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The Chinese New Year Is the Perfect Time to Teach These English Words
It’s that time of year again! The Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to teach your students some fun new vocabulary words. This year, why not focus on words related to the holiday itself? This blog post will discuss some of the most important English words to teach your students during the Chinese New Year.
What is the Chinese New Year?
According to the lunar calendar, the Chinese New Year is a traditional holiday that celebrates the start of a new year. It is typically observed in late January or early February and is considered the most important holiday in China.
This holiday is celebrated by millions of people worldwide. It is marked by a number of traditional activities such as lanterns, firecrackers, fireworks, lion and dragon dances, and other cultural performances.
One of the most important aspects of the Chinese New Year is the zodiac. Each year is associated with a different animal sign, and people born under that sign are said to have specific characteristics. For example, 2022 is the Tear of the Tiger, so be sure to teach your students about this sign!
English Words You Can Teach Students During Chinese New Year
There are many essential words and phrases related to the Chinese New Year that you can teach your students. Here are some of our favorites:
Lunar New Year
The lunar new year is the traditional name for the Chinese New Year, which falls on the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar.
Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac is a system of astrology that assigns an animal to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle.
Year of the Tiger
The year of the tiger is the name of the Chinese zodiac sign that corresponds to 2022.
Lantern
Lanterns are a traditional symbol of the Chinese New Year and are often used to decorate homes and temples during the holiday.
Firecracker
The Chinese New Year is often marked by the sound of firecrackers, which are used to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune to those who celebrate the holiday.
Red Envelopes
Red envelopes are a type of money pouch often given as a gift during the Chinese New Year. They are usually filled with cash and are meant to bring the recipient good luck.
Lion and Dragon Dances
Lion and dragon dances are a traditional part of the Chinese New Year and are often used to celebrate the holiday. The sounds of firecrackers and drums typically accompany these dances.
Longevity Noodles
Longevity noodles are a noodle that is often eaten during the Chinese New Year. They are said to bring good luck and long life to those who eat them.
Dumplings
Dumplings are a traditional food often eaten during the Chinese New Year. They are made of dough filled with meat or vegetables and are meant to bring wealth and good luck to those who eat them.
Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are a type of food eaten during the Chinese New Year and are usually consumed as part of a feast. They are made of a thin type of dough filled with meat or vegetables.
New Year Cake
The New Year cake is a sweet pastry that is often eaten during the Chinese New Year. It is usually a steamed cake made with rice flour and brings good luck to those who eat it.
This list of English words for your students during the Chinese New Year is just a starting point when teaching in China. Be sure to ask your students about any other terms or phrases they may know related to the holiday!
Celebrating the Chinese New Year While Teaching in China
If you are lucky enough to be teaching in China during the Chinese New Year, there are many fun activities that you can do with your students to celebrate. Here are just a few:
- Have your students make paper lanterns and hang them up around the classroom or school hallways
- Play traditional Chinese music and have your students perform a lion or dragon dance
- Watch performances of the various traditional activities that take place during the Chinese New Year
- Make red envelopes with your students and give them to their families or friends
- Bake a New Year cake or eat longevity noodles and dumplings
- Roll up spring rolls for a festive snack
The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have some fun!
Finding Jobs in China During the Chinese New Year
If you are looking for jobs in China during the Chinese New year, there are several resources that can help. Here are some examples:
- Toptutorjob – This website is an excellent resource for finding jobs in China and includes both teaching and non-teaching positions.
- Chinajob – This website specializes in listing teaching jobs in China.
- Dave’s ESL Cafe – This website is a great place to start your job search and includes teaching jobs from around the world.
- LinkedIn – LinkedIn is a great way to network with potential employers and can be a helpful tool for finding jobs in China.
- Craigslist – Craigslist is a great resource for finding jobs in China and includes both teaching and non-teaching positions.
Many other websites list teaching jobs in China, so be sure to do your research and find the one that best suits your needs.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a time of celebration and family gatherings, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to learn about Chinese culture and language. The words and phrases in this article are a perfect way to introduce students to some of the traditions and customs associated with Chinese New Year while still helping them learn English. So, whether you are teaching in China during the Chinese New Year or not, be sure to add some of this vocabulary to your lesson plans!
Lastly, be sure to take advantage of all the festivities during this special time while teaching in China. And who knows, you may just find yourself celebrating Chinese New Year for years to come!
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