Are you looking for printable games for kids with holiday themes? Why not try our Chinese New Year charades? This educational game is a fun way to introduce children to the traditions and symbols of the Lunar New Year. It’s perfect for at-home learning or to introduce some festive fun into the classroom.
This printable game is packed with terms associated with the festivities, including the twelve Chinese zodiac animals. By engaging in this game, kids will have fun while also gaining a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of Chinese New Year celebrations. Grab your set of charades cards and you’re all set for an afternoon of laughter and learning.
When is Chinese New Year?
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, does not have a fixed date on the Gregorian (Western) calendar. Instead, it varies each year as it is based on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar.
The celebration typically falls between January 21 and February 20, starting from the first day of the new moon and lasts until the full moon arrives with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the New Year. This means you get to enjoy 15 days of festivities!
Are Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year the Same?
Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year are connected and people often use both to refer to the same celebration. Specifically, Chinese New Year is the version of the Lunar New Year celebrated by Chinese communities around the world.
This holiday is based on the lunar-solar calendar, which is why it’s also known as the Lunar New Year. However, it’s worth noting that other countries in Asia, such as Vietnam and Korea, also observe a Lunar New Year, with traditions and customs that may differ from those of Chinese New Year.
Learning Benefits of Playing Charades
Charades is a treasure trove of learning opportunities for children. As a game that demands creativity, it sharpens problem-solving skills, encouraging young learners to think on their feet as they communicate complex ideas without uttering a word.
Charades challenges players to act out words and phrases, which often promotes unconventional thinking and fosters learning through play.
Additionally, this game builds strong social and team-working skills. As children cooperate to guess the correct answers, they learn the importance of listening, observing, and collaborating effectively.
The game can also expose players to new vocabulary, encouraging them to engage with and understand these new words in a fun and accessible way. Undeniably, playing charades is an entertaining, yet highly educational exercise.
More Printable Charades Games for Kids
Looking for more ways to keep your kids entertained and learning? Here are even more printable charades games that your children will absolutely love. These games are designed to keep your kids engaged so they may continue to learn and grow.
- Black History Month Charades
- New Year’s Eve Charades Printable Game
- Superhero Charades
- Summer Charades
- Animal Charades
What’s Included In The Chinese New Year Charades Printable
The printable Chinese New Year charades game is a low-prep and high-fun game set. It’s as simple as print, cut, and play!
Inside you’ll find 36 premade cards featuring Chinese New Year-themed words and phrases that range from the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac to the vibrant customs of dragon dances, lantern lighting, and red envelope exchanges.
The pack also includes a sheet of blank cards, allowing you to customize the game with your own ideas. This ready-to-play game combines fun with education, sparking creativity and learning about the vibrant celebration of Chinese New Year.
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How to Play Chinese New Year Charades
Playing Chinese New Year Charades is a breeze. To begin, make sure all players understand that the key rule to charades is to act out the word or phrase on the card without speaking. Draw a word card, and using gestures or actions, try to communicate the word to the rest of the group.
For those playing with younger children, the rules can be adapted to ensure everyone is having fun and learning. For instance, you might help them read the words on their cards or allow them to use props or make sound effects while acting out their terms. This ensures that the game is accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
Other Ways to Use This Printable Game
Beyond charades, these versatile cards offer a wealth of creative possibilities for learning and fun.
They can serve as drawing prompts, encouraging children to sketch the Chinese zodiac animals or depict the vibrant customs illustrated on the cards. This not only refines artistic skills but also deepens children’s understanding and appreciation of Chinese New Year traditions.
For literacy practice, kids can use the cards to reference and practice writing the words, enhancing their vocabulary and handwriting skills.
Furthermore, by printing out two sets of cards, you can transform this into a memory game. Kids can take turns to flip two cards at a time and try remembering the locations of matching pairs, thereby promoting sharp memory and attention to detail.
Lunar New Year Books for Kids
Pairing this engaging charades game with reading books about Lunar New Year celebrations can further enrich children’s understanding of this vibrant festival.
As they come across various elements of the celebration such as the Dragon Dance, Fireworks, or the Red Envelope tradition in their readings, children can mark these off on their printable cards. This interactive approach transforms reading into a fun scavenger hunt for knowledge.
Additionally, these cards can serve as a tool to spark curiosity. Children might come across items or terms on the cards they wish to learn more about, prompting them to independently seek out books or resources that delve deeper into the significance of these cultural practices, such as the exchange of red envelopes or the importance of the Dragon and Lion dances.
Things Kids Should Know About Chinese New YearFive Little Dumplings The Lunar New Year FeastThe Night Before Lunar New YearDragon Dance: A Chinese New Year Lift-the-Flap Book (Puffin Lift-the-Flap)Spirit of the Dragon: A Chinese New Year Kids Book: Celebrating the Lunar New Year and Learning about Chinese TraditionsLucky Red: A Lunar New Year Tale
More Chinese New Year Activities for Kids
Now, let’s delve deeper into more engaging activities tied to the Chinese New Year that can enrich the learning experience for your kids. From crafting colorful lanterns and dragon masks to exploring the fascinating tales behind the Chinese zodiac, these activities ensure a fun-filled, educational experience for kids.
- Toilet Paper Roll Fireworks Craft
- Paper Lantern Craft
- Lunar New Year Worksheets
- Chinese New Year Color By Numbers
- Chinese New Year Word Scramble
We hope that these Chinese New Year charades, along with the additional activities, provide a fun and interactive way for your children to learn about this remarkable celebration. As your family embarks on this journey of exploration and discovery, we trust that it will foster a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural traditions associated with the Lunar New Year. Experiencing holidays and traditions from another culture is a special privilege, so we approach it with respect and open hearts.
Darcy is the founder of “Life With Darcy and Brian,” where she combines her love for education, board games, and crafting to create engaging learning experiences for kids. Her creative projects and writing have been featured in outlets like The Toy Insider, CafeMom, Mom.com, Parents.com, Country Living, and The Pioneer Woman.