Why not teach school pupils about Chinese New Year 2023? Firstly, it can be a great opportunity for teachers and supply teachers to offer lots of different and fun activities. You can try to do some artwork, learn about Chinese culture, learn about Chinese foods as well as other traditions. All KS1, KS2 and KS3 activities can be adapted and graded according to ability and age.
About Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year 2023 marks the start of the lunar new year, which is when there is the start of a new moon. Every year the date of the Chinese New Year varies between 21 January and 20 February since it is dependent on the new moon. It is the most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. In Chinese tradition, each year is named after one of 12 animals, which feature in the Chinese zodiac: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The animals have a year dedicated to them once every 12 years, in a cycle. Each animal represents qualities and are like a horoscope that can are said to predict the year ahead. 2023 is the year of the rabbit symbolising longevity, peace and prosperity.
10 classroom lesson plan ideas
- Make Chinese lanterns
- learn about the Chinese zodiac animals
- learn about Chinese New Year celebrations
- The year of the rabbit, what does this mean?
- Help pupils work out their own Chinese zodiac sign and its meaning
- Learn about Chinese food: maybe even a tasting session
- Find out about Chinese communities and celebrations in the UK
- Have fortune cookies
- Learn about some of the oldest China towns in the UK, like London, Liverpool and Glasgow
- Make some Chinese shadow puppets.
To view themes stories, activities and celebrations, click here
To learn how to make a Chinese lantern , click here