Use this activity to help children develop an awareness of others' cultures and beliefs.
Learning objective
Knowledge and understanding of the world Resources
Paper plates, crepe paper in various colours, paints, felt tipped pens Step by step
* Look at pictures of dragons in Chinese New Year celebrations. There are some great images at www.chinatown-online.org.uk/celebrations.html * Explain to the children that they are going to make similar dragons.
* Cut a metre length of crepe paper for each child. Let them paint patterns on the sheet of crepe paper using brightly coloured paints.
* Give each child a large paper plate and trim the edges to create straight sides on the plate.
* Fold the plate in half and invite the children to decorate one half with eyes and nostrils. Paint the reverse of the plate red.
* Staple or glue the painted crepe paper to the head. Attach thinner strips of red, yellow and orange crepe paper to represent flames coming from the mouth.
* Have the children hold dragons above their heads, move around a large open space and do a dragon dance, to authentic Chinese music.
Other helpful websites for making Chinese New Year cards and lucky red envelopes are:
* www.newton.mec.edu/Angier/DimSum/dimsumclipart.html* www.makingfriends.com/valentine_chinese_cards.htm