When is AAPI Month?

Every year, the month of May is officially designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month. May was chosen to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the United States on May 7, 1843, as well as the completion of the transcontinental railroad by a large Chinese workforce on May 10, 1869. AAPI Month serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and contributions woven into the fabric of American society by individuals of Asian and Pacific Islander descent.

Classroom activities to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month

As racist anti-Asian attacks continue to rise across the US, it is more important than ever to recognize the diverse history of Asians in America and amplify Asian American identities, culture, and achievements. Nearpod has curated free resources to help teachers celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in the classroom. From fostering a deeper understanding of historical contexts to celebrating contemporary achievements, these resources aim to empower educators in amplifying diverse narratives and nurturing inclusivity within their classrooms. Let’s delve into classroom activities curated by Nearpod to honor AAPI Heritage Month and uplift AAPI communities.

Foster a love of learning in every student with Nearpod. Teachers can sign up for free below to access and create interactive lessons. Administrators can schedule a call with an expert to unlock the full power of Nearpod for schools and districts.

1. Enter students in the Celebrate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Contest

Learning about and elevating Asian voices and stories is an important step in the fight for racial justice—and research suggests that when students guide their own learning, they become more engaged, create more connections between their schoolwork and the real world, and develop critical thinking skills that help them succeed in school and beyond. Nearpod’s Asian/Pacific American Heritage Contest offers an opportunity to empower students to create their own mini-curriculum.

Students can research any American of Asian or Pacific Island descent who has made an important contribution to history or culture, then write a 150- to 250-word informational script about that person’s life and achievements. One winning script will be turned into a Nearpod Original Video! Find more information, including an announcement video and contest packet with official rules.

Inspire students to enter by introducing them to our 2021 winner: Phoebe Lee. Phoebe and her script were featured in a Nearpod Original Just a Minute video, and she was also invited to attend the filming session virtually. She used her voice to honor Asian American civil rights activist in this lesson about Yuri Kochiyama. She chose Kochiyama as her figure because she wanted to teach others about her courage and inspiring activism. Click here to see all student winners.

1. Amplify student voice with lesson videos from past winners

1. Amplify student voice with lesson videos from past winners

This Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, inspire your class with videos created by student winners that celebrate influential AAPI historical figures through young creative voices.

The Flocabulary Student Voice Contest now runs in the fall for any historical figure. No account needed to submit—use Lyric Lab to craft raps and view past winners for inspiration.

Explore inspiring examples from past winners: Phoebe Lee’s winning script about Asian American civil rights activist Yuri Kochiyama, Savannah’s tribute to astronaut Kalpana Chawla, and Sadie’s work highlighting actress Anna May Wong. These student-created lessons demonstrate the power of young voices in elevating important historical contributions and can serve as excellent teaching resources while inspiring your students’ own creativity. Click here to see all student winners.

2. Introduce diverse viewpoints with Perspective Analysis lessons

In the age of social media and the 24-hour news cycle, it is crucial for students to deepen their critical-thinking skills. Nearpod’s 50+ Perspective Analysis lessons provide opportunities for students to examine their own perspectives, as well as analyze perspectives presented in text, videos, and other media. Use these AAPI Heritage Month ideas below!

In one lesson, students can read Ha Jin’s poem “All You Have is a Country,” in which the speaker describes his one-sided longing for China, the country he left behind. After reading, students consider whether the poem is a “mirror,” reflecting some of their own life experience back at them, or a “window,” introducing them to a new experience or perspective.

In another lesson, middle school and high school students watch a video about why the word “Asian” is now preferred to “Oriental.” They can map out which ideas and perspectives are centered in the video, which are given only a quick mention, and which are left out entirely. Then they think about why those perspectives were included or ignored. 

Other Perspective Analysis lessons talk about the Chinese Exclusion Act and civil rights activist Yuri Kochiyama. You can also create your own version of this lesson structure, selecting the texts, videos, or other media that best fit your classroom needs.

3. Browse all of Nearpod’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month lessons

We’ve curated a collection of 20+ premade lessons to help you honor AAPI Heritage Month in your classroom. Teach students about important events in Asian American history, like Japanese internment during World War II and the annexation of Hawaii as the 50th state. Celebrate the lives and achievements of Mabel Lee, Fred Korematsu, and other historical figures. Or take a mini field trip to Guam or Hawaii with Nearpod’s Virtual Reality (VR) Field Trips.

Here are more AAPI Heritage Month activities we recommend exploring for your lesson plan:

• Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month: In this holiday lesson, students learn about the origins of Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month and how people celebrate it. Students learn about cultural heritage. Explore the K-2 lesson and 3-5 lesson.
• The Dark History of the Overthrow of Hawaii: In this AAPI history video for grades 6-12 from TED-Ed, students learn how Hawaii became a US territory.
• What Led to the Chinese Exclusion Act?: The Chinese Exclusion Act was the first law of its kind. In this video for grades 9-12, students learn how it came to be and why it was unprecedented. They follow a character seeking answers, and reflect on the role of this act in our history.
• Feudalism in Japan: In this 9-12 social studies activity, students will understand facts about the Feudalism in Japan using Nearpod’s interactive quiz game, Time to Climb.

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with Nearpod

We’re so excited to see you use these activities in your classroom! Although May is AAPI Heritage Month, it’s important to highlight Asian American and Pacific Islander figures, heritage, and culture year-round. Use these lessons and activities to celebrate in May and during any other time of the school year. And don’t forget to enter Nearpod’s AAPI Heritage Contest!

Foster a love of learning in every student with Nearpod. Teachers can sign up for free below to access and create interactive lessons. Administrators can schedule a call with an expert to unlock the full power of Nearpod for schools and districts.

Katie Choi

Katie Choi is a senior curriculum manager at Nearpod.