Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Activities

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! Established in 1991, this celebratory event has brought both honor and recognition to the communities who belong to this group, which includes more than 75 countries in Asia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. In addition, we can’t forget Hawaii, a tropical state in the Pacific Ocean. On this page, you’ll find our printable Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Activities, which are great for celebrating this month in the classroom!
In classrooms across the country, teachers and students are learning about the diverse makeup of different cultures in the AAPI community. There is much to see and enjoy: the AAPI community has many unique celebrations, cuisines, and cultural traditions.
As you plan your Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month lesson plans and activities, integrate our ready-to-use and ready-to-print resources, aligned to the Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Learning Standards.
We have an assortment of reading comprehension passages about figures from the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, including 21st century inventors and entertainers. Looking to dig into tradition? We have an excellent reading about cuisine and celebratory events like Songkran and Holi. For each reading, learners have an opportunity to connect with culture and share their reflections on the text.
For your youngest elementary school learners, be sure to enjoy our Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month pre-made presentations and activities. Your lesson planning will be a breeze and students will be motivated to participate in some hands-on, colorful fun.
First, use our presentations on Chinese fans, tikis, leis, and origami to help students understand the cultural traditions associated with each. Many of these traditions span the AAPI community, while others are most distinct to certain groups and regions. This is a wonderful way to celebrate diversity!
Each presentation has a coordinating AAPI Heritage Month activity. Activities range in challenge. Learners can create and fold personalized Chinese fans and fold patterned paper to make an origami fox. Alternatively, students may create and dedicate leis to celebrate people in their lives or design tikis to give the classroom a tropical and vibrant look. Choose one or all four Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month activities to help your students learn and celebrate.
These Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month lesson plan ideas offer student choice and promote reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. May is a great time to celebrate the rich and vibrant culture of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community!
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Reading Activities
Learn about Holi and Songkran with this printable AAPI Heritage Month worksheet!
Students will read a short passage about famous figures in the AAPI community, then answer related questions.
This printable reading comprehension activity focuses on cultural cuisine within the Asian American and Pacific Islander community!
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with this printable activity focusing on famous inventors.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Presentations and Activities
This presentation is great for younger students wanting to learn about tikis in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month.
Students will enjoy these fun, printable tiki coloring pages!
Learn about the history of Chinese fans in the classroom with this presentation. Great for younger elementary students!
Use this printable activity to create your own Chinese fan in honor of AAPI Heritage Month!
Students will learn about origami with this presentation for younger students. Great for Kindergarten through 3rd grade.
Print and color the patterns on each sheet of paper, then cut along the dotted lines before folding into different shapes.
Students can learn about leis with this presentation for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Great for younger students in grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade!
Students will have fun coloring leis with their favorite colors and unique patterns with this printable coloring page!