Chinese New Year: Paper Lanterns Lesson Plan

Modified from lesson plan by Loren Fawcett, Education Assistant, Allen Memorial Art Museum

Enduring Idea: Celebrations and Traditions

Objectives/Concepts
1.
2.
3.
4.

Students will recognize that the traditions and values attributed to Chinese New Year and its celebration
are unique and valid.
Students will recognize that holidays originate from a variety of different backgrounds, legends, or
traditions.
Students will recognize that legends are a way of explaining our perception of the world in which we live.
Students will practice using a ruler and measuring.

C.E.F.s
1.5.1: Determine differences between media, techniques or processes in works of art (e.g. the transparency of
watercolor vs. the opaqueness of tempera).
1.5.2: Examine how different media, techniques, and processes cause different responses (e.g. Look at twodimensional vs. three-dimensional works of art).
1.3.3: Use different media, techniques, and processes to produce works of art.
1.5.3: Create artworks using various media, techniques, and processes to communicate ideas.
2.3.4 Use elements and principles of design to create works of art.
3.5.1 Discuss how subject matter, symbols, and ideas produce meaning in works of art.
3.3.2 Create artwork that demonstrates choice of subject matter and symbols to communicate meaning.
3.5.2 Produce a work of art that demonstrates the ability to convey meaning by integrating subject matter and
symbols with ideas.
3.5.3 Explain the way subject matter, symbols, and ideas are chosen to present meaning in student artwork.
4.3.2 Identify works of art as belonging to particular cultures, times, or place.
5.3.3 Discuss possible meanings of art.

Vocabulary
Chinese Lantern
a collapsible translucent covering for a light
Chinese New Year
the first day of the lunar new year; the biggest holiday celebrated among Chinese people; often referred to as the
spring festival as it signifies the beginning of spring.
Cylinder
tube shape
Translucent
almost transparent; see-through; something that lets most light through, but not all

Materials for Studio Activity

Assorted colored construction paper 9 x 12" (one sheet per student)

(3) Three black strips of construction paper measuring 1/2" wide and 12" long each (to be pre-cut by
teacher)
Markers or construction paper crayons
Scissors
Glue
Ruler
Optional: yellow and orange tissue paper

Materials for Presentation

LCD Projector for Chinese New Year power point or ELMO and Chinese New Year Story Book, ie: D is for
Dragon Dance
Sample Lantern

Introduction/Engage
Students will view Power Point presentation on Chinese New Year and Chinese Lantern Festival or view Chinese
New Year story book

Explore
Students will be encouraged to ask questions during and after the presentation.
Students may visit their school or local libraries to further research Chinese New Year and or the culture of China.

Create
Student Procedures: 3 days

1.
2.
3.

Day one: Engagement activities

Decorate 9" x 12" rectangular colored construction paper with markers.
Discuss imagery that could be added such as Chinese symbols; the animal that
symbolizes the New Year; or personal imager about what you wish for the New Year.
4.
Glue one 12" x 1" black strip along each long (12") edge of the rectangular paper.
Let dry.
5.
Day two: Review E.I. and Chinese New Year
6.
Fold paper lengthwise ("hot dog style") with the decorations on the inside (so that
folded rectangle measures 4.5" x 12").
7.
Starting from the folded edge, make cuts dots every inch using a ruler.
8.
At the open edge, use ruler to create a 1 inch margin.
9.
Along this line, make a dot every inch.
10.
Using proper ruler technique, connect the dots, dont go into the 1 inch strip at the
top.
11.
Cut the strips from the fold to the margin.
12.
Open up paper and reverse the fold so your drawing is on the outside.
13.
Glue one of the short sides to the other, creating a cylinder. Let dry.
14.
Day three: Short informal quiz about E.I. and lantern festival.
15.
Spread the slits at the fold, creating a lantern effect.
16.
Bend last black strip of construction paper to form a handle, attaching to lantern with
glue. Let dry.
17.
String lanterns onto cord and hang around classroom.
18.
Optional: for added "light" effect, crumple orange and yellow tissue paper and insert
inside lantern.
19.
Faster version: skip the ruler; just have kids fold the paper lengthwise and cut strips
from fold to black margin like the diagram below.

Diagram shows deigns on

outside, but I prefer to do
the measuring and cutting
on the inside of the
lantern.

Assessment
N: Cannot do assignment without assistance at all times. No understanding of presented concepts.
S: Is able to do assignment with some or no assistance. Demonstrates a developing understanding of presented concepts.
E: Takes project idea and creates own extensions. Demonstrates mastery of presented concepts

Closure
Students will recap what they have learned from the Power Point presentation. A group discussion or questions and
answers written on the board will reinforce knowledge. Students can compare and contrast Chinese New Year
traditions with their own. Share imagery and explain intent.

Across the Curriculum

History
Have students explore more of the traditions of Chinese New Year and its origin. Compare the traditions of the
western celebration of New Year's with the traditions of Chinese New Year. Explore the functions of paper lanterns.
Math
Measure the sizes of the paper needed to construct the lanterns and the cuts needed to make the lantern expand.
Reading
Read picture books aloud to the students or have them read along.