My kids look forward to celebrating Chinese New Year every year.  It's one of their favorite holidays from around the world that we've introduced.  And what's not to love about it?!

We've taken time over the years to really dive into the study of Chinese culture in all subject areas.  These Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Language Activities complement all of our other Chinese New Year Activities.

Before moving forward with our activities I wanted to mention that we have chosen to use the term Chinese New Year because these activities specifically focus on how the holiday is celebrated in Chinese culture.

The activities do not include a focus on other Lunar New Year celebrations around the world, especially those that do not take place on the same day.

Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Language Activities

Whether you have preschool or elementary aged children in your Montessori classroom, there's something for everyone included!

Chinese New Year Zodiac Symbol Match Up Cards

Kids in our co-op thoroughly enjoyed this match up activity, playing it as a memory game.  They loved comparing the writing to the animal pictures.

For Sunshine, who wasn't quite ready for Chinese characters, we paired the animal cards up with the Safari Ltd Chinese Zodiac Animal figures.  She had a blast matching them up.

Source: The printables used for these activities come from the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack.

Chinese New Year Symbol Match Up

This activity was a bit more challenging, but the kids loved it. It definitely tested the kids spelling and reading skills.  

The kids would choose to use either the Chinese characters or the animal picture cards. They would then match the cards to the words on the chart.

I provided them with a set of control cards they could grab when needed. These are not shown in the picture.

Source: The printables used for these activities come from the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack.

Chinese New Year Nomenclature Cards

These traditional nomenclature cards help teach kids about the different aspects of Chinese New Year emphasizing vocabulary that they may hear and see.  

In our classroom they were used as nomenclature cards, but they can also be used as match up cards.

I just love the beautiful images displayed on these cards.  They are so bright and colorful!

Source: The printables used for these activities come from the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack.

Chinese New Year Picture and Description Cards

The older kids who could read in our co-op enjoyed the Chinese New Year Picture and Description Cards, instead of the simple nomenclature cards.

As with all match up activities, the kids LOVED using them to play memory games with friends after the initial lesson and presentation.

Source: The printables used for these activities come from the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack.

Chinese New Year Writing Strips

Sunshine is one who always loves writing activities.  Even before she could write on her own she craved tracing activities.  This activity was designed for her.  I laminated each card for multiple uses with a white board marker and she goes to town!

When it comes to older kids, this activity is great spelling practice!

Source: The printables used for these activities come from the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack.

These activities combined with our other Chinese New Year activities and printables are sure to be a hit!  Our co-op kids LOVED them.  They learned so much about Chinese New Year while having so much fun.

Grab your Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack today!

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