Do you know what AAPI month is? Though we obviously talk a lot about global citizenship as well as representation and inclusion in our home, my kids didn’t know what those letters stood for the other day. Which speaks to the fact that Asian American Pacific Islander experiences and perspectives are often erased in US communities, schools, and workplaces
Anti-Asian and anti-Asian American oppression and hate have been happening for centuries, but the last few months have made it even more obvious. On the flip side, many are also now committing to learn, unlearn, grow, and advocate. The circumstances are heartbreaking AND the effort is needed. I’m sitting in that balance.
AAPI Month Learning Packet
Because of that, I put together an AAPI Month learning packet for kids, families, and educators called ARISE: Exploring AAPI Perspectives. Through it, you can “travel” through 20 Asian and Pacific Island countries over 4 weeks, with a different theme each week: AAPI Heroes, Art, Food, and STEM.
You’ll receive a packet with a brief project for each day/country that goes along with the week’s theme:
- Week 1: 5 mini biographies of AAPI female heroes and a coloring sheet for each
- Week 2: 5 AAPI-inspired art projects
- Week 3: 5 recipes
- Week 4: 5 STEM projects inspired by Asian inventions, landmarks, and successes
Each project will also contain reflection questions and actions centering each people’s experience in the US. I want my kids and others to know that Asians aren’t just in Asia – they are American, and they belong here.
Of course, you don’t have to do these all in the month of May – in fact, I truly hope you learn AAPI stories, successes, joy, and ways to eliminate oppression throughout the year.
Who is the packet for?
The packet is primarily geared to elementary-aged kids, but plenty of younger and older kids have enjoyed it, as well. Just the exposure and representation is so important! And since each project will take between 10-30 minutes, It’s perfect for families to do at home even if you don’t have much time.
This curriculum would also be wonderful for classroom educators to use with students. While making the recipes may not be an option in the classroom, I have included links to videos so you can see what the foods look like. I have also included reflection questions for why that food is important or how it ties into the culture.
How much does the packet cost?
While I LOVE offering many resources for free (including the Global Children’s Book Club!), this is my first paid curriculum in order to compensate the incredible Paper & Rice Co who is created the coloring pages, and also to model compensating myself. Each purchase is valid for ONE family or classroom and costs $50.
Of course, please let me know if financial hardship prevents you from contributing.
Where do I sign up?
You can purchase the AAPI learning packet right here!
