Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will learn about Lunar New Year and its traditions.
Materials and Prep
- Colorful paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers or crayons
- Optional: Lunar New Year decorations or pictures
No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.
Activities
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Create a Lunar New Year Card:
Using the colorful paper, scissors, glue, and markers or crayons, create a Lunar New Year card. Decorate it with symbols of good luck, such as dragons, lanterns, or red envelopes. Write a special message inside the card for a family member or friend.
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Make a Dragon Puppet:
Using paper, markers or crayons, and scissors, create a dragon puppet. Color the dragon and cut it out. Attach a popsicle stick or straw to the back of the dragon to make a handle. Use your dragon puppet to put on a puppet show and tell a story about Lunar New Year.
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Learn a Lunar New Year Song:
Listen to a Lunar New Year song or watch a video online. Learn the lyrics and sing along. You can even create your own dance moves to go with the song.
Talking Points
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Lunar New Year is a special holiday celebrated by many people around the world.
Quotation: "Lunar New Year is a time when families come together to celebrate and wish each other good luck for the year ahead."
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It is also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year.
Quotation: "Some people call Lunar New Year the Spring Festival because it marks the beginning of spring, a season of new beginnings."
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People celebrate Lunar New Year with special traditions and customs.
Quotation: "During Lunar New Year, people decorate their homes with red lanterns and other symbols of good luck."
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Red is a lucky color during Lunar New Year.
Quotation: "Wearing red clothes or giving red envelopes with money inside is believed to bring good fortune and happiness."
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Dragons and lions are often seen in Lunar New Year parades.
Quotation: "Dragons and lions are important symbols of power and good luck. They dance and move along the streets to scare away evil spirits and bring blessings to the community."