AAPI learning activities for kids play a vital role in building inclusive classrooms that reflect diverse voices and cultures. These engaging experiences not only deepen students’ understanding of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities but also foster empathy, respect, and global citizenship.
By incorporating interactive and hands-on lessons, teachers can make cultural education fun, meaningful, and memorable. Let’s explore what AAPI is and find out multiple engaging activities for kids to learn.
What is AAPI?
AAPI stands for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. This is an incredibly diverse population group in the United States, encompassing over 50 ethnic groups with hundreds of distinct languages and cultures, originating from a vast geographical area. AAPI Heritage Month takes place every May in the United States.
The AAPI community has a rich history and has contributed significantly to all facets of American society, while also facing unique challenges. Learning about AAPI through learning activities helps us better understand the diversity, cultures, and complex histories of our country and the world.
20+ AAPI Learning Activities for Kids
Looking for fun ways to explore Asian and Pacific Island cultures? Try these engaging AAPI learning activities for kids—perfect for elementary classrooms, with easy instructions and materials included:
1. Create Paper Cherry Blossoms
A simple craft activity to learn about a symbolic flower important in several East Asian cultures, particularly Japan.
Materials:
- Pink and brown construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue.
How To Do:
- Cut strips of brown paper to create branches and twigs. Glue them onto a background paper.
- Cut small squares of pink paper.
- Show kids how to pinch the center of each pink square and twist slightly to create a simple 3D blossom shape.
- Glue the blossoms onto the branches.
2. Make Simple Paper Lanterns
A classic craft representing light and celebration, common in many East and Southeast Asian festivals like Lunar New Year.
Materials:
- Rectangular construction paper (red or yellow are traditional colors)
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- Stapler
- Ruler.
How To Do:
- Fold the paper in half lengthwise.
- Using a ruler, measure and draw lines perpendicular to the fold, about 1 inch apart, stopping about 1 inch from the edge opposite the fold.
- Cut along these lines.
- Unfold the paper.
- Bring the two shorter edges together to form a cylinder and glue or tape the seam.
- Staple or glue a strip of paper to the top as a handle.
3. Read AAPI Children’s Books
Among valuable learning AAPI activities for kids, engaging students with stories written by AAPI authors or featuring AAPI characters and cultures is a popular choice.
Materials:
- A selection of age-appropriate children’s books from AAPI authors (e.g., “Merci Suárez Changes Gears,” “Front Desk,” “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon,” “Aloha Dear Waikiki”).
How To Do:
- Gather a diverse collection of books representing various AAPI backgrounds.
- Read aloud to the class.
- Discuss the characters, settings, and cultural elements presented in the stories.
- Make the books available for independent reading.
4. Map AAPI Countries and Regions
A geography activity to introduce students to the vastness and diversity of Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Materials:
- Large world map or map of Asia and the Pacific
- Push pins or markers
- Labels.
How To Do:
- Show students the regions that make up “AAPI.” Explain it includes East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands (Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia).
- Have students locate and mark specific countries or island nations as you learn about them.
- Discuss the sheer geographical distance and the variety of climates and landscapes.
5. Try Simple Origami
Learn the traditional Japanese art of paper folding to create various shapes without cutting or glue.
Materials:
- Square paper (origami paper or cut squares from printer paper)
- Instructional diagrams or video.
How To Do:
- Teach students basic origami folds (valley fold, mountain fold).
- Guide them through creating simple shapes like a crane, boat, or box.
- Discuss the patience and precision required for origami.
- Learn about the symbolism of the origami crane (peace).
6. Explore Rangoli Art
Create beautiful patterns on the floor using colored rice, sand, or flower petals, a traditional Indian art form for festivals like Diwali.
Materials:
- Colored rice or sand (can be made by adding food coloring to rice/sand in bags and letting it dry)
- Trays or large paper for making patterns.
How To Do:
- Show examples of traditional Rangoli designs.
- Have students draw simple patterns on paper or trays.
- Let them carefully sprinkle the colored rice or sand to fill in the patterns.
- Discuss how Rangoli welcomes guests and brings good luck.
7. Learn Basic Phrases
Introduce students to simple greetings or common phrases from various AAPI languages as part of AAPI learning activities that are designed for kids to highlight linguistic diversity
Materials:
- List of phrases (e.g., “Hello,” “Thank You,” “Goodbye”) in languages like Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Hindi, Samoan, etc.,
- Audio pronunciation guides (optional).
