Free printable Chinese New Year, Spring Festival, Lantern Festival lesson plans

China's lunar calendar system is centuries older than the Gregorian calendar. The Chinese New Year begins in on February 8, 2016. The beginning date for Chinese New Year varies from late January to mid February on the western calendar. 2016 celebrates Chinese New Year of the Monkey (or KangXi). Each of the 12 years in the Chinese zodiac is represented by a different animal and the calendar repeats every 12 years. It was Chinese New Year of the Monkey in 2004 and will be again in 2028. CNY kicks off the Spring Festival in China and ends with the Lantern Festival, a quaint, charming holiday.   Free printable Chinese New Year, Spring Festival, Lantern Festival lesson plans

Free Printable Cultural Crafts for Chinese New Year

 Chinese New Year is also called the Spring Festival. It ends with a Lantern Festival. I like how the Chinese celebrate, with all those festivals, don't you? The theme is gentle and positive--good luck and prosperity. Here are cultural crafts from many lands, including China. The printables focus on Kung Fu Panda. Use these for CNY 2014 Year of the Horse, beginning Jan. 31.Free Printable Ethnic and Cultural Crafts for Social Studies  There are also printables from Latino, Native American and other groups.

Printable 2014 Chinese New Year of the Horse Activities

 Chinese New Year begins today. The Chinese zodiac is distinguished by 12 animals. 2014 is the Year of the Horse. Here are activities and ideas for parents and teachers to explore Chinese tradition. Here are Lantern Festival crafts and games. There are animal coloring pages, recipes and worksheets.Chinese New Year for Parents and Kids