EP 151 Celebrate Lunar New Year in Your ESL Classroom with Engaging Lessons and Activities

Adventures in ESL: A Podcast for K-12 ESL Teachers

Welcome, educators! In this episode, we’re sharing exciting ways to bring the Lunar New Year into your ESL classroom. From close reading strategies to hands-on activities, you’ll find creative ideas to spark curiosity, foster cultural appreciation, and build essential language skills.

What’s Inside This Episode: 1. Lunar New Year Close Read

• Discover how close reading can help ESL students unpack key vocabulary and phrases like "red envelopes," "lanterns," and "spring festival."

• Learn how to identify main ideas, analyze details, and draw inferences while exploring Lunar New Year traditions.

• Get a hands-on tip: Use a gallery walk with photos to engage students visually and encourage discussion.

• Resources Mentioned: Check out the Lunar New Year Close Read Lesson at myadventuresinesl.com/store for ready-to-use materials.

2. Red Envelope Writing Activity

• Explore the tradition of red envelopes (hongbao) and its significance in Lunar New Year celebrations.

• Activity Breakdown:

• Students create and decorate red envelopes.

• Write messages of good luck or gratitude using sentence starters like “I wish you…” or “May you have…”

• Exchange envelopes to practice speaking skills and spread positivity.

• Featured Resource: The Lucky Red Envelope by Vikki Zhang is a great story to introduce this activity.

3. Lantern Craft and Storytelling

• Dive into the cultural significance of lanterns during Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival.

• Activity Steps:

1. Build background knowledge with read-alouds or videos.

2. Create personalized paper lanterns with easy-to-find materials and free templates.

3. Pair the craft with storytelling—students can retell a story or create their own inspired by their lantern.

• This activity strengthens both creative and language skills.

Additional Resources:

Want more ideas and detailed lesson plans? Visit myadventuresinesl.com/store to access a comprehensive resource bundle, including two weeks’ worth of lesson plans and activities to make Lunar New Year memorable for your students.

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.