Starting February 16th, people all over the world will be celebrating Chinese New Year. This is a very interesting holiday to learn about, and is full of fun traditions that you will love reading about! Here's a fun link to all kinds of info on the Chinese Spring Festival.
Chinese New Year 2020
Soon, we will be creating a Chinese New Year inspired kite! Why kites you ask? It's believed they were invented by the Chinese centuries ago! I've done this project for several years, and each kite turns out unique and the students learn so much about a holiday most of them have never heard of!
Soon, we will be creating a Chinese New Year inspired kite! Why kites you ask? It's believed they were invented by the Chinese centuries ago! I've done this project for several years, and each kite turns out unique and the students learn so much about a holiday most of them have never heard of!
Originally, I was inspired by Crayola.com's Chinese New year kites, but decided to put my own spin on it!
Here's how we create ours!
First, we talk about Chinese New year, and I show them visuals of what goes on during this celebratory time. Then, I tell them the story of the Chinese Zodiac animals, and why they rotate an animal each year. Here's a link to that story, "The Great Race"
First, we talk about Chinese New year, and I show them visuals of what goes on during this celebratory time. Then, I tell them the story of the Chinese Zodiac animals, and why they rotate an animal each year. Here's a link to that story, "The Great Race"
Next, I let them pick out the zodiac animal they want to draw, and we get to work!
I quickly sketch the animals on my document camera, but I also pass out packets that give the students visuals of each animal. I also print off Chinese characters for them to decorate their kite with.
This year is the year of the Dog, but they don't have to draw the dog if they don't want to!
Next, you draw your animal, trace it with a Sharpie, and color using Crayola Twistables.
This usually takes one 45 minute class, sometimes two depending on how long I talk about the holiday, (and how much they talk!)
The next class, they can create their kite! It's a little tricky for the kids, so I included a lot of pictures!
First, fold your paper like a card, and fold the left side back, and crease.
  |
Now, flip the kite over, and fold the (now) left side to meet the right.
Open it up to where it looks like a flat paper air plane, and glue the center together.
Now it's time to decorate!! We use oil pastels to add decorations, and Sharpie markers to add Chinese characters.
We add fireworks because it is believed that the Chinese invented them, and they use them to celebrate this special occasion.
Cut out your zodiac animal, and glue to your kite! Add streamers using party streamers or tissue paper!
Et voila! You have your Chinese New Year Zodiac Animal Kite!
 |
| Here are some past examples. I wish I had photos of past student examples, but we'll be adding some new ones soon! |
Excellent examples from Mrs. Ross' class!
Here are some cuties from Mrs. Kilby's class!
Excellent art from Mrs. Roger's class!
