Famous Asian Americans by Grace Lee
Fulbright ETAs teach in more than 15 countries throughout Asia. These ETAs are from diverse ethnic backgrounds, but all too often those who do not fit the blonde-haired, blue-eyed stereotypical image of Americans which people have come to expect from consuming American popular culture face inquiries like this:
“Where are you from?”
“I’m from the USA.”
“But where are you really from?”
In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (May), South Korea ETA Grace Lee designed a lesson to help elementary school students understand the diversity in America, using examples of famous Asian Americans. ETAs teaching in the Asia Pacific region will likely find this to be an engaging, relatable cultural lesson on the USA for their students, who may come to understand that someone who looks very much like them can in fact be just as American as a blonde Caucasian.
At the end of her lesson plan, Grace also encourages her students to think of what they are proud about in their own cultural heritage. While this part of the lesson is Korea-centered, it can be easily modified to fit any other country.
Grace’s lesson plan and presentation can be downloaded here:
Check back in next week for one more fantastic lesson from a South Korea ETA as we close out South Korea month!