Fun Chinese New Year Crafts: Ready to Celebrate?
At M for Mandarin, we believe that learning about Chinese culture is just as important as learning the language. Chinese New Year, or 春节 (Chūnjié), is one of the most vibrant and celebrated festivals in Chinese culture. It’s the perfect time to combine language learning with creativity through themed crafts!
Here are some of our favorite hands-on activities that will spark joy, teach new vocabulary, and bring the spirit of Chinese New Year into your home.
1. Red Lanterns: 红灯笼 (Hóng Dēnglóng)
Lanterns are iconic decorations that symbolize hope and prosperity. They’re perfect for practicing the words for colors (红色 hóngsè, 金色 jīnsè) and shapes.
Materials: Red paper, scissors, glue, gold ribbon.
Steps:
1. Teach vocabulary: Red (红色), gold (金色), and lantern (灯笼).
2. Fold a piece of red paper in half lengthwise.
3. Cut slits along the folded edge, leaving a border.
4. Unfold and roll into a cylinder. Glue the edges together.
5. Add a handle with gold ribbon and decorate with patterns.
Learning Tip: Write “福” (Fú, meaning good fortune) on the lantern for extra cultural practice!
2. Zodiac Animal Masks: 生肖面具 (Shēngxiào Miànjù)
Each year corresponds to a zodiac animal, and crafting masks is a fun way to introduce the Chinese zodiac (十二生肖, Shí’èr Shēngxiào).
Materials: Printable templates, markers, string, scissors.
Steps:
1. Print or draw the zodiac animal for the new year (e.g., 龙 lóng, dragon).
2. Practice animal names as students color their masks.
3. Attach string or elastic to make wearable masks.
Interactive Idea: Host a zodiac parade or storytelling session where students act out their animal’s traits in Mandarin.
3. Paper-Cut Designs: 剪纸 (Jiǎnzhǐ)
Paper cutting is a traditional Chinese folk art used to decorate windows. It’s a fantastic way to practice symmetry and introduce common characters.
Materials: Red paper, scissors, templates.
Steps:
1. Teach simple words like 春 (Chūn, spring) or 喜 (Xǐ, happiness).
2. Fold red paper and trace a symmetrical pattern or Chinese character.
3. Carefully cut along the lines and unfold your masterpiece.
4. Hang your designs in windows for good luck.
Learning Tip: Discuss the symbolism of red and gold while practicing related phrases like “红色象征好运” (Hóngsè xiàngzhēng hǎo yùn, “Red symbolizes good luck”).
4. Firecracker Garlands: 鞭炮 (Biānpào)
Firecrackers are used during Chinese New Year to scare away evil spirits. This craft is a safe way to recreate the tradition while learning about its history.
Materials: Toilet paper rolls, red and gold wrapping paper, string, tape.
Steps:
1. Wrap toilet paper rolls in red paper and tie the ends with string.
2. Attach multiple rolls to create a garland.
3. Teach related phrases like “爆竹声中一岁除” (Bàozhú shēng zhōng yī suì chú， The sound of firecrackers marks the end of the old year).
Interactive Idea: Pair this activity with a story about the Nian monster (年兽 Nián Shòu) to explain the tradition.
5. Lucky Red Envelopes: 红包 (Hóngbāo)
Giving red envelopes filled with money is a way to share blessings during the new year. Crafting custom envelopes makes the tradition even more special.
Materials: Red cardstock, gold pens, stickers, glue.
Steps:
1. Introduce the vocabulary: 红包 (hóngbāo) and 钱 (qián, money).
2. Fold red cardstock into thirds to create a pocket and glue the edges.
3. Decorate with gold patterns, stickers, and characters like 福 (Fú).
4. Fill with small treats or notes in Mandarin.
Learning Tip: Use this craft to practice numbers and currency vocabulary.
6. Spring Couplets: 春联 (Chūnlián)
Spring couplets are traditional decorations featuring auspicious phrases written in calligraphy.
Materials: Red paper strips, black ink or markers, brushes.
Steps:
1. Teach students simple phrases like “新年快乐” (Xīnnián kuàilè, Happy New Year) or “吉祥如意” (Jíxiáng rúyì, May you have good fortune).
2. Guide them in writing these phrases on red strips of paper.
3. Hang the couplets around the classroom or home.
Interactive Idea: Host a calligraphy contest and vote on the best scroll.
Why Crafts Are Perfect for Language Learning
Crafts not only help students engage with Chinese culture but also reinforce Mandarin vocabulary in a fun, hands-on way. At M for Mandarin, we love combining creative activities with immersive language learning to make Mandarin approachable and enjoyable for all ages.
This Chinese New Year, gather your materials, learn new words, and celebrate in style with these DIY projects. Wishing you a very 新年快乐 (Xīnnián Kuàilè) from all of us at M for Mandarin!