Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is celebrated in May each year to honor the rich culture, history, and achievements of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in the United States.
For educators, this month is a perfect time to explore AAPI heritage by incorporating diverse materials and activities into your curriculum to help children learn about these groups and the important roles they have played in our nation’s history. These celebrations promote values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in your ECE community.
Below, you will find a few fun activities and ideas for celebrating AAPI Heritage Month.
If you have any children in your class who are of AAPI ethnicity, invite them and their family to talk with your class about their background, culture, and traditions. This is a great opportunity for children to learn from one another as they share about their family and their heritage.
Reading books with AAPI characters or books written by AAPI authors is a simple way to incorporate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month into your curriculum. Visit G2K’s article, Children’s Books to Celebrate the AAPI Community In May and Every Month or Tinkergarten’s book list, 18 Books for Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month With Kids, to find books with stories and information that will spark classroom conversations.
Explore and learn more about AAPI heritage with an art project. A few fun ideas are included in the links below.
Exploring music from around the world is a great way to introduce children to sounds from different cultures. Share age-appropriate songs from AAPI artists and music played on instruments that are indigenous to Asian-Pacific countries.