How To Do:
- Choose a few simple phrases from a few different AAPI languages.
- Teach pronunciation (use online resources or native speakers if possible).
- Practice saying the phrases together.
- Discuss how people in different parts of the world communicate.
8. Create Paper Plate Hand Drums
Make simple hand drums inspired by instruments used in various Asian cultures for celebrations and storytelling.
Materials:
- Paper plates
- Dried beans or rice
- Stapler
- Paint or markers
- Craft sticks or rulers
- Tape
- Yarn or ribbon (optional).
How To Do:
- Decorate the back of two paper plates with paint or markers.
- Put a small handful of dried beans or rice into one plate.
- Place the other plate on top, face down, sealing the edges by stapling all around.
- Tape or staple a craft stick or ruler to one edge as a handle.
- (Optional) Decorate with yarn or ribbon.
9. Explore Lunar New Year Traditions
Learn about the celebrations and customs associated with Lunar New Year, observed in many East and Southeast Asian countries.
Materials:
- Books or videos about Lunar New Year
- Red envelopes
- Maybe oranges or tangerines.
How To Do:
- Read stories or watch short videos explaining Lunar New Year (e.g., zodiac animals, lucky money in red envelopes, cleaning the house).
- Discuss the symbolism of colors (red for luck) and gifts (oranges for good fortune).
- Have kids decorate red envelopes.
10. Learn About Polynesian Wayfinding
Introduce the incredible historical navigation techniques used by Pacific Islanders to sail vast distances using natural signs like stars, waves, and birds.
Materials:
- Map of the Pacific Ocean
- Books or videos about Polynesian voyages (like the Hōkūleʻa)
- Perhaps a compass or globe to contrast.
How To Do:
- Show students the vastness of the Pacific Ocean on a map.
- Explain that ancient Polynesians sailed thousands of miles without modern instruments.
- Discuss how they used stars, ocean currents, wind patterns, and the flight of birds to navigate.
- Connect it to science concepts (astronomy, oceanography).
11. Create Filipino Parol Stars
Make decorative star lanterns, a traditional Filipino Christmas decoration symbolizing hope and the Star of Bethlehem.
Materials:
- Construction paper or cardstock
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- Tissue paper or cellophane
- String or yarn.
How To Do:
- Help students cut out two identical five-pointed star shapes from cardstock.
- Cut out the center of each star, leaving a border.
- Glue colorful tissue paper or cellophane over the open center on one star.
- Glue or tape the two star outlines together, creating a 3D effect with the tissue paper in the middle.
- Attach a string to hang it.
12. Try Indian Dance Movements
As part of your AAPI learning activities for kids, introduce basic hand gestures (mudras) or footwork from traditional Indian dance styles like Bharatanatyam or Bollywood for a fun cultural movement experience
Materials:
- Music (traditional Indian music or Bollywood soundtracks)
- Open space.
How To Do:
- Show short, age-appropriate videos of Indian dance styles.
- Teach a few simple hand gestures (mudras) and their meanings.
- Or, teach a few basic Bollywood-style steps.
- Put on some music and practice the movements together.
13. Research Notable AAPI Figures
Learn about inspiring individuals of Asian American and Pacific Islander descent who have made significant contributions in various fields.
Materials:
- Books
- Websites, or videos about AAPI figures (e.g., Grace Lee Boggs, Duke Kahanamoku, Yuri Kochiyama, Larry Itliong, Patsy Mink, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Kamala Harris).
How To Do:
- Introduce a few notable AAPI figures relevant to students’ interests or current studies.
- Have students research one figure (individually or in pairs).
- Students can create posters, short presentations, or write brief biographies about the person’s achievements.
14. Explore the Symbolism of Dragons
Learn about the cultural significance of dragons in various Asian cultures, often seen as benevolent symbols of power, strength, and good luck.
Materials:
- Books or images depicting Asian dragons (Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, etc.)
- Art supplies (drawing, painting, paper for cutting).
How To Do:
- Show images of dragons from different Asian cultures, noting differences and similarities.
- Discuss the positive symbolism associated with these dragons (unlike many Western dragons).
- Have students draw, paint, or create paper dragon artwork.
