Introduction
This story is set in snowy rural Northern China. The traditional life depicted in this book remains the same today. The title of this book is New Year Surprise! It is written by Christopher Cheng and illustrated by Di Wu FRONT COVER Look at the front cover. Open it out so that the front and the back covers can be seen. We know quite a lot about Chinese New Year now. Can you explain what is happening in the illustration? Are there things that you have not seen before? What things are traditions or part of the Chinese culture? Where have the characters learnt to do these things? Who might the two characters on the front of the book be? What are they doing? Why is the little boy looking up to the man? What are they holding do you think? Are there any clues as to what the New Year surprise might be? |
Let's Read
We learn about many traditions from our family as we grow up. They show us what to do when it is a birthday (Blowing candles out, giving and receiving presents, having a special cake, having a party, birthday cards etc). Can you think of other traditions that we learn from our family and from being in the family?
Keep these in mind as you read the story. Stop frequently to discuss what is happening.
Keep these in mind as you read the story. Stop frequently to discuss what is happening.
Discussion and Activity
Model what the students are to do by using the above picture to answer the following questions:
- What is happening in the picture?
- What Chinese traditions and culture are shown in the picture?
- What did each member of the family do to take part in this?
- What is Little Brother learning?
Students' turn
Give out the laminated cards with a part of the text on them. In small groups of about 3 children have them discuss and answer the same 4 questions (On the back of each card) about the illustration that they have. Either share their responses with the class or pass the cards around so that each group responds to more than one picture.