Teaching Asian America in Elementary Classrooms

by Noreen Naseem Rodriguez, Sohyun An, Esther June Kim

Asian American voices and experiences are largely absent from elementary curricula.

Asian Americans are an extraordinarily diverse group of people, yet are often viewed through stereotypical as Chinese or Japanese only, as recent immigrants who do not speak English, as exotic foreigners, or as a “model minority” who do well in school. This fundamental misperception of who Asian Americans are begins with young learners―often from what they learn, or do not learn, in school.

This book sets out to amend the superficial treatment of Asian American histories in U.S. textbooks and curriculum by providing elementary teachers with a more nuanced, thematically driven account. In chapters focusing on the complexity of Asian American identity, major moments in Asian immigration, war and displacement, issues of citizenship, and Asian American activism, the authors include suggestions across content areas for guided class discussions, ideas for broader units, and recommendations for children’s literature as well as primary sources.

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2023

Reviews

[Queena Roquemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Equal parts history, pedagogy, and well-curated book list. Good resources if I ever find myself teaching upper elementary/middle school again.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have book for those who are invested in curriculum representation for all American histories. These scholars, the few and only in their field that dedicate Asian American Studies in the K-12 social studies curriculum, devise accessible content for all educators or just the casual reader.

[Scripturient · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent practical advice for educators. Centers themes and provides discussion questions and children’s book suggestions.