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Step 1
Allow each student to make a Chinese lantern. String the lanterns together on a piece of yarn or twine and hang the lanterns around the perimeter of your room.
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Step 2
Bring simple flowers in and have students put the flowers in vases the day before Chinese New Year begins. Tell your students the flowers are thought to be symbolic of wealth and achievement in career.
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Step 3
Teach students about couplets as part of a writing activity. Have students create their own couplets on red paper and then hang the couplets around the room. As an alternate activity have the students paint the couplets or attempt a calligraphy activity. Note that the words should be written vertically.
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Step 4
Place bowls of oranges and tangerines in a prominent area of your classroom. Tell students that the fruit represents lots of happiness.
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Step 5
Identify what year it is on the Chinese Zodiac. If it's the year of the rabbit, have students draw pictures of rabbits and write a brief explanation of what the rabbit symbolizes in Chinese culture. Post the pictures around the room.
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Step 6
Dedicate one wall to pictures of foods commonly eaten during Chinese New Year. Include pictures of fruits, candy, bamboo shoots, dried bean curd, Ginkgo nut, Lotus seed and blackmoss seaweed. Label each picture and note what the picture symbolizes.
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Step 7
Go to your local Chinese market and purchase a "Tray of Togetherness." Alternatively, create your own "Tray of Togetherness" by bringing in a large platter and dividing it into eight parts. Fill the platter with foods common during the Chinese New Year.
