Resources

Explore a curated collection of resources designed specifically for educators teaching about East Asia and Asian America. Below, you’ll find links to primary sources, structured curriculums, comprehensive resource collections, and other classroom materials to enrich your lessons. You can filter your search by grade level, region, state standard, and resource type, or just search for a specific topic or keyword. Additionally, don’t miss the excellent content available through NCTA’s Partner Sites, tailored to support K-12 educators in bringing East Asia into the classroom.

A stone statue of a Chinese figure in traditional attire and headwear stands in front of lush green willow tree branches, reflecting the values of Confucianism often explored at Asia Society.

Confucianism | Asia Society

This resource from Asia Society provides a brief overview of Confucianism. 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. 

Teacher Resource
Asia Society logo featuring a stylized lion with a crown, facing left, next to the words ASIA SOCIETY in bold capitals—symbolizing leadership in Chinese as Second Language and innovative Curriculum Frameworks.

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.”

Teacher Resource
A globe highlighting China in red with a red circle around it, showing its location in Asia relative to neighboring countries—ideal for elementary level resources.

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.

Teacher Resource
A black and white line drawing of a computer mouse with a cord extending upward, depicted in a minimalistic style reminiscent of Chinese calligraphy.

Chinese Calligraphy & Ink Painting | The Kennedy Center 

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.

Lesson Plan
Black-and-white map showing the routes of Zheng He’s expeditions (1405–1433) across the Indian Ocean, with labeled regions, seas, and major destinations; ideal for World History or Asia for Educators resources.

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.

Teacher Resource
An old Chinese book, possibly Han Feizi’s The Five Vermin, is displayed open under warm lighting, showing traditional vertical Chinese text on aged, yellowed pages—perfect for an Asia for Educators exhibit.

Selections from the Han Feizi: Chapter 49, “The Five Vermin” | Asia for Educators

This excerpt introduces students to Legalist political thought through “The Five Vermin,” a chapter from the Han Feizi, a foundational Legalist text attributed to Han Fei (d. 233 BCE). A former student of the Confucian philosopher Xunzi, Han Fei rejected Confucian ideals in favor of a more pragmatic, authoritarian approach to governance. His writings reflect a systematic synthesis of Legalist and Daoist ideas, emphasizing strict laws and centralized power. This chapter criticizes social groups seen as harmful to the state, offering valuable insight into Legalist critiques of Confucianism and the ideological tensions of early Chinese political philosophy.

Primary Source
Ancient Chinese painting depicting three men in traditional robes and hats, possibly referencing the Debate on Salt and Iron, standing together against a textured background.

A Record of the Debate on Salt
and Iron | Asia for Educators

This translated excerpt from A Record of the Debate on Salt and Iron presents arguments made during a government debate on fiscal policy under the Western Han dynasty. Held in 81 BCE in the court of Emperor Zhao, the debate featured state officials—led by Lord Grand Secretary Sang Hongyang—and Confucian scholars who challenged the economic policies of Emperor Wu, especially the government monopolies on salt and iron. This primary source offers insight into early Chinese governance, Confucian political thought, and economic philosophy.

Primary Source
A traditional painting of an elderly man with a long beard, wearing a blue head covering and robes, holding a small object—a serene portrait reminiscent of figures found in the Analects of Confucius.

The Analects of Confucius 論語 | Translated by A. Charles Muller

This digital edition of The Analects, translated by A. Charles Muller, provides open-access English translations of one of the most foundational texts in East Asian thought. The Analects is a collection of sayings and ideas attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his disciples, offering insights into ethics, government, education, and proper conduct that have shaped Chinese and East Asian societies for centuries. Translator A. Charles Muller is Director of the Institute of Buddhist Culture at Musashino University in Tokyo and formerly taught at the University of Tokyo. His work focuses on East Asian philosophy, Buddhist studies, and digital humanities.

Primary Source
A large red torii gate, a symbol of Shinto, stands in the water near shore, with city buildings and forested mountains in the background.

Encyclopedia of Shinto | Kokugakuin University

This is a comprehensive and scholarly online resource created by Kokugakuin University, one of Japan’s leading institutions for Shinto and Japanese religious studies. The Encyclopedia of Shinto provides in-depth, English-language entries on Shinto concepts, rituals, deities (kami), festivals, and historical development. It also includes images and primary source materials. The site is ideal for educators and students seeking academic-level content supported by Japan based scholarship.

Teacher Resource
Wooden plaques with handwritten messages hang on display at a shrine, illustrating traditions in Japanese religion, while people write at a nearby table in an outdoor setting.

Japanese Religions | Freeman Spogli Institute

This resource from Stanford University contains an overview on Japanese religions. The content presents Shinto in a comparative framework alongside Buddhism, Confucianism, and Christianity. This approach allows students to explore both the uniqueness and the interconnectedness of Shinto within East Asian religious thought. The site is well-suited for teachers planning world religions or global culture units.

Student Resource
A procession of people dressed in traditional Japanese attire, reflecting Shinto traditions, walk in a line, each holding a yellow paper umbrella, outdoors on a gravel path.

Shinto | Asia Society

This short educational overview from Asia Society introduces Shinto as Japan’s indigenous belief system. It explains the role of kami (divine spirits), purification rituals, seasonal festivals, and the deep spiritual connection to nature. Designed for middle and high school classrooms, the page includes clear explanations and engaging visuals, making it a helpful resource for teaching cultural or religious traditions in Japan.

Student Resource
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