First graders learned about Chinese New Year by reading the story PoPo's Lucky New Year. We also studied the use of dragons in Chinese culture and New Years celebrations. Students then used symmetry and collage to design their own amazing dragons!!
First graders began this project by studying color. We discussed the difference between primary and secondary colors and then used this knowledge to create our own color wheels on a paper plate. Next, we read the story PoPo's Lucky Chinese New Year. Students learned about all the traditions associated with this holiday, including parades with dragons- to chase away any bad luck for the new year. We then decided to transform our color wheels into our own dragon by adding colorful scales to the edges of the plate and stringing our plates together to form the body of our dragon. Students also worked together to create the head and arms.
First Graders discussed stories they have heard involving
dragons. We then discussed how dragons
are written about, used, and admired in China today as well as a long time ago
in Ancient China. The class discussed
the Chinese legend of the 9 Dragon sons and viewed the dragon wall in Beijing
depicting these dragons. Students used
their observational skills to try and determine which dragon was which on the
wall. Students also viewed examples of
dragon dances for Chinese New Year. Finally,
we set out to create our own dragons.
Students learned how to manipulate paper into three dimensional forms to
create their dragon head. Students chose
colors they felt would best represent their dragon. For example a brown dragon might have been
created because he loves to eat chocolate….Ask a first grader what kind of
dragon they created!!
