Here are 5 engaging ideas to celebrate Chinese New Year in the classroom:
Chinese Zodiac Animal Craft: Have students create crafts based on the animal of the year (2025 is the Year of the Snake). Students can use paper, markers, and scissors to create their own version of the zodiac animal. Afterward, they can share what they know about their zodiac sign or learn about it together as a class.
Chinese Calligraphy Practice: Teach students how to write basic Chinese characters, such as "福" (fú, meaning good fortune) or "春" (chūn, meaning spring). You can show them the strokes used in Chinese calligraphy with brushes and ink or markers.
Chinese Lantern Decoration: Students can make their own Chinese lanterns using red construction paper, scissors, and glue. Then decorate the lanterns with symbols of good luck (like gold coins or images of dragons), and then hang them around the classroom for a festive atmosphere.
Chinese New Year Bingo: Create a bingo game with Chinese New Year-related words and images. You can include pictures of dragons, lanterns, dumplings, fireworks, and the zodiac animals. As you call out the words, students can mark them on their bingo cards, helping them learn about the holiday in a fun and interactive way.
Chinese New Year Cooking or Snack Activity: If possible, organize a simple cooking or snack-making activity where students can create easy Chinese New Year treats like dumplings (using play dough), fortune cookies, or a fruit platter shaped like a dragon. Discuss the meanings behind these foods (ex. dumplings representing wealth or oranges symbolizing good luck).
These fun and festive activities offer both educational and cultural experiences while keeping students engaged with hands-on projects!