Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a vibrant and joyous celebration that marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. Bringing this special holiday into your classroom is an excellent way to immerse students in Chinese culture, while engaging them in meaningful and hands-on learning activities. Our dynamic teaching resource is designed to make this cultural exploration both educational and fun, fostering a deep appreciation for global traditions and diversity.
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Chinese New Year Decorations: For a festive and vibrant Chinese New Year celebration, you can find a variety of decorations to make the day even more special. Display banners can be hung around the classroom to set the tone with bright colors and traditional symbols. Decorated plates and napkins will add a festive touch to any snack or meal. Chinese flags are a fun and meaningful keepsake for students, allowing them to take home a piece of the celebration. To complete the festive atmosphere, hang Chinese lanterns from the ceiling that brings the spirit of the holiday to life in the classroom. Click on the item names below to follow a link to Amazon where you can find these specific decorations for Chinese New Year.
Start your learning with an introduction to a World Map & Travel Tickets: Engage students in an interactive travel experience by using the world map to trace the journey to China and distribute travel tickets for an imaginative trip. This activity can be enhanced by discussing key landmarks, cultural practices, and the significance of the Lunar New Year while using our Teachers Pay Teachers resource that you can find here.
Vocabulary Posters & Matching Cards: Visual aids to support vocabulary learning. For example, you can display the vocabulary posters around the classroom and use the matching cards in interactive games where students pair words with their definitions and pictures, reinforcing their understanding through engaging activities.
Chinese New Year Dragon Writing Craft: Let students mind run wild and imagine what life would be like with a pet dragon! In this activity, students can describe how they would care for their dragon, the exciting places they would explore together, and the unique ways their dragon would help them in daily life. Click the link here to find this resource at Teachers Pay Teachers.
Making a Paper Lantern: Paper lanterns are an iconic decoration for Chinese New Year. Students will follow step-by-step instructions to create their own colorful lanterns. Start by giving each student a piece of colored construction paper or lightweight card stock. They will fold the paper, cut strips along the edges (leaving about an inch at the top), and then unfold it into a cylindrical shape. Add a handle made from another strip of paper. Students can decorate their lanterns with paint, markers, or stickers, inspired by traditional symbols like the Chinese dragon, lanterns, or flowers. In the classroom, these lanterns can be hung up as a beautiful decoration for the Chinese New Year or be displayed on students’ desks as a fun, festive way to engage them in the celebration.
Making a Watercolor Dragon Mask: The dragon is one of the most important symbols in Chinese culture, representing strength, luck, and good fortune. The dragon dance is a key part of Chinese New Year celebrations, and crafting dragon masks gives students a hands-on way to engage with this tradition. Begin by providing each student with a blank paper mask template. Use watercolor paints to create a vibrant dragon face, with bold, bright colors. Students can add decorative features like glitter, feathers, or sequins to enhance their masks, giving them a festive, eye-catching look. The masks can be worn during class activities or as part of a mini parade or dance to simulate the dragon dance.
How to Make a Chinese Stir Fry: Incorporating cultural cuisine into the classroom is a wonderful way to explore traditions beyond the visual and artistic. A Chinese stir fry recipe provides students with an opportunity to try new flavors and learn about the role food plays in Chinese culture, especially during Chinese New Year. Provide a basic recipe that includes ingredients to parents to check for student allergies when considering the stir fry.
Making Red Envelopes: Red envelopes are a key tradition during Chinese New Year. They are often filled with money and given as gifts to children and younger family members for good luck and prosperity. In this classroom activity, students will craft their own red envelopes using red cardstock paper. Start by folding the paper to create a small envelope shape and seal it with glue or a decorative sticker. Students can personalize their envelopes with gold or yellow decorations, such as positive messages to friends and family.” You can explain the symbolic meaning behind the gift of red envelopes, emphasizing how it’s a way to share prosperity and positive wishes for the new year.
End with a Parade: Bring the excitement of a Chinese New Year celebration to life by hosting a vibrant parade at your school! After crafting dragon masks, paper lanterns, and other festive decorations, the students will have the chance to showcase their creativity and cultural learning by participating in a lively parade.
By incorporating these engaging activities into your curriculum, you’re not just teaching about Chinese New Year; you’re fostering a lifelong respect for cultural diversity. Celebrate the richness of global traditions and create a learning environment that honors and appreciates the beautiful tapestry of cultures around the world.
