Lunar New Year 2-Hour Lesson Plan for Elementary School

Lunar New Year Lesson & Worksheet for Elementary Students (Grades 1–6)

Celebrate cultural diversity and bring global awareness into your classroom with this engaging Lunar New Year lesson plan and student worksheet! Designed for grades 1–6, this ready-to-teach resource introduces students to Lunar New Year traditions, symbols, and stories while reinforcing reading comprehension and vocabulary skills.

What’s Included

• 120-minute detailed lesson plan (Grades 2–5 adaptable for 1–6)
• Student worksheet (comprehension, vocabulary, creative writing, and math tie-ins)
• Answer key for easy grading
• Step-by-step lesson timeline with activities, crafts, and discussion prompts
• Hands-on cultural activities (red envelopes, lanterns, dragon parade, etc.)
• Assessment rubric and learning objectives
• Book list for extension and read-alouds

How It Works in the Classroom

Perfect for:

• Whole-group cultural studies lessons
• Literacy centers and ELA integration
• Sub plans or enrichment units
• Multicultural celebration weeks
• January–February seasonal learning

Students explore:

• What Lunar New Year is and where it’s celebrated
• The Chinese Zodiac and their animal year
• Lucky colors, symbols, and traditional foods
• The legend of Nian and how traditions began
• Cultural respect and diversity appreciation

Standards & Learning Goals

• Social Studies: Understanding cultural diversity and global traditions
• ELA: Vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and writing
• Math: Patterns, counting, and calendar concepts
• Art: Creative expression through craft activities

Why Teachers Love It

• Combines cultural awareness with academic skills
• Easy prep — just print and teach
• Engaging mix of reading, crafts, and discussion
• Promotes inclusivity and respect in the classroom
• Aligns with SEL and cultural competence goals

Bring the World to Your Classroom!

Make this Lunar New Year unforgettable while helping your students celebrate diversity, respect, and learning in a fun, meaningful way.