Lunar New Year

Each year I love updating one of my favorite lessons to match the current Lunar New Year zodiac, and this year’s Fire Horse theme has been especially exciting to bring into the classroom. This project is an easy way to connect art with culture, literacy, and real-world design without feeling overwhelming to teach. We start by reading Ruby’s Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges and illustrated by Sophie Blackall, and students learn about both the author and illustrator as they explore the true story of a young girl in China who dreamed of going to university at a time when that wasn’t expected of her. Students immediately connect to her perseverance, which opens the door for meaningful conversations about goals, traditions, and change.

From there, students step into the role of designers, creating Fire Horse–inspired artwork that uses symbolism, color meaning, and thoughtful composition to communicate an idea or wish for the new year. Along the way, they’re introduced to graphic design as a career and learn about pioneering designer Henry Steiner, often called the father of Hong Kong graphic design, helping students see how culture, communication, and visual art come together in the professional world. It’s one of those lessons that naturally blends subjects—ELA teachers love the literature connection, social studies ties in cultural learning, and art students get an authentic design experience. The structure is clear and flexible, so it works just as well for upper elementary as it does for middle or high school, making it a purposeful, culturally connected project that has become a classroom favorite year after year.