foods and offers guidance on making healthy choices.

05/26/2026

It’s National Paper Airplane Day! Follow this step-by-step guide from Curiodyssey to engineer your fastest paper airplane. Ask your children these open-ended questions to prompt their thinking when you are flying your airplane: What happens when you try throwing the airplane hard/soft? What happens when you try throwing it upside down?
https://curiodyssey.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Science-Experiment-Paper-Airplane.pdf

05/25/2026

Our friends at Zero To Three share a variety of activities to do with toddlers that develop language, motor, and cognitive skills through play. Try one of the suggested activities such as washing a tricycle or doll with “Squishy Sponges.”

Whether you're looking for games to build your toddler's language skills or to keep them busy, here are some play ideas for 12-24 months.

05/24/2026

When asking your toddler or preschooler a question, try pausing for 10 or 15 seconds after you ask the question. Your child needs time to process the question, think about what you have asked and then produce an answer. Learn 11 other ways you can support language development for infants and toddlers in this NAEYC article.

When you talk to your child, you support her language development. Think about what you are saying from your infant or toddler’s point of view.

05/23/2026

Social skills are important for young children in a group setting. Try these tips from pbs.org to help young children learn about friendship and how to be a good friend.
https://www.pbs.org/parents/learn-grow/age-2/social-skills/friendship

Watch full episodes of your favorite PBS dramas, find in-depth news analysis and explore documentaries on history, science, art and more!

05/22/2026

Preschool Open Doors helps make preschool affordable for qualified families. Applications open on May 29th!