Curated OER
Day of the Dragon King
Second graders explore various cultures to compare them to their own culture. They read Mary Pope Osborne's Day of the Dragon King and identify the Chinese New Year, Chinese Zodiac, and how the zodiac differs from ours. After reading,...
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
Our Friends in the East
Students explore Chinese New Year. In this Chinese culture lesson plan, students visit websites to research the traditions and culture of China as they relate to Chinese New Year.
Curated OER
It's Written in the Stars!
Children create narrative accounts about their character traits, illustrate the constellation of each sign of the Zodiac, and write and illustrate their own creative myths about an original "Zodiac Sign". They use the computer as a...
Curated OER
Why Are Celebrations Important?
Students complete a variety of activities in their study of Chinese culture. They explore the Chinese New Year, zodiac, calligraphy, dragon kites, lanterns, games, and songs among others.
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
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
Chinese Lantern Festival - Social Studies
Students explore the culture and heritage of their own and other groups. They explain ways communities celebrate New Year's. Students explore how and why individuals and groups pass on and sustain their culture and heritage. Pupils...
Curated OER
Brushstrokes From West to East
Students meld their ideas about art with the philosophy of the Chinese. They discuss each art project, discover the history and culture of each project in China. They create a tea ceremony and various Chinese art projects.
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
Kodomo No Hi: Children's Day Celebration
Children's Day is a beloved Japanese holiday with many colorful and engaging traditions. On this national holiday celebrated yearly on May 5, children are honored for their strengths and given good wishes for happiness. Your younger...
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...
Curated OER
Cultural Calendar
Young scholars design their own cultural calendar. In this calendar making lesson, students decide on a culture for a calendar theme and discuss how calendars differ from the US calendar. Young scholars create their own...
Curated OER
Things w/ Geographic Names Quiz
In this online interactive geography quiz worksheet, learners respond to 31 identification questions about products or things with geographic names. Students have 4 minutes to complete the quiz.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Animals of the Chinese Zodiac
This site from EDSITEment provides a fun look at the Chinese culture by examining the animals of the Chinese Zodiac and the traits of the Chinese calendar.
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...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Animals of the Chinese New Year
Intended for young students, this lesson plan on the symbolism, significance, and animals of Chinese New can be easily changed to fit the needs of older students. This website provides several links for further research on Chinese...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Animals of the Chinese New Year
Intended for young students, this lesson on the symbolism, significance, and animals of Chinese New can be easily changed to fit the needs of older students. This website provides several links for further research on Chinese Dragons,...
Teacher Planet
Teacher Planet: Chinese New Year Resource Page
Great site for lesson plans and activities centered around the Chinese New Year. Find sources on the history of the holiday, traditions, dragon costumes, and clipart.
Art Institute of Chicago
Art Institute of Chicago: Taoism and the Arts of China
Chinese art is often used to depict the religion of Taoism. In addition to many images, there are also lesson plans for all ages.
Other
China the Beautiful: Chinese New Year
Learn about the Chinese New Year and the Chinese calendar.
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...