The “Nian Monster” Legend

Thursday (05/01/2012)

a)      Reason of Chinese New Year?

l  The kids shared their reasons of Chinese new Year.

Jun Qian: My father loves yam.

Xiang Wei: I like Reunion Dinner.

Ying Qiao: I like going shopping.

l  I repeated the question as the kids misinterpreted the question.

Shawn: They wanted to scare the “Nian”.

Yee Xuan: People wear red colour.

Tzen Yu: People play fire crackers.

Xing En: There’s Lion Dance.

b)      Storytelling: Nian Monster.

l  The Nian lived in a cave of a mountain. It came out once a year at Chinese New Year to eat people. People were so worried and many died. The Nian enjoyed himself for the 15 days of Chinese New Year. “Ti Huang To Ti”, The Emperor of Heaven sent an old man to Earth to tell people ways of protection. People started painting their homes red, made fire crackers, made drums, made Lions and Dragons to perform dances. The Nian Monster was afraid of red colour and loud noises. The next night, the monster was defeated.

Kids: Is there still any monster?

Jia Xun: Monsters have all died!

Alisa: Why then do we need to wear red or play fire crackers?

Teacher: It is our Chinese culture to remember how our great ancestors won over the Nian. We wanted to appreciate their courage as well as God’s help. After all, Chinese New Year is much fun when everyone is merry!

c)       Video Clip: The Nian Monster.

l  There are a few versions of this legend. The kids watched one of it. They were very excited and felt happy that people defeated the Nian Monster.

d)      Mind Mapping.

* The kids voted subtopics that they want to learn. The highest votes go to Dragon dance followed by baking cookies, decoration items, visiting friends and finally CNY shopping. Since we only have 2 weeks before Chinese New Year, we should be able to do only a few; still it’s going to be very fun!