Even though the Chinese New Year rings in just once a year, these kids' projects can be done anytime (rainy days and Mondays, for example), or if you’re like me, you might want plenty of time to practice these projects on your own before putting your reputation on the line in front of your children (or student, or nieces and nephews, or younger siblings…).
Chinese Lanterns
First, you can find some instructions to help the kiddies make their own “Chinese New Year” lanterns here:
The instructions and design for this one are pretty basic, but by creatively incorporating some extras, like stickers, colorful wrapping paper, and, mmm, maybe some duct tape and piano wire, you can probably come up with some pretty keen advanced designs.
DLTK’s Printable Crafts For Kids
This site actually contains oodles of simple craft projects for kids, but they feature a simple Chinese New Year-focused section that’s at least worth checking out. You’ll find categories like “Chinese New Year | Chinese Zodiac Animals | Chinese Coloring Pages | Chinese New Year Wreaths”…and my favorite, a recipe for kids to make “Moon Cakes.” (Lots simpler than the real thing, but trust me, three-year olds love it.)
