Looking for a fun way to teach kids Lunar New Year vocabulary in English—without any downloads? This free video lesson with Baby V teaches 9 essential words using pictures, gestures, and simple sentences. It’s perfect for ESL/EFL beginners, parents, and primary teachers. Watch the lesson below, then try the no‑print activities to keep learning at home or in class.
Watch the lesson
What kids will learn
- 9 key words: red packets, turnip cake, firecrackers, lion dance, dragon dance, family, lantern, luck, drum
- Clear pronunciation with repeat‑after‑me practice
- Simple sentence frames: “I see…,” “This is…,” “I hear…,” “I like…”
- Listening and actions (TPR: Total Physical Response) to build memory and confidence
Why this lesson works
- Multi‑sensory learning: visuals + movement + voice = strong retention
- Short, predictable segments for early‑years attention spans
- Immediate success with real cultural vocabulary
- Beginner‑friendly for ages 3–10 and mixed‑ability groups
Quick navigation
- Vocabulary overview
- Zero‑prep home activities
- Classroom mini‑lesson plan (no print)
- Whiteboard/household item substitutes
- FAQs for parents and teachers
Vocabulary overview
- Red packets (also called red envelopes; regional terms: hongbao, lai see)
- Turnip cake (a New Year food)
- Firecrackers (loud celebratory sounds)
- Lion dance (colorful, energetic performance)
- Dragon dance (long, flowing team performance)
- Family (togetherness)
- Lantern (bright decorations)
- Luck (good fortune wishes)
- Drum (rhythm and celebration)
Zero‑prep at‑home activities (5–10 minutes each)
- Point and say with the video: Pause on an image. Ask: “What do you see?” Child: “I see a lantern.”
- Action call: Say a word; child does the gesture (lantern up, drum tap, lion/dragon moves, thumbs‑up for luck).
- Sound hunt: Replay the section with firecrackers and drum. Prompt: “I hear…?” Child: “I hear firecrackers!”
- Favorite pick: Ask, “Which do you like?” Child: “I like dragon dance.” Follow up: “Why?” “Because it’s fun!”
- Red packet role‑play: Use any small envelope or folded paper. Practice: “This is a red packet.”
- Rhythm chant: Tap the table like a drum—chant the 9 words to a steady beat.
Classroom mini‑lesson plan (no printing, 20–25 minutes)
- Warm‑up (3 min): Call‑and‑response. Teacher: “I see…” Class: “I see…”
- Teach set 1 (5 min): red packets, lantern, drum. Add gestures + choral repetition.
- Teach set 2 (5 min): lion dance, dragon dance, family. Compare lion vs dragon briefly.
- Teach set 3 (3–4 min): luck, firecrackers, turnip cake.
- Sentence practice (3–5 min): Show images from the paused video or your screen. Students say: “This is a lantern.” “I like lion dance.”
- TPR game (3–5 min): Teacher calls a word; students do the action. Speed up for fun.
- Exit ticket (2 min): Each learner says one word + one sentence before lining up.
Whiteboard/household item substitutes
- “Picture cards”: Pause the video and point; or sketch quick stick‑figure icons on a whiteboard or scrap paper.
- “Bingo/Matching”: Draw a 3×3 grid on the board. Students mark with their fingers or counters (bottle caps/erasers).
- “Tracing”: Sky‑write letters in the air together (L for lantern, lion).
Scaffolding and differentiation
- Absolute beginners: Model first sound + gesture (e.g., “lan…” + lift hand like a lantern).
- Emerging readers: Write initial letters (l, d, f) on the board; have students match to words.
- Confident learners: Expand: “I see a red lantern.” “I like the lion dance because it’s loud.”
Cultural sensitivity tips
- Offer regional names gently: “Some families say red envelopes, hongbao, or lai see.”
- Avoid one‑size‑fits‑all images—celebrations vary by family and region.
- Emphasize universal themes: generosity, family time, good wishes.
Assessment ideas (no materials)
- Point check: Name a word; child points to it on the paused screen.
- Gesture check: Say a word; child performs the gesture.
- Sentence goal: Child says two sentences during the session: “I see…” and “I like…”
Extend the learning (still zero‑prep)
- Music loop: Clap a 1‑2 beat and fit words to the rhythm: “lan-tern, dri-um, li-on dance.”
- Story pause: Read any New Year picture book or short article and pause for “I see…” moments.
- Wish chain: Each person says a good‑luck wish; write 1–2 on the board.
Common questions
Q: Is this lesson suitable for absolute beginners?
A: Yes. Clear models, slow pacing, and gestures make it accessible for A1 learners.
Q: What ages is it best for?
A: Ages 3–10, and older beginners as a quick cultural vocabulary set.
Q: Do I need any printables or special materials?
A: No. The video, your voice, simple gestures, and a board or paper are enough.
Q: Can I use this in class?
A: Absolutely. See the no‑print mini‑lesson plan above.
Links
- Watch the free video lesson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlEuWzry6Ss
- Playlist: Seasonal English for Kids (add your link)
- Contact/permissions: [your email or contact page]
How to support this mission
If this resource helps your child or class, please share the video, subscribe to our channel, and leave a comment with your learner’s favorite word. We create these lessons to serve families—no profit, just impact.
