ReadWriteThink
The Chinese New Year Starts Today
As part of a celebration of Chinese New Year, class members research the Chinese zodiac and examine the description of the personality attributes associated with the animal of their birth year. Individuals then craft a persuasive essay...
Curated OER
The Fastest Pig in the West in the Classroom: Zodiac Signs
Students explore Chinese culture by reading a story with their class. In this astrology activity, students read a chapter from the book The Fastest Pig in the West and discuss the relevance of the Chinese zodiac in modern society....
Curated OER
The Chinese Zodiac And The Western Zodiac
High schoolers create individual horoscopes that contrast and compare Western and
Chinese views of their futures using poster boards and magic markers. In-class discussion is used to evaluate the use of the Zodiac in different cultures.
New York City Department of Education
Learning about Lunar New Year
Rich in images and information, a teacher's guide to the traditions of Lunar New Year's celebrations in various cultures addresses celebrations of Buddhism and Daoism. It includes background information about the origins of the...
Curated OER
Telling Time Through the Zodiac
Learners compare the Chinese and Western zodiacs, their symbols, their meanings, and their calendars through a in-class discussion and a small group project. This lesson includes vocabulary and extensions.
Curated OER
The Symbolic Importance of Animals
Students create individual examples of the Chinese Zodiac using pizza boards, pictures of zodiac animals, and art supplies. Evaluation of student progress is done through full-class and small group discussions.
Curated OER
Chinese New Year: Lai-See Envelopes Lesson Plan
Students are introduced to the purpose behind the Chinese New Year celebration. As a class, they examine different traditions focusing on the Lai-See envelopes. After watching a PowerPoint presentation, they make their own envelopes...
Curated OER
The Lunar Calendar
Students examine the Chinese calendar and Zodiac signs in this early elementary activity on calendars and culture. Discussions on cultural beliefs and values are emphasized and could be controversial.
Curated OER
Asian-American History
Students explore aspects of Asian-American culture. In this lesson plan, students use the internet to research American history and the Asian American experience, complete Asian inspired art and read a biography. This lesson...
British Library
British Library: International Dunhuang Project: Chinese Astronomy Resource
Using the early Dunhuang Star Atlas, an important historical and scientific document of the sky seen from China dating from before AD 700, learn about astronomical history from the perspective of China. Find resources and analysis that...
BBC
Bbc: Cbbc News Round Special: China
This is a wonderful, image-packed introduction to China for younger students. Read short summaries about Chinese history, culture, and government, and then take a virtual tour of Chinese landmarks; learn about Chinese New Year, the signs...