Classroom Outreach: Teaching Natural Sciences through East Asian Picture Books
Aimed at elementary teachers and students, the project supports the teaching of the natural sciences and the cultures of East Asia in Colorado classrooms. The five books used in this project address specific Colorado standards in life science, earth science, and social studies. Through the use of specific picture books to address the content, students will also gain literacy skills and address visual art standards as they read and examine the materials. The project thus responds to specific classroom needs as teachers must address these standards. As students gain knowledge about the physical world around them, they will also learn about the cultures of East Asia, making them more familiar with cultural similarities and differences.
With the rise of anti-Asian racism and violence in America in the last few years, creating a better cross-cultural understanding can never begin too early. Bringing awareness of different cultures into elementary classrooms will help to develop more inclusive societies as children begin to comprehend that they are part of a global citizenship that must strive for mutual understanding.
For this project, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ students will travel to schools in the Denver-Boulder metro area during the spring 2024 semester to present a one-hour story time during which they will read a book to the elementary classroom students and present a short lesson on the content. To reach underrepresented communities, we will work with the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ students to develop a Zoom version of their presentation. Teachers opting for a Zoom presentation would receive the same materials as those opting for an in-person session (five books, curricular materials and resources).
The five books selected for this project contain excellent content that provides a cross-curricular approach to the specific elements of natural science and their portrayal of East Asian cultures.
When the Sakura Bloom by Narisa Togo - Describes the blooming of the cherry blossom and its significance in Japanese culture.
When Spring Comes to the DMZ by Uk-Bae Lee - Introduces students to the untouched Demilitarized Zone inKorea and its flora and fauna.
A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin - Illustrates the waning stages of the moon and the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinese culture.
Moth and Wasp, Soil and Ocean by Sigrid Schmalzer (Upper Elementary) - Depicts the natural life of insects as a scientist in rural China works to establish best practices in farming.
Kai the Dancing Butterfly by Crystal Z. Lee - Examines butterflies and their migratory pattern in Taiwan as well as the island’s geography and indigenous cultures.
If you are a Colorado teacher interested in hosting a one-hour story time, please contact Christy Go at christy.go@colorado.edu.
This project is made possible through generous funding from the National Consoritum for Teaching about East Asia, the Ofice of Outreach and Engagement at the University of Colorado Boulder and the Japan Foundation, New York.