If you are an educator teaching about China, these featured resources are designed for you. The websites linked below offer informative primary sources, organized curriculums, and other classroom materials aimed at bringing Chinese history, art, and culture into the classroom. In addition to the resources featured here, our Resource Center includes more generalized resources on East Asia as well as resource pages designated to specific East Asian countries (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan). You can also find many other online materials listed on The National Consortium for Teaching about Asia website. Be sure to also visit NCTA's Partner Sites, who provide excellent content on East Asia for K-12 educators.
ꕥGeneral Resources ꕥ
China in World History | Asia for Educators
Here you can access three free and informative videos from expert Sara Schneewind. These videos, titled "Ming Voyages in China’s History: The Truth about the Maritime Expeditions Led by Zheng He of the Ming Dynasty," "Easternization (not “Westernization”): Modernity is a Global Formation," and "Footbinding: Confronting the Very Strange" are each designed to increase your understanding of Chinese history. Each video presentation also comes with 2 Professional Development Hours. To participate, sign in or register an account on the program site.
Arkansas State Standards: G.2.5.4, H.2.6.16, H.6.WH.3, HS.6.G.3, H.2.6.9
Elementary Level Resources: China | Asia for Educators
Asia for Educators, at Columbia University's Weatherhead East Asia Institute, has compiled a collection of resources for K-5 teachers. This collection is centered around China and offers resources for a wide variety of subjects: geography, language, culture, history, science, math, literature, arts & crafts, and drama & music.
Arkansas State Standards: G.2.5.8, G.3.5.4, H.2.6.9, H.2.6.16
ꕥ Language Learning ꕥ
Chinese as 2nd Language Curriculum Frameworks | Asia Society
From Asia Society: "Curriculum and related frameworks (conceptual underpinnings or guiding principles for curriculum design), as well as materials, instruction, and assessment aligned with strong curricula—are critical components of effective Chinese language education. CELIN staff have had conversations with leaders in the Chinese language field in the United States about this issue, and we have collected a strong set of available resources."
ꕥ Arts and Culture ꕥ
Chinese Calligraphy & Ink Painting | The Kennedy Center
Are you an art teacher looking for resources on China for elementary students? Then look no further! Developed by The Kennedy Center, this lesson plan provides K-4 students with a fun art activity in the style of Chinese calligraphy. Students will learn the basics of watercolor and brush strokes, and apply this knowledge to create their own landscape painting. Students will engage in multicultural learning, as this lesson plan also provides traditional Chinese music and related vocabulary words.
NOVEL ADVENTURES: Using The Journey to the West to Teach Tang China History and Culture | AAS
The Journey to the West is an iconic adventure novel written by Wu Cheng'en in 1592, and though the story was produced during Ming China, the events of the story take place in the Tang dynasty and showcase many elements of early Chinese culture. The novel follows the journey of the Buddhist monk Xuanzang as he travels to India in search of Buddhist sutras to take back to China and translate. The novel features many characters including Xuanzang's lively disciples, the Buddha himself, Bodhisattva Guanyin, Laozi, and the Tang Emperor. These characters, specifically the aforementioned who have a prominent place in history or religion, come together to both take part in an exciting story, and engage with topics such as Daoism, Buddhism, and The Silk Road, that heavily influenced the Tang Dynasty and the world at large today. This article explains the value of utilizing this iconic story as a classroom resource and provides strategies for doing so.
ꕥ Philosophy and Religion ꕥ
Confucianism was established between the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. by its founder known as Kongzi (Confucius, 551-479 BCE.) whose intention was to reinterpret the undefined Zhou religion. The basis of this social and ethical philosophy was tradition, defined roles within relationships, and mutual obligations. Confucianism is one of the philosophies that has shaped China for thousands of years and represents an integral part of Chinese history. For primary source information on Confucianism, check out this translation of The Great Learning provided by the Indiana University.
This article from the Asia Society provides helpful context and key text references on the subject of Daoism/Taoism. Daoism originated in the 5th century B.C.E. from the teachings of Laozi and his classic text, the Dao De Jing. The basis of this philosophy was connection with nature, a life of simplicity, and a spiritual approach to the universe. Daoism, along with Confucianism and Legalism, is one of the philosophies that has shaped China for thousands of years and represents an integral part of Chinese history. For a primary source, check out the Dao De Jing provided by the University of Florida.
Legalism | Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Legalism became popular in the latter half of the Warring States period as a representation of the teachings and beliefs of the scholars Han Fei, Shen Buhai, and Shang Yang. The goal of these legalists was to attain "a rich state and a powerful army" and to focus on the stability of the government and the people in such a turbulent time as the Warring States period. The basis of legalism was the belief that humans are inherently selfish, and shouldn't be expected to act morally and abstain from coveting wealth and power. Instead, legalists believed that commoners and elites alike should be allowed to strive for wealth and fame in ways that benefitted the state, such as agricultural pursuits and warfare. Legalism, along with Daoism and Confucianism, is one of China's foundational philosophies.
ꕥTaiwan ꕥ
Religion | Taiwan the Heart of Asia
This guide by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau discusses the many beliefs present within the country, a brief history of religion in Taiwan, and complementary images that display the beauty and originality of religious practices in Taiwanese culture.
A One-China Policy Primer | Center for East Asia Policy Studies at Brookings
The "One-China Policy Primer" is a thorough resource that outlines the positions of the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and the United States on the subject of the One-China concept and Taiwan's political status.
ꕥ LGBTQ+ History ꕥ
Unfinished Revolution: An Overview of Three Decades of LGBT Activism in China
Within the context of queer activism, perhaps one of the most inspiring movements is that of the Chinese LGBTQ community. In pre-modern times, China had a long history of societally accepted homosexuality, a stark contrast to pre-modern Europe that largely viewed any homosexuality as an abomination. However, in the present period, the Chinese Party-State has suppressed and censored the LGBTQ community, prompting activists to fight back. This article discusses the ups and downs queer activism in China has experienced in the last few decades, the role of nongovernmental organizations as opportunities for change, and the political sensitivity surrounding human rights activism.
Bisexuality in Chinese History
The inclusion of queer history in curriculums is integral to teaching about world civilizations. With this featured article, high school students can be introduced to prevalent representations of bisexuality in Han Dynasty China. In the Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE to 220 CE) it was common for emperors to have both wives and male companions. Both men and women at the time used intimate relationships to gain favor with the upper court, and this openness to nonheterosexual intimacy led to legendary love stories that are still prevalent as symbols of queer love.