2
INTRODUCTION
This Wing Luke Museum teacher’s guide accompanies Chapters 1-3 of the three-week series in The Seattle Times.
Journey with Newspapers In Education and Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience and explore
the impact of actor, martial artist, father and husband: Bruce Lee. Born in the United States, but raised in Hong Kong,
Bruce Lee embodied (and still embodies) a personality unchained by prevailing stereotypes of Asian American men. He
was neither docile nor subservient; he was neither passive, nor conniving. Bruce was a hero and for millions of people
worldwide, the embodiment of achievement, a spiritual leader and source of pride for many Asian Americans and other
people around the globe.
Explore Bruce’s philosophies and the influence of ancient and contemporary thinkers on his ideas about personal and
societal change. Students will use his life and work as a lens in understanding the immigrant experience here in the United
States and the power of representing one’s own voice in the building of communities. Have students make connections
between the era in which Bruce Lee lived, the historical significance of key events and the impacts they had on his own
ideas, practice and career.
Students will also have the opportunity to discuss and share their own family and cultural traditions, and to dive into deeper
discussions and writing assignments regarding recent and contemporary history, immigrant experiences, stereotypes and
definitions of success.
NOTE TO EDUCATORS
T
hese lessons were written at a 6th-12th grade level; however, teachers of all grade levels are encouraged to modify the
guide to fit the needs of their individual classes.
Information on the Series/Dates
You can visit the NIE website (
seattletimes.com/nie
) to find the exact location and publishing dates of these pages in the
newspaper. Have students take notes from the in-paper content each week to use in combination with this guide.
The Seattle Times Newspapers In Education (NIE)
To enroll in The Seattle Times NIE program and receive free access to the electronic Print Replica (e-edition) of the
newspaper, lesson plans and curriculum guides, as well as the in-paper content for this guide, please email
or call
206.652.6290
.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Lesson 1
The Formlessness of Water
Lesson 2
Developing Truth
Lesson 3
Pushing Boundaries
Lesson 4
Icons Versus Stereotypes
Schedule a Bruce Lee guided tour at the Wing to enhance your students’ experience.
Readings
“The Formlessness of Water”
“(Selected) Notions of Water, verses from the Tao Te Ching” by Lao Tzu
“Developing Truth”
(Selected) “Teachings on Success” by Jiddu Krishnamurti
“Pushing Boundaries”
“A Brief History of Asian Immigration to the United States Mainland”
