AAPI Month: Celebrating AAPI in your program
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The term AAPI refers to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and covers countries from East, Southeast, and South Asia, such as Pakistan, Malaysia, and Cambodia. This term also includes descendants from the countries of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, such as Fiji, Hawaii, and Tonga. Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month is observed during the month of May.
Early childhood leaders and staff need to educate themselves about the importance of AAPI Heritage Month and how they can lead classroom activities that inform and celebrate people from this heritage. This is especially important when enrolled families or staff are members of the large group called “AAPI.”
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are among the two fastest-growing racial groups in the United. But growing up in a South Asian household in the late 80s and 90s, I was never aware that there was a day in May, let alone a month, to celebrate people who shared my heritage. Even as an adult, people still question that I refer to myself as Asian because many associate the word “Asian” with those from countries such as China, Japan, and the Philippines, to name a few. If adults are confused, imagine the children in your classrooms with far less exposure to the world.
HISTORY OF AAPI MONTH
In 1979, President Carter proclaimed the first Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week in May to celebrate the contributions and influences of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians. The month of May was chosen to highlight two important days. The first is May 7, which signifies the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the United States. The second date is May 10, marking the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States, with significant contributions from people of Chinese descent. AAPI week continued to be celebrated until 1990, when President George W. Bush proclaimed the first AAPI month. In 1992, Congress passed Pub. L. No. 102-450, which permanently designated May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month each year.
INTRODUCTION OF AAPI MONTH IN YOUR PROGRAM
Before deciding what activities you can do to celebrate AAPI month, get to know the children and families in your program. If you have families that fall under the umbrella of AAPI, include them in collaborating and planning activities. Not only will this create positive and meaningful connections with your families, but those families will also be great resources.
Below are different ways your program can increase familiarity with AAPI heritage. One key note is that AAPI covers people from over 200 different countries. It is not realistic to be able to introduce aspects from all of their cultures respectfully. However, you can categorize countries to be able to expose your program to as many different types as possible. For example, one could group the South Asian countries together; there are similarities between the clothing and music even though different languages are spoken. Exposure is key! You do not have to spend much of your budget buying resources. With technology, finding budget-friendly or cost-free educational materials for your center is easier than ever.
- Music: This can be as simple as playing music from various cultures. Asian Playground includes various songs from India to China. Pictures or videos of instruments unique to these cultures can also interest children.
- Books: These can be physical books or even online books. Here are a few recommendations and resources to access free online read-alouds:
- Common Sense Education
- epic!
- Eyes that Kiss in the Corners
- Ohana Means Family
- Bilal Cooks Daal
- Foods: If you have families under the AAPI umbrella, you might have them bring their favorite recipes to share. Staff can also add pictures of food or plastic food items from these cultures to the dramatic play center. This would also be an excellent opportunity to do a cooking activity in the classroom.
These are just a few suggestions for integrating AAPI culture into your program during May (and year-round!) There are endless possibilities to engage the staff and children in your program. You just need to ask yourself which methods will be most impactful for you and your program.
Sharmeen Reyes, B.A., is an assessor and training specialist with McCormick Institute for Early Childhood at National Louis University. She earned her baccalaureate degree from the University of Illinois Chicago and is a licensed teacher with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education. She also holds an Infant Toddler credential, issued by DHS. Before moving to assessment work, Sharmeen had nine years of experience in early childhood settings as a Head Start teacher and an education coordinator.
