The Lunar New Year is an exciting annual celebration marking the start of a new lunar calendar cycle, and in 2025, it falls on 29th January. This vibrant festival is observed globally, with significant festivities in East and Southeast Asia, particularly in China.
In 2025, we’re stepping into the Year of the Wood Snake, a sign that symbolises wisdom, creativity and growth - qualities that can bring exciting new perspectives and learning opportunities to the classroom!
Table of Contents:
- What is Lunar New Year?
- The Significance of The Wood Snake
- Classroom Activities for Lunar New Year
- Tips for Incorporating Lunar New Year Activities Respectfully
What is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year, also commonly referred to as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival in China, is a time to usher in good fortune and celebrate with family and friends. Each year, one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac takes centre stage, cycling through unique qualities that people reflect upon and honour. The Wood Snake, this year’s symbol, is known for being calm, thoughtful and creative, making it an ideal theme for teaching moments focused on growth and reflection.
The Significance of The Wood Snake
The Wood Snake brings its own distinct energy, combining the wisdom of the Snake with the adaptability of the Wood element in Chinese philosophy. This combination emphasises patience, growth and a deep connection to nature. People born under the Wood Snake are said to be insightful and creative thinkers. Bringing this symbolism into classroom activities can inspire discussions on self-reflection, mindfulness and the importance of being adaptable in learning.
Classroom Activities for Lunar New Year
Here are some ideas for celebrating and integrating the spirit of the Lunar New Year into your classroom this January, with a particular focus on the Wood Snake’s themes.
1. Explore Lunar New Year Traditions
- Start by exploring the customs and traditions that come with the Lunar New Year, from red decorations symbolising luck to dragon dances and firecrackers meant to ward off negative spirits.
- Have pupils create their own paper lanterns, Chinese dragons or paper cuttings in the shapes of snakes and other zodiac animals.
- Discuss the meaning of symbols like the colour red and the importance of new beginnings. Pupils can reflect on what they hope for in the new year, setting personal or academic goals.
2. Snake Wisdom Reflective Writing
- Using the wisdom and patience associated with the Wood Snake, get pupils to set intentions or goals for the remainder of the school year.
- Ask pupils to write about a time when patience or adaptability helped them. Encourage them to reflect on how they can apply those qualities to new situations.
- In line with the Lunar New Year’s focus on gratitude, it may be appropriate for your pupils to write letters of appreciation to someone who has helped them or contributed positively to their lives in school.
Why not try PangoGPT and see how it can support your planning for the celebration of Chinese New Year. With a focus on the Wood Snake, this example plan shows how you can explore the traditions and meanings behind Lunar New Year.
Then set up a range of themed activities to appreciate the Chinese traditions taught about.
You can currently try PangoGPT for free in full by signing up here!
Nature Connection Activities
- Since the Wood element is connected to nature, organise a nature walk and encourage pupils to observe changes in their environment, connecting these to personal growth and resilience.
- As Wood symbolises growth, you could start a small indoor garden. This hands-on activity lets pupils take responsibility for nurturing a plant, mirroring the concept of personal growth.
- Discuss how nature and environment contribute to learning and wellbeing. The Wood Snake is a great symbol for highlighting sustainability and responsibility.
Tips for Incorporating Lunar New Year Activities Respectfully
- If you have parents or community members who celebrate Lunar New Year, invite them to share their experiences.
- Encourage pupils to see Lunar New Year as part of a larger world filled with diverse traditions and to respect different ways of celebrating experiences.
- Encourage pupils to see Lunar New Year as part of a larger world filled with diverse traditions and to respect different ways of celebrating.
Happy Chinese New Year to you all! "Xīnnián hǎo" (新年好)
