Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to understand and appreciate the traditions and customs of Lunar New Year.

Materials and Prep

• Colorful construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Markers or crayons
• Optional: Lunar New Year decorations (if available)

Prior knowledge needed: Basic understanding of different holidays and celebrations.

Activities

• Create a Lunar New Year Dragon: Help the student cut out a dragon shape from construction paper and decorate it with markers or crayons. Explain that dragons are considered lucky in Chinese culture and are often seen in Lunar New Year parades.
• Make Red Envelopes: Show the student how to fold a piece of red construction paper into a small envelope. Explain that red envelopes are traditionally given during Lunar New Year to bring good luck and blessings.
• Learn about Zodiac Animals: Introduce the concept of the Chinese zodiac and explain that each year is associated with a different animal. Help the student find out which zodiac animal represents their birth year and discuss its characteristics.
• Try Traditional Food: Prepare or purchase some traditional Lunar New Year food, such as dumplings or rice cakes, and let the student taste and explore the flavors. Discuss the significance of these foods during the festival.
• Watch a Lion Dance: Show the student a video or pictures of a lion dance performance during Lunar New Year. Explain that the lion dance is believed to bring good luck and scare away evil spirits.

Talking Points

• "Lunar New Year is a special celebration that happens in many Asian countries."
• "People celebrate Lunar New Year to welcome the new year and wish for good luck and happiness."
• "Dragons are considered lucky creatures in Chinese culture, and they are often seen in parades during Lunar New Year."
• "Red envelopes are special envelopes filled with money that people give to each other during Lunar New Year to bring good luck and blessings."
• "The Chinese zodiac is a cycle of twelve animals, and each year is associated with a different animal. Your zodiac animal represents the year you were born."
• "During Lunar New Year, people eat special foods like dumplings and rice cakes to bring good luck and prosperity."
• "The lion dance is a traditional performance during Lunar New Year that is believed to bring good luck and scare away evil spirits."