Exploring Lunar New Year Traditions
LESSON 1
Children learn about the Lunar New Year through a story and put into practice the tradition of tidying up the home and themselves by creating a simple chore chart.
The book "Lunar New Year" by Hannah Eliot
Materials of choice to create chore chart or system. (Picture cards, popsicle sticks, or paper and markers)
Materials
Familiarize yourself with the book “Lunar New Year”.
Gather materials.
Set out the materials for making the chore chart/system.
Preparations
Read “Lunar New Year” to the children and encourage active listening.
Facilitate discussion about the customs and traditions associated with Lunar New Year.
Help create a connection between the tradition of cleaning and tidying homes and oneself to day-to-day tasks done at home.
Help create a simple chore chart based on the children’s age and abilities.
Objectives for Teachers
Children learn about the customs, traditions, and symbols associated with the Lunar New Year.
Children discuss the tradition of cleaning and tidying homes and oneself and how they can follow that tradition at home.
Children work together in brainstorming chores to help tidy and organize the home.
Children create a chore chart or system to help keep home tidy.
Objectives for Children
Collect and Connect
Create actions and practice saying the poem “Lunar New Year” together.
Lunar New Year
Dragons, lions,
Red and gold.
In with the New Year,
Out with the old.
Banner flying,
Bands playing,
Lions prancing,
Dragon's swaying.
Fireworks crackling,
Lanterns swinging,
People laughing,
Dancing, Singing.
Activity Flow
Begin by asking the children if they know what the Lunar New Year is. Explain that "lunar" means something related to the moon, and the Lunar New Year is celebrated based on the first new moon of the year. Tell the children that over the next couple weeks, they will be learning about a very special celebration called the Lunar New Year.
Then introduce the story "Lunar New Year" by Hannah Eliot. Read the story together to discover how people celebrate this special occasion. Discuss the traditions and customs associated with Lunar New Year. Here are some traditions to discuss: The tradition to clean homes, firecrackers, the color red, lanterns, special food and red envelopes.
After reading the story, encourage your child to share their thoughts and observations from the story. Some questions you might ask:
What do they do at home to get ready for Lunar New Year?
Which color is special in this celebration?
What foods do they enjoy during this time?
What happens during the Lantern Festival?
What do children find inside their red envelopes?
4. Discuss the tradition of cleaning and tidying homes and oneself in preparation for the Lunar New Year. Emphasize the idea of starting the new year with a fresh and organized space. Ask open ended questions such as “How do you feel when our house is clean and organized?”, “How do you feel after cleaning your room?”. “Why do you think it’s important to have a clean home?”
5. Work together to create a simple chore chart for the week or month, emphasizing the concept of cleaning and organizing. Tailor the tasks based on the children's age and abilities.
Chore Ideas for Children Ages 3-6:
Putting away toys
Wiping surfaces with a damp cloth
Helping set the table for meals
Watering plants
Making their beds
Assisting with meals
Feeding pets
Vacuuming and sweeping
6. Conclude the lesson by discussing the importance of teamwork and responsibility in preparing for special occasions like the Lunar New Year. Encourage the children to reflect on the tasks they enjoy and set goals for completing them. You might ask the following questions:
What chores are you most excited about?
Where should we put our chore chart to help us remember to work on them daily?
What can we do to make chores fun? (you could suggest playing music in the background or listening to an audio book or podcast)
How should we celebrate meeting our goal?
