The Lunar New Year musical activities consist of lessons for K-5 music classes that teach about the holiday, featuring a traditional song with a vocal recording, a rondo lesson, instruction on Chinese zodiac animals incorporating rhythm words and sound effects, and a lesson on the dragon dance. Either the Rondo lesson or the Animals of the Zodiac lesson may span 1-2 music classes. Check out the unit by going to Units > Festivals & Holidays or by clicking the link here: Lunar New Year Unit
The unit begins with Fun Facts about the Lunar New Year. In this section you will find a projectable containing information of the many traditions and customs of this holiday. A worksheet is included as well as a Dragon Dance Rhythm Sort interactive.
In this section you will find various videos on the dragon dance, coloring pages, and a rhythm chain activity both as an interactive and a PDF.
Link to Dragon Rhythm Chain Interactive
A rhythm chain involves memorizing patterns by adding to them. Use a variety of body percussion to make your performance interesting. All of the rhythms will be displayed for you. Simply click on the rhythms to hide them. Begin with the first rhythm at the head. Once memorized, hide the first rhythm and reveal the second rhythm. Proceed by clapping both the first (hidden) and second (revealed) rhythms until you've memorized the second one. Hide the second rhythm and reveal the third one, continuing down the chain.