Chinese New Year Project 3-Day Lesson Plan

Day 1 

Learning Goal: 

I can recognize and explain the symbolism of the Year of the Tiger in Chinese culture. 

I can follow the lyrics and melody of the song "Tian Shi". 

Standards Alignment: 

Interpreting Cultural Products – Students will interpret and analyze the cultural significance of the zodiac within Chinese New Year traditions.

Presentational Speaking & Performance – Students will recite and perform a culturally significant song demonstrating comprehension and pronunciation.

Activities:

Year of the Tiger Video: Start the class with a video about the Year of the Tiger, to introduce the specific zodiac of the year.

Singing "Tian Shi": Go over the lyrics of the song "Tian Shi" and practice singing it. 

Homework : Practice the song and bring scissors for the next class.

Day 2 Activities:

Learning Goal: 

I can identify basic paper-cutting patterns and attempt to create them. 

I can create simple and complex paper cuttings and describe my creative process. 

Standards Alignment: 

Relating Cultural Practices to Perspectives – Students will relate the practice of paper cutting to the broader cultural values it represents, such as luck and happiness.

Creative Expression – Students will express themselves through the creation of art that reflects cultural practices.

Activities:

Practice "Tian Shi": Continue practicing the song.

Introduce Paper-Cutting Culture: Discuss the cultural significance of paper-cutting in Chinese culture.

Paper-Cutting Videos: Show videos demonstrating how to make simple ("Easy 春" and "Easy 窗花") and advanced ("Advanced 春" and "Advanced 窗花") paper-cut patterns.

Student Participation: Students share their thoughts on paper cutting and try making paper cuts themselves. 

Homework: Create two paper cuttings at home.

Day 3 Activities:

Learning Goal: 

I can recount the story of Nian and name the 12 zodiac animals. 

I can complete activities and worksheets related to Chinese New Year and participate in a group singing performance. 

Standards Alignment:

Interpretive Listening – Students will interpret the key details and main ideas of stories and legends related to the Chinese New Year.

Interpersonal Communication – Students will engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions.

Activities:

Practice "Tian Shi": Another round of practice for the song.

Story of Nian Video: Present a video explaining the story of Nian, which is central to Chinese New Year traditions.

12 Zodiac Animals Video: Show a video about the 12 zodiac animals to educate students on this aspect of Chinese culture.

Worksheets and In-Class Practice: Distribute and work on worksheets related to the Chinese New Year.

Homework : finish the worksheet

Further Discussion and Answers:

• CNY Celebrations: Discuss how to celebrate Chinese New Year with a day-by-day guide for 2022.
• Fill in the Blanks: An activity to complete sentences related to the Chinese New Year.
• Traditions: Go over various traditions observed during the Chinese New Year.
• Presentation: Conclude with a presentation titled "What do people do during Chinese New Year".