What is AANHPI Heritage?
AANHPI stands for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander. AANHPI Heritage recognizes the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of these communities in the United States. AANHPI Heritage Month is celebrated in May, but learning can take place all year long.
Why is it important for students to learn about AANHPI heritage?
Learning about Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage helps students develop a deeper understanding of American history and the diverse communities that shape it. These lessons foster cultural awareness, challenge stereotypes, and promote empathy. Including AANHPI stories in the classroom also supports a more inclusive and accurate curriculum that reflects all students’ identities and experiences.
How can I start teaching AANHPI heritage in my classroom?
Start with age-appropriate resources that highlight AANHPI voices, history, and culture. Look for lesson plans, discussion prompts, and multimedia tools that support inclusive and engaging learning. Share My Lesson’s AANHPI Heritage Collection is a great place to begin with free preK-12 resources.
How do I integrate cultural heritage into subjects like ELA and social studies?
Incorporate biographies, historical texts, and storytelling activities that reflect the lived experiences and perspectives of AANHPI individuals. Many of these resources are cross-curricular and designed to fit seamlessly into your existing lessons, and you can find them right here on Share My Lesson.
