Chinese New Year

Objectives:

• Students will be able to describe how and when Chinese New Year is celebrated.

• Students will be able to describe symbolism and legends related to the Chinese New Year.

Suggested Grades:

3rd Grade - 4th Grade - 5th Grade - 6th Grade

Lesson Procedure:

Print the reading comprehension passage and questions (see below).

Students should read the passage silently, then answer the questions. Teachers may also use the text as part of a classroom lesson plan.

Lesson Excerpt:

Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in China. It is actually a festival that lasts for 15 days. Chinese New Year is celebrated in many Asian countries, not just China. In fact, you will find Chinese New Year celebrations in any country in the world that has a large population of Chinese people. Of course, that includes the United States. Chinese New Year festivities begin with the first new moon of the year. This usually occurs some time between January 21 and February 20. Each year is given the name of one of the animals of the Chinese zodiac.

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