TEKS Used
(2) Listening/speaking/culture. The student listens and speaks to gain knowledge of his/her own culture, the culture of others, and the common elements of cultures. The student is expected to:
(A) connect experiences and ideas with those of others through speaking and listening (K-3); and
(B) compare language and oral traditions (family stories) that reflect customs, regions, and cultures (K-3).

Teaching Level 2nd Grade
Discussion
In the short story Apple Pie American Pie the main character is Chinese-American and is upset that her family does not celebrate Fourth of July like a normal American family. She goes on to describe all the activities her family does on the holiday. In this story there are cultural cues that distinguish her from other American families. For example her family owns a Chinese restaurant and her father said they invented fireworks. Many children do not know they are different in the foods they eat or traditions they celebrate. Children need to know that it is okay to be different and to embrace their culture in the school setting.

How To Teach It
First I would start by reading the book aloud and point out to the students that her family is Chinese and they have different cultural foods to eat, and I would also point out the fireworks comment. As I read the book I would ask the kids if they ever have eaten Chinese food or used fireworks. This would be to show that the kids have done activities inspired by the Chinese. After the read aloud I would ask the children to write a paragraph about what they did on Fourth of July. Then I would ask some of the children to orally share what they wrote. In the end the children will see differences in other kids cultures and the teacher will emphasize that it is okay to have different customs.