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Lesson Plans - 2nd Grade

Chinese New Year

Celebrate China and the most widely celebrated holiday on earth with these purposeful activities from across the curriculum

Lions, Dragons, and Nian: Animals of the Chinese New Year

This Lesson incorporates a series of activities that explain the animals of the Chinese New Year.

Animals of the Chinese Zodiac

After completing this lesson, students will:

* know what a symbol is
* understand that the Chinese calendar is divided into cycles of 12-years, in which each year is represented by an animal
* be familiar with the story explaining the choice of the 12 zodiac animals
* understand that each animal of the calendar symbolizes certain character traits
* know that the Chinese associate the traits of each zodiac animal with people born in that year
* know their own signs within the Chinese zodiac

The Chinese New Year starts today.

Today is the first day of the New Year on the Chinese lunar calendar. Each year of the calendar’s 16-year cycle is represented by an animal. According to the Chinese zodiac, people born during a given year share traits with that animal. 2010 is the year of the tiger. Those born under this year are supposed to be short-tempered, suspicious, adventurous, sensitive, emotional, and risk-takers.

Chinese New Year Celebration

Students Will:

1. Assist in planning and preparing for the celebration.
2. Work together cooperatively in small and large groups.
3. Have fun!