Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a vibrant celebration filled with traditions that can spark curiosity and learning. Here are three ways to explore this cultural event with your students:
1. Chinese Zodiac Animals and Storytelling
Introduce the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals and the myth of the Great Race, which explains how each animal was chosen for the zodiac cycle.
- Activity: Have students identify their zodiac animal based on their birth year and create drawings or masks of the animals.
- Extension: Discuss personality traits associated with each animal and compare them to Western zodiac signs.
2. Crafting Chinese Lanterns and Red Envelopes
Chinese New Year is known for its lanterns and hongbao (red envelopes).
- Activity: Students can make paper lanterns using red and gold paper (symbols of good luck) or design red envelopes, which are traditionally filled with money as a sign of good fortune.
- Cultural Insight: Discuss the importance of these symbols and how they relate to New Year traditions like wishing for prosperity and happiness.
3. Dragon Dance and Music Exploration
The Dragon Dance is a key feature of Chinese New Year parades, symbolising strength and protection.
- Activity: Watch a video of a traditional Dragon Dance, then have students work together to create a simple dragon costume or puppet.
- Extension: Play traditional Chinese music during the activity and encourage students to create their own “parade” to celebrate the festival.
