Chinese New Year Activities for students

60 Fun Chinese New Year Activities for Students

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, offers many opportunities for students to learn about Chinese culture and traditions. Here are 60 engaging activities for students to celebrate and explore this important holiday in the classroom or at home.

Snake-Themed Activities for Year of the Snake 2025

Snake-Themed Activities for Students

1. Snake Masks

Create colorful snake masks using paper plates, paint, and craft supplies.

2. Toilet Roll Snake Craft

Make a snake using toilet paper rolls, paint in lucky colors (black, red, and yellow), and decorate with googly eyes.

3. Egg Carton Snakes

Craft snakes from egg cartons, painting them red and gold, and adding jingle bells for sound.

4. Paper Chain Snake

Create a paper chain snake using strips of paper in lucky colors, forming an “S” shape for added effect.

5. Snake Zodiac Fan

Make a printable zodiac fan featuring the snake to help students learn about and retell the Chinese zodiac story.

Classroom Decorations and Crafts

Chinese new Year Classroom Decorations and Crafts activates

Decorating the classroom is a great way to create a festive atmosphere and teach students about Chinese New Year symbols and traditions. Here are some decoration and craft ideas:

6. Paper Lanterns

Students can make simple paper lanterns using red and gold construction paper. Hang them around the classroom for a festive look.

7. Chinese Zodiac Animal Posters

Create posters featuring the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Students can research and illustrate each animal.

8. Red Envelopes

Make red envelopes (hong bao) using red paper. Students can decorate them with gold designs.

9. Paper Cutting Art

Teach students the traditional Chinese art of paper cutting. Create intricate designs to hang on windows.

10. Dragon Puppet

Make a colorful dragon puppet using paper plates, streamers, and craft sticks. Use it for a dragon dance.

11. Chinese Fans

Fold paper into decorative fans and have students paint traditional Chinese designs on them.

12. Cherry Blossom Art

Create a cherry blossom tree mural using pink tissue paper for blossoms.

13. Firecracker Decorations

Make paper firecracker decorations using red paper tubes and gold tassels.

14. Chinese Calligraphy

Practice writing Chinese characters for “good luck” and “happiness” to display.

15. Tangram Puzzles

Cut out colorful tangram shapes for students to create animals and other designs.

Cultural Learning Activities

Chinese new Year Cultural Learning Activities for students

Incorporate these activities to teach students about Chinese culture and traditions:

16. Chinese Zodiac Lesson

Teach students about the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac and have them identify their zodiac animal based on birth year.

17. New Year Customs Presentation

Have students research and present on different Chinese New Year customs and their meanings.

18. Legend of Nian Story

Read the story of Nian, the mythical beast, to explain the origins of some New Year traditions.

19. Virtual Field Trip

Take a virtual tour of Chinese New Year celebrations in China or Chinatowns around the world.

20. Chinese Language Lesson

Teach basic Mandarin phrases for New Year greetings and numbers.

21. Traditional Clothing Show

Show pictures or videos of traditional Chinese clothing worn for New Year celebrations.

22. Chinese Inventions Timeline

Create a timeline of important Chinese inventions and discoveries throughout history.

23. Geography Lesson

Study the geography of China and its provinces on a map.

24. Chinese Art History

Explore famous works of traditional Chinese art and their cultural significance.

25. Symbolism in Chinese Culture

Discuss the meanings behind common symbols in Chinese culture like dragons, the color red, and certain numbers.

Food-Related Activities

Chinese new Year Food-Related Activities for students

Food plays an important role in Chinese New Year celebrations. Try these food-related activities:

26. Dumpling Making

Teach students how to make and fold simple dumplings, a traditional New Year food.

27. Fortune Cookie Messages

Write positive messages for homemade or store-bought fortune cookies.

28. Mandarin Orange Tasting

Bring in mandarin oranges, a symbol of good fortune, for students to taste.

29. Chinese Tea Ceremony

Demonstrate or watch a video about the traditional Chinese tea ceremony.

30. New Year Foods Research

Have students research and present on the symbolic meanings of different New Year foods.