- (Optional) Create a simple class “dragon” using fabric or paper for a movement activity.
15. Try Learning with Chopsticks
A fun, practical activity to introduce students to using chopsticks and learn about table etiquette in some Asian cultures.
Materials:
- Chopsticks (kid-friendly ones if possible)
- Small, soft objects (like cotton balls, pompoms, or marshmallows),
- Small bowls.
How To Do:
- Teach students how to hold and use chopsticks (demonstrate or use a video).
- Have students practice picking up soft objects from one bowl and transferring them to another using only chopsticks.
- Discuss table manners associated with chopsticks in different cultures.
16. Create a Class “Stories from Asia/Pacific” Quilt Square
A collaborative art project where each student designs a square representing a story, symbol, or aspect they learned about AAPI cultures.
Materials:
- Square pieces of paper or fabric
- Drawing/coloring materials (markers, crayons, fabric paints)
- Glue
- Large backing paper or fabric.
How To Do:
- After learning about various AAPI stories, traditions, or symbols, assign each student a square.
- Have each student decorate their square to represent something they learned.
- Collect the finished squares and arrange them together on a larger background to create a class “quilt.”
- Display the quilt and have students explain their individual squares.
17. Learn About the Vietnamese Conical Hat
Explore the cultural significance and practical uses of the traditional Vietnamese conical hat.
Materials:
- Books or pictures of Conical Hat
- Large paper or thin cardboard
- Scissors
- Tape or glue
- String or ribbon.
How To Do:
- Show pictures of people wearing Conical Hat and discuss its use for protection from sun and rain.
- Explain it’s a symbol of Vietnamese culture.
- Help students cut a large circle from paper/cardboard and then cut a slit to the center.
- Roll the paper into a cone shape and secure with tape or glue.
- Punch holes on opposite sides near the base and attach a string to tie under the chin.
18. Explore AAPI Music and Instruments
Among valuable AAPI learning activities for kids, engaging students with stories written by AAPI authors or featuring AAPI characters and cultures is a popular choice.
Materials:
- Access to music streaming or videos (search for traditional music from Japan, China, Korea, India, Philippines, Indonesia, Pacific Islands, etc.)
- Pictures or videos of instruments (Koto, Erhu, Gayageum, Sitar, Gamelan, Ukulele, etc.).
How To Do:
- Play examples of music from different AAPI regions. Discuss how it sounds different or similar to music they know.
- Show pictures or videos of traditional instruments. Discuss how they make sound.
- Compare the instruments to Western instruments.
19. Make Paper Hand Fans
A simple and fun craft to create decorative or functional paper fans, found in many Asian cultures.
Materials:
- Rectangular paper (decorated or plain)
- Tape or glue
- Craft stick or popsicle stick (optional).
How To Do:
- If using plain paper, decorate it first with drawings or patterns.
- Starting at one short end, fold the paper over about 1 inch.
- Flip the paper over and fold the same width in the opposite direction (like an accordion).
- Continue folding until the entire paper is creased.
- Fold the pleated paper in half.
- Glue or tape the folded pleats together near the bottom to form the fan handle.
- (Optional) Tape a craft stick inside the handle folds for sturdiness.
20. Collaborative AAPI Heritage Quilt of Facts
A whole-class collaborative activity where each student contributes a researched fact or drawing about an AAPI culture or famous person to a shared display.
Materials:
- Square pieces of paper
- Markers/crayons
- Large backing paper or bulletin board
- Glue or tape
- Research resources (books, websites).
How To Do:
- Assign each student to find or draw one interesting fact, symbol, or image related to an AAPI culture or person they learned about.
- Have students write or draw their fact/image clearly on their square.
- Arrange all the squares together on a bulletin board or large paper to create a collaborative “quilt” displaying diverse facts about AAPI heritage.
- Have students take turns presenting their square.
Wrap up
Integrating AAPI learning activities for kids into your curriculum helps foster empathy, cultural awareness, and respect. These engaging lessons allow students to explore the histories and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Instead of limiting these experiences to one month, weave them throughout the school year.
Doing so enriches academic learning, supports personal growth, and creates a more inclusive classroom where students feel a deeper connection to diverse cultures and the world around them.
Extend your lessons with our collection of AAPI-themed worksheets. Each activity helps kids explore Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures, traditions, and contributions in fun, meaningful ways!
