1 Asian Literature Melissa Barlow

2 Introduction The purpose of this presentation is to provide teachers with resources for instruction of Asian Literature at the elementary level. Melissa Barlow is a student at Eastern Connecticut State University in the Education Master’s program.

3 Topics of Discussion Special focus will be placed on immigration and racism as discussed in popular Asian nonfiction books. Suggested reading lists and web sites for future references will be provided. Ideas for connection history, geography, and literature through the use of technology will be given.

4 Racism Racism influenced many writers and has influenced their works. Students will learn to respect the Asian culture by studying the racism they endured. This is an important part of their history.

5 Immigration Immigrants came to the US for different reasons (war, better lives). They did not realize they would have to leave their whole culture and country behind. Many Asians came to the US through Angel Island in California. Many people had to wait years to be let into the country. The key to getting a visa was studying ministry or theology. Assimilation-loss of cultural identity Assimilation affected their quality of life-they weren’t excepted as Asian (Japanese/Chinese) or American. 1 st generation immigrants could not own land. It had to be in their children’s name.

6 Suggested Reading Kingston, Maxine Hong. The Woman Warrior. New York: Vintage International, (Mulan) Okada, John. No-No Boy. Seattle: U of Washington Press, Tan, Amy. The Joy Luck Club. New York: Ivy Books, Wong, Jade Snow. Fifth Chinese Daughter. Seattle: U of Washington Press, 1989.

7 Combining History, Geography, Literature, and Technology in Lesson Plans Research Asian authors as a research project-Where were they from? Why did they come to the US? Did they experience racism? Instruct students to use the internet and CD Rom software to research an author. As a class activity, create a web page about Asian American literature. Assign duties to all students and collaborate in groups to compile individual responsibilities into one web page.

8 Combining History, Geography, Literature, and Technology in Lesson Plans Have students create PowerPoint presentations using the main points of their findings. The students can download photos of the areas in Asia they are discussing as well as photos of the authors. Suggest adding graphics and clip art to slides Have students create PowerPoint presentations using the main points of their findings. The students can download photos of the areas in Asia they are discussing as well as photos of the authors.

9 Web Resources Notable Asian American Writers A multimedia site dedicated to the Vietnamese people and their culture. Asian American Study Center at UCLA The Densho website- focuses on the mistreated Japanese during WW II. Asian American Books

10 Web Resources Korean American Historical Society The Japanese American Network Booklist for young Children Library of Congress-Asian Reading Room Asian-American Literature: History, Classroom Use, Bibliography & WWW Resources