31. Chopsticks Practice

Set up stations for students to practice using chopsticks with different objects.

32. Recipe Writing

Write recipes for simple Chinese dishes in both English and Chinese.

33. Food Art

Create art using foods commonly eaten during Chinese New Year like oranges and noodles.

34. Taste Test

Do a taste test of different Chinese teas or snacks.

35. Menu Planning

Plan a menu for a Chinese New Year feast, including traditional dishes.

Games and Physical Activities

Chinese new Year Games and Physical Activities for students

Engage students with these fun games and activities:

36. Chinese Yo-Yo Demonstration

Show students how to use a Chinese yo-yo (diabolo) and let them practice.

37. Lion Dance

Learn and perform a simple version of the traditional lion dance.

38. Chinese Jump Rope

Teach students how to play Chinese jump rope using a long elastic band.

39. Tangram Challenges

Have students compete to solve tangram puzzles the fastest.

40. Red Envelope Hunt

Hide red envelopes around the classroom for students to find.

41. Chinese Hacky Sack

Play with a jianzi, a traditional Chinese shuttlecock kicked with feet.

42. New Year Obstacle Course

Create an obstacle course with Chinese New Year themed challenges.

43. Dragon Parade

Have students create a dragon costume and parade around the school.

44. Chopstick Relay Race

Set up a relay race where students transfer objects using only chopsticks.

45. Chinese Whispers

Play the game of telephone using Chinese words or phrases.

Writing and Language Arts Activities

Writing and Language Arts Activities

Incorporate Chinese New Year themes into language arts lessons:

46. New Year Acrostic Poems

Write acrostic poems using words related to Chinese New Year.

47. Chinese Calligraphy Practice

Practice writing Chinese characters with brush and ink.

48. New Year Resolutions

Write New Year resolutions in both English and Chinese.

49. Story Writing

Write a story about celebrating Chinese New Year or incorporate zodiac animals.

50. Thank You Notes

Write thank you notes for imaginary red envelope gifts.

51. Chinese Proverbs

Study common Chinese proverbs and their meanings.

52. Zodiac Animal Descriptions

Write detailed descriptions of the personality traits associated with different zodiac animals.

53. New Year Greetings

Learn and practice writing traditional New Year greetings in Chinese.

54. Comparative Essay

Compare Chinese New Year celebrations to other cultural new year traditions.

55. Diary Entry

Write a diary entry from the perspective of someone celebrating Chinese New Year in China.

Math and Science Connections

Math and Science Activities for students CNY

Integrate Chinese New Year themes into math and science lessons:

56. Lunar Calendar Study

Learn about the lunar calendar and how it differs from the solar calendar.

57. Abacus Math

Introduce the Chinese abacus and practice simple calculations.

58. Fireworks Science

Study the chemistry behind fireworks and their colors.

59. Population Statistics

Analyze population statistics related to Chinese New Year travel and celebrations.

60. Zodiac Probability

Calculate the probability of having certain zodiac signs in the class.

Understanding Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, also called Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in Chinese culture. It marks the start of the lunar calendar and typically falls between late January and mid-February. In 2025, Chinese New Year will begin on January 29th, ushering in the Year of the Snake.

The holiday centers around themes of family reunion, good fortune, and new beginnings. Celebrations last for 15 days, concluding with the Lantern Festival. During this time, people engage in various traditions and customs to welcome good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

Key Traditions and Symbols

Some key Chinese New Year traditions and symbols include:

Implementing Chinese New Year Activities

When implementing these activities, consider the following tips:

  1. Adapt activities to suit your students’ age and skill levels.
  2. Spread activities throughout the weeks leading up to and following Chinese New Year.
  3. Invite parents or community members with Chinese heritage to share their experiences and traditions.
  4. Use authentic materials and resources when possible to provide accurate cultural information.
  5. Encourage students to make connections between Chinese culture and their own cultural backgrounds.
  6. Be sensitive to cultural appropriation and focus on appreciation rather than imitation.
  7. Use the activities as springboards for deeper discussions about cultural diversity and global awareness.

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