Chinese New Year - Picture Talks

Picture Talks are one of the most powerful ways to build language, cultural understanding, and joyful participation during Chinese New Year learning. Instead of starting with vocabulary lists or textbook explanations, students begin with curiosity. A rich CNY image becomes the text - and students become the thinkers.

Choose a detailed image: family reunion dinner, lion dance, fireworks, red envelopes, decorations, or temple fairs. Display the picture and guide students to notice, infer, and connect. Ask simple but meaningful questions in Chinese and English so all learners can participate:

• 这是什么？ / What do you see?

• 你觉得他们在做什么？ / What do you think they are doing?

• 为什么？ / Why?

• 你有类似的传统吗？ / Do you have a similar tradition?

Students can label objects, describe actions, compare to their own New Year celebrations, and discuss feelings. As the conversation grows, so does language confidence, naturally and purposefully.

Download Lesson 6 - Use Picture Talks to talk about Chinese New Year.