The Asia-Pacific region includes East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australasia and Oceania.
The Asia-Pacific region of the world is a broad area that includes East and Southeast Asia, Australasia and Oceania. It encompasses a variety of heritages, languages and cultures. In the United States, May has been designated as Asian Pacific Heritage month to celebrate and promote awareness of the region. During this month, Asian Pacific-themed crafts offer an interesting way for children to learn about the region's diverse cultures and peoples.
Polynesian Foam Lei
A colorful lei.
Leis are an important part of Polynesian culture. Traditionally made by stringing together materials such as flowers, shells, pieces of bone and feathers, leis were used to express emotions such as love, affection and respect. Today, leis are frequently given out at important ceremonies and occasions. They can be worn on the head, neck, wrists or ankles.
Celebrate the spirit of the Pacific Islands with colorful leis made out of craft foam, drinking straws and string. Start by cutting the straws into 1-inch pieces. Next, cut out an equal number of flower and leaf shapes from the foam, making sure that the leaves are slightly larger than the flowers. Punch a hole in the center of each shape.
Cut the string to the desired length and knot one end. String the pieces together in the order of straw, flower and leaf. When finished, complete the lei by tying the ends together.
Asian Paper Lantern
Asian paper lanterns.
Lanterns serve both functional and decorative purposes in many parts of Asia. Modeled after lanterns found in Japan and China, this craft is made with construction paper and string. Make a single lantern to display on its own or string a bunch together to create a hanging decoration.
Start by folding the construction paper lengthwise. Use a ruler to measure and mark off 1-inch sections along the paper's folded edge. Next, cut straight up from each mark to about 1 inch below the top of the paper. These uncut areas will serve as the lantern's top and base.
Open the paper, and then gently fold it to create a cylinder. The slits should be perpendicular to the base and will bulge out slightly in the middle. Secure the lantern with tape. Punch two holes on opposite sides of the lantern's top and thread them with string to create a handle.
Decorative Didgeridoo
Didgeridoo
The didgeridoo is a wind instrument that was developed by the Aborigines of northern Australia. It is traditionally made from a long, hollowed-out eucalyptus branch and is used during rituals and for entertainment.
Make a replica of a didgeridoo out of an empty cardboard wrapping-paper roll. Use paint and markers to decorate the length of the tube with traditional symbols and designs. While this craft does not create a functioning didgeridoo, it is a creative, hands-on way for children to learn about Aboriginal culture and art.
Tags: Asia Australasia, Asia Australasia Oceania, Asian Pacific, Asia-Pacific region, Australasia Oceania, children learn