The Schools Network (SSAT) Talking about “dragon” in the year of dragon

The image of dragon can never be neglected in Chinese traditional culture. The year of 2012 is the year of dragon. So this is the best chance for us to introduce culture about dragon to British students. During Spring festival we organized an activity about dragon in Ford Primary school in Plymouth.

Firstly , dragon in zodiac. There are twelve animals in Chinese zodiac. Without doubt ,dragon is one of the most popular animals. If possible many Chinese parents would like to have a baby born in the year of dragon. Dragon is powerful noble and magnificent. They hope their children have a promising future like a dragon.

Secondly , dragon costume. In ancient China the emperor liked himself to be related to dragon, called himself the son of dragon. Letting some students to wear dragon costume is a favorable activity for kids. These little “emperor”acted as the emperor like in Chinese movie. Their acting skill was really nice and stimulated their interests in culture of dragon.

Thirdly, dragon dance. During Spring Festival Chinese people like to perform dragon dance. English kids are keen on knowing something about it, like how to make a dragon,what material to be used , how long it would take to make a dragon and so on.

Briefly, students learned some language and culture about dragon by dragon activities. They were really touched by the traditional image in China.

The little “emperor” in our class.

Yang Yan is with the “emperor”.

 Man Li is explaining the culture about dragon to students.