A number of our authors have written about a progressive education approach to curriculum design over the years, but surprisingly, it is hard to find progressive education writers that focus on lesson planning. For example, in this post I give a brief introduction to the history of progressive education curriculum design, then highlight Hanahau‘oli School’s approach to developing “integrated, interdisciplinary, and thematic” units of study. In Gabby Holt’s blog about concept-based learning, she emphasizes unit planning and the ways progressive education units based on concepts rather than topics can cultivate and build students’ enduring understandings over time. Other bloggers, like Brett Peterson who published this incredible read, “Uncovering The Progressive Past: The Origins of PBL,” underscores the progressive education movement’s role in introducing educators “to a curriculum inspired by and designed with the project,” also known as project-based learning (PBL). In each of these pieces, it is clear that the progressive education tradition favors longer-term units of study or projects as the foundation for curriculum design, rather than shorter lessons or discrete lesson planning. 

Environments shape how we think, feel, and engage more than we may realize. Have you ever walked into a space that instantly made you feel overwhelmed? Sensory regulation, or the brain’s ability to process, organize, and respond to sensory input, is essential to learning, attention, and emotional well-being. When our sensory needs are unmet, we may struggle to focus, manage stress, or feel comfortable in educational and social spaces. When those needs are supported, we are better positioned to thrive.

In August 2025, Hanahau‘oli School shared a refreshed Mission Statement and a thoughtfully articulated framework of Guiding Beliefs—the result of a reflective and collaborative process involving voices from across the school community. While grounded in the values, philosophy, and traditions that have guided Hanahau‘oli since 1918, this renewed mission looks ahead with hope and intention. It embraces the changing world children live in today—and the one they will help to create—with a spirit of joyful wonder and purpose.