Teaching Your Pupils About Chinese New Year: Creative Ideas for Educators

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant cultural celebrations worldwide. This vibrant festival is steeped in tradition, making it an ideal opportunity to engage your pupils in cross-curricular learning. Here’s everything you need to know to bring Chinese New Year to life in your classroom this year.

When is Chinese New Year?

In 2025, Chinese New Year begins on Wednesday, January 29 and lasts until Wednesday, February 12. This year celebrates the Year of the Snake, which symbolizes wisdom, happiness, and transformation in Chinese culture.

How is Chinese New Year Celebrated?

The festivities, lasting 15 days, include:

• Reunion Dinners: Families gather on New Year’s Eve to share traditional meals.
• Decorations: Homes and streets are adorned with red symbols of luck and prosperity.
• Fireworks and Dances: Firecrackers ward off bad spirits, and the iconic dragon and lion dances mark the celebrations.
• Traditions for Good Fortune: Red envelopes, new clothes, and lantern displays highlight the festival.

Creative Ways to Teach Chinese New Year in School

Bring the festivities into the classroom with these fun, cross-curricular activities:

1?? Storytelling and Drama: Share traditional tales like the Legend of Monster Nian or The Great Race. Set the scene with props like red streamers, percussion instruments, and costumes. Use role play or storytelling circles to spark creativity and engagement.

2?? Art & Design: Have students craft paper lanterns, create snake masks, or design red envelopes. Incorporate cultural symbolism, like the snake’s lucky color (blue in 2025) or its element (wood).

3?? Math and Measurement: Introduce hands-on learning by exploring the lengths of famous snakes, from the Small-Eyed Snake (0.5m) to the Reticulated Python (10m). Use rulers or playground markings to compare sizes and improve estimation skills.

4?? Dance and Music: Choreograph a “snake dance” using drums and chimes to mimic the fluid movements of a snake. Music sessions can explore tempo and rhythm, enhancing coordination and teamwork.

5?? Cultural Exploration: Discuss Chinese traditions, comparing them to your pupils’ experiences with other cultural celebrations. This builds understanding, empathy, and global awareness.

Quick Activity Ideas for Free-Flow Learning

• Make fortune cookies or animal masks.
• Practice Chinese symbols in sand trays.
• Challenge students to use chopsticks for a fun fine motor activity!

Chinese New Year offers an exciting way to explore storytelling, art, culture, and physical development. By incorporating these engaging activities into your lesson plans, you’ll create a memorable, educational experience for your pupils.

?? Kung Hei Fat Choi! Happy New Year!

For additional teaching resources, visit Pentagon Play or contact our team for expert advice on creating interactive learning environments.