China / Lesson Plan

PDF

Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will gain a basic understanding of China’s culture, history, and important landmarks. They will learn about the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and some traditional Chinese festivals, making connections to why these are significant to Chinese history.

Materials and Prep

  • Paper and colored pencils or crayons
  • A timer or clock
  • Access to a quiet space for discussion and activities
  • Basic knowledge of China’s geography and a few fun facts (e.g., China is the most populous country in the world)

Activities

  • Great Wall of China Drawing:

    The student will create a drawing of the Great Wall of China. They can use colored pencils or crayons to illustrate the wall and surrounding landscape. This will help them visualize one of China's most famous landmarks.

  • Terracotta Army Figurines:

    Using paper, the student will create their own Terracotta Army figurine. They can fold and cut paper to make a soldier and decorate it with colors. This activity will connect them with the history of the Terracotta Army, which was built to protect the first Emperor of China in the afterlife.

  • Chinese New Year Celebration:

    The student will learn about Chinese New Year traditions and create a simple decoration, like a lantern or dragon. They can use paper to make these items and discuss the significance of the holiday.

Talking Points

  • "Did you know that the Great Wall of China is so long that it can be seen from space? It was built to protect China from invaders!"
  • "The Terracotta Army is made up of thousands of statues! They were buried with the first Emperor to help him in the afterlife. Isn’t that cool?"
  • "Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in China. People celebrate with fireworks, family gatherings, and special foods!"
  • "China is home to many different types of food, like noodles and dumplings. What’s your favorite food?"
  • "The panda is a famous animal from China. They are very special and are a symbol of peace!"
  • "China has many beautiful places, like the Forbidden City and the Yangtze River. Would you like to visit one day?"
  • "Learning about different cultures, like China’s, helps us understand and appreciate the world around us!"