Moana spends her days exploring the ocean, searching for other islanders. The ancestors have said that her people will come to an end unless she can help them reconnect. So she sets sail, calling on Maui to help her overcome every challenge that might prevent her from fulfilling her mission. Accompanying her are her crew, pet pig (Hua), and rooster (HeiHei), who provide comic relief as well as companionship.
Use one or more of these activities with children ages 6 and older to explore the meaning of Moana 2 together.
Honorary Titles. Moana’s tribe holds a kava ceremony and gives her the title ‘Tautai’, which means ‘navigator’ or ‘guide’. This title represents an individual skill and also a way that Moana contributes to the larger community. Invite children to reflect on their own strengths. Ask: What are some things you are good at? How might you use your abilities to support our community? Then brainstorm honorary titles that reflect their skills and contributions, Hold a brief ceremony conferring those titles on one another.
Warrior Salute. The Kakamora are aggressive pirates who try to attack Moana and her crew. Moana learns they are trying to find their island home, which got lost when the Nalo raised a giant storm. Moana agrees to help them defeat a giant clam that stands in their way. The Kakamora offer her a warrior salute to show their thanks and respect. Encourage children to create their own salute. Say: The Kakamoras used their salute when they wanted to express their gratitude and respect. How might you show others that you appreciate and respect them? Practice your salute together and encourage children to use their salute with family and friends.
Rethinking Options. Inside the clam, Moana meets Mantangi, who encourages her to look at problems differently in order to find creative solutions. When Maui can’t lift the island to break Nalo’s curse, Moana realizes she can dive down to the island instead. Invite children to imagine other ways Moana could have broken the curse and defeated Nalo. Encourage them to act out their creative scenarios.
Practice Helps. Nalo’s storm causes significant damage to Moana’s ship and almost kills one of her crew members. Moana is worried that she will not be able to land on the island and break Nalo’s curse. Maui helps her navigate an obstacle course that trains her to defeat the storm. Say: Before Moana faces Nalo, she prepares for the challenge. Practicing helps Moana feel confident enough to face Nalo. Imagine you are about to face Nalo. What are some movements and actions that help you feel confident and strong? Encourage children to demonstrate their own movements and try out other’s actions.
Wide Connections. Moana defeats Nalo’s storm and opens the ocean roads to connect with other peoples. Moana’s tribe holds a kava ceremony with all the leaders from all the tribes. Invite children to imagine what happens next. Say: Now that all the island people are connected, what do you think they might do together? Encourage them to draw pictures of possible communal activities and actions.
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