When classrooms celebrate world cultures as part of an affirming and expansive learning environment for students, young children are more able to develop a positive sense of identity and build self-esteem.
Lunar New Year is one of the world's most vibrant holidays centered around good fortune, lucky foods, and togetherness. This year, Lunar New Year falls on February 10, 2024. Celebrated by more than 1.5 billion people worldwide, this colorful and rich holiday provides a great opportunity for teachers looking to bring other cultures into the classroom. For the second year in a row, we’re partnering with Panda Express, the largest family-owned and operated Asian dining concept in the U.S., for our Lunar New Year partnership, doubling donations to related projects and sharing a free Lunar New Year curriculum.
Starting today, November 20, Panda invites you to create a project to help students learn about and celebrate Lunar New Year for doubled donations.
Panda Express’ Let’s Explore! Lunar New Year Program
In addition to doubling donations, Panda Express is sharing its “Let’s Explore!: Lunar New Year” program, a fun, free and educational resource for teachers who are looking for ideas to bring Lunar New Year to life in their classrooms.
The curriculum includes eight interactive activities that explore the rich traditions of Lunar New Year, like the meaning behind lucky foods eaten during the 15-day long celebration, the symbolism of lucky red envelopes, the importance of zodiac animals, and more.
In addition to the digital curriculum, you’ll be sent a physical activity booklet that includes matching games, coloring templates, trivia, and step-by-step directions on how to make a Chinese Lantern and more, while supplies last. We encourage you to sign up for this limited-time interactive program!
Lunar New Year Project Inspiration
Looking for inspiration to take your classroom celebration to the next level? We want to share a few of our favorite Lunar New Year projects funded by Panda last year!
Ms. Huang requested calligraphy brushes, papers, inks, and more so that students could learn about Chinese culture during the Lunar New Year.
“Students will be practicing writing 8 basic strokes and Chinese characters with calligraphy brushes, ink, and rice paper. Students will learn patience and perseverance through Chinese calligraphy, which also help us to develop a broader vocabulary."
Mr. Andy requested Lunar New Year decorations and supplies to host a family engagement event in his classroom.
"Many of our families celebrate the Lunar New Year and our classroom should represent what our students' homes look like. Our classroom should become both a window to look into others' cultures, and also a mirror as a reflection of their own."
Ms. Stroy requested the art supplies her students needed to lead a Lunar New Year celebration in their school.
"Most of my students celebrate the Chinese New Year, and they would love to educate and involve the whole class in making festive lanterns, fireworks, and rabbit sculptures! My students eagerly provided me with a vision and a list of craft materials and colors to make their celebration a success."
Want a few more ideas? Check out all the Lunar New Year projects funded by Panda Express last year!
We hope you’ll join us in deepening cultural education for today’s youth and acknowledging the cultural significance of one of the world’s most celebrated holidays! Create your project.
