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Aimed at elementary teachers and students, the project supports the teaching of geography and the cultures of East Asia in Colorado classrooms. The five books used in this project address specific Colorado standards in 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, CU students will travel to schools in the Denver-Boulder metro area during the spring 2025 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 CU 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.

The Ocean Calls by Tina Cho - A young girl learns about the lives of haenyeo (women free divers) on Jeju Island in South Korea through the teachings of her grandmother.

Warrior Princess by Sally Deng - This story highlights the life of a Mongolian princess who defied expectations to become a legendary warrior and leader.

The Sound of Silence by Katrina Goldsaito - This poetic tale introduces Japanese cultural concepts of "ma" (silence and pauses) through the eyes of a boy living in bustling Tokyo.

Rice by Hong Cheng Xu - This book follows a hardworking rice farmer in rural China, highlighting the process of growing rice and its cultural significance.

Mommy's Hometown by Hope Lim - A boy learns about his mother’s Korean hometown, reflecting on change, tradition, and family bonds​.

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 Office of Outreach and Engagement at the University of Colorado Boulder and the Japan Foundation, New York.