Chinese New Year Fun

Overview

This 20-minute engaging session introduces Nursery children (3-4 years) to the story of "The Great Race" and the Chinese zodiac animals, celebrating Chinese New Year. The plan aligns with the UK National Curriculum Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, focusing on communication and language, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design.

National Curriculum Links

EYFS Areas of Learning & Development

Communication and Language
- Listening, Attention and Understanding
- Speaking
Understanding the World
- People, Culture and Communities
Expressive Arts and Design
- Being imaginative

Specific Learning Goals

Children listen attentively to stories, answering simple questions about what is heard.
Children develop an awareness of different cultures and celebrations.
Children express ideas and feelings through role-play and creative activities.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, children will be able to:

Retell key parts of the "Great Race" story using simple language and picture cues.
Identify at least three animals from the Chinese zodiac.
Demonstrate understanding of a cultural celebration by engaging in a creative activity themed around Chinese New Year.
Develop listening skills and participate in group discussion.

Resources Needed

Illustrated storybook or a large picture book of "The Great Race" (age-appropriate, colourful images)
Large animal flashcards representing the Chinese zodiac animals (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, pig)
Red and gold paper for lantern crafts (pre-cut strips for speed)
Glue sticks, child-safe scissors, crayons
Soft Chinese music (instrumental, traditional)
Animal masks or headbands (optional)

Session Breakdown

1. Welcome & Introduction (3 minutes)

Gather children in a comfortable reading area.
Briefly introduce the upcoming celebration: Chinese New Year, mentioning that it is celebrated with stories, animals, and lanterns.
Use simple language: “We will hear a story about a race with animals.”

2. Story Time: The Great Race (7 minutes)

Show the book cover, then read aloud with expression and pauses, encouraging children to look at the pictures.
Use animated voices and gestures to engage attention.
Pause after key points (e.g., introduction to animals, the race starting) and ask simple questions: “Which animal can you see?”, “Who do you think will win?”
Show zodiac animal flashcards as they appear in the story to reinforce recognition.

3. Talking About Animals & Chinese New Year (3 minutes)

After the story, encourage children to name or point out their favourite animals from the book.
Briefly describe that the animal race decides the order of the Chinese zodiac.
Play a short clip of traditional Chinese music softly in the background to set the atmosphere.
Explain the colour red is important because it brings luck.

4. Creative Activity: Making a Chinese Lantern (6 minutes)

Give each child pre-cut red and gold paper strips to glue into simple lantern shapes.
Staff model carefully how to loop and glue strips.
Children decorate their lanterns with crayons or stickers if available.
Encourage them to say which animal they liked from the story while they work.

5. Closing & Reflection (1 minute)

Invite children to hold up their lanterns and share a word or name of an animal from the story.
Praise listening and sharing.
Remind children that Chinese New Year is a fun time with stories, animals, and celebrations all around the world.

Assessment Opportunities

Observe children’s ability to focus and recall key story elements during questioning.
Note children’s participation in naming and identifying animals.
Assess fine motor skills and creativity during the lantern-making craft.
Listen for use of new vocabulary related to the story and celebration.

Differentiation and Inclusion

Provide animal masks or puppets for children who benefit from kinaesthetic learning or role play.
Use visual and gestural cues throughout to support children with communication needs.
Allow additional adult support for children with fine motor challenges during craft.
Ensure culturally sensitive language and celebrate diversity by linking Chinese New Year to wider understanding of global cultures.

Extension Ideas

Set up a Chinese New Year role-play area with costumes and zodiac animals.
Introduce simple Mandarin greetings connected to the celebration.
Display children’s artwork and photos about the session for parental engagement.

By weaving storytelling, cultural learning, art, and music into a lively, age-appropriate session, this lesson plan enhances young children’s curiosity and respect for global traditions while developing foundational EYFS skills.

Teaching Instructions