Teaching Asian America in Elementary Classrooms

Asian American voices and experiences are underrepresented in elementary curricula, leading to a fundamental misperception of who they are. This book aims to amend the superficial treatment of Asian American histories by providing teachers with a more nuanced, thematic account of their identity, immigration, war and displacement, citizenship, and activism.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Asian American voices and experiences are significantly underrepresented in elementary curricula, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and misconceptions about this diverse community. Stereotypical perceptions often limit Asian Americans to being solely Chinese or Japanese, recent immigrants who struggle with English, exotic foreigners, or the "model minority" who excels academically. These pervasive biases begin in early education and are reinforced through textbooks and curriculum, which often offer a superficial and incomplete understanding of Asian American history and culture.

To address this issue, this book aims to provide elementary teachers with a more nuanced and thematic approach to teaching Asian American history. It delves into the complexity of Asian American identity, explores significant moments in Asian immigration, war, displacement, citizenship, and activism, and offers suggestions across content areas for guided class discussions, broader unit ideas, and recommendations for children's literature and primary sources.

By incorporating a deeper understanding of Asian American history and culture into elementary curricula, educators can help break down stereotypes and promote inclusivity and diversity in the classroom. This book serves as a valuable resource for teachers who want to provide their students with a more comprehensive and accurate portrayal of Asian Americans and their contributions to American society.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032597157