Happy Lunar New Year! Last Sunday, January 22, 2023, began a time of celebration and tradition for many Asian families. Regardless of which continent you inhabit, the classroom is a perfect place to share and learn about these customs. In honor of 2023 being the Year of the Rabbit, I’ve compiled a list of read-aloud books to share. All of the suggested stories feature, yup, you guessed it, a rabbit as one of the main characters. Let’s hop to it and explore these Year of the Rabbit activities! (PLEASE NOTE: Affiliate links are included in this post.)
1. The Year of the Rabbit: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac by Oliver Chin
Born with very long ears, Rosie Rabbit also has a great sense for adventure. She wants new sights to see and plants to taste. Adventure finds Rosie after she gets caught “visiting” a nearby vegetable garden. She befriends the boy Jai. What mischief will the new duo get into? Find out in this hare-raising tale!
2. My First Pet: Rabbits by Cari Meister
Early readers will learn all about the responsibilities of having a rabbit in this read-to-me Epic! book. Find out how to keep pet rabbits healthy and happy with this nonfiction text.
3. The Adventures of Peter Cottontail by Thornton W. Burgess
This classic children’s book follows the adventures of Peter Cottontail, one of the most beloved characters in children’s literature. With gentle charm and humor, the author draws young readers into the timeless world of the Green Forest, the Smiling Pool, and the Purple Mountains.
4. The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
This classic children’s book tells the story of a young bunny who wants to run away. Every time he does, his mother reassures him she will always love him and find him wherever he goes. (Insert collective awwww here.) Children of all backgrounds are sure to enjoy this loving sweet tale.
5. Backyard Wildlife: Rabbits by Derek Zobel
This nonfiction book is perfect for young animal lovers and explores the lives of wild rabbits. Learn what rabbits look like, where they live, and what they need to eat to keep their teeth short!
6. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
Another classic character! Peter is a naughty little rabbit who has adventures in Mr. McGregor’s garden. This edition not only tells Beatrix Potter’s famous tale but also includes a glossary so young children can truly understand the story.
Reading these EARresistible books can certainly help develop reading and comprehension skills. Encourage students to engage with the texts! Ask questions about the characters, plot, and setting to make the most of your instructional time. Looking for more to do? You can also include related craftivities. Think rabbit-themed projects, drawings, and coloring pages. Extend your literacy block by having students write their own stories about rabbits to enhance the learning experience.
Traditional Lunar New Year Activities
If you’re wanting to bring in more traditional Lunar New Year customs, try any of these activities:
- Create Paper Lanterns: Have students create their own lanterns to hang in the classroom. This can be done by using paper and markers or paint.
- Make Class Dumplings: Cooking is a big part of Lunar New Year celebrations. Making dumplings is a fun and delicious activity for the classroom! Just be sure to check for allergies. Students can work together to make the dough, the fillings, and shape the dumplings.
- Lion Dance: Learn about the traditional lion dance. Have students create their own lion headbands and perform the dance for the class.
- Practice Calligraphy: Teach students how to write traditional Chinese characters. Have them practice writing their own names or special Lunar New Year greetings on red envelopes.
ACTIONABLE STEPS: Celebrate the Lunar New Year with someBUNNY! Check out my curated Chinese New Year collection on Epic! Books for FREE! For Year of the Rabbit/bunny-specific stories, click here. Find holiday-themed math activities, like these color-by-code printables, in my TpT store. What Year of the Rabbit activities are you doing in class? Don’t be shy; say hi in the comments below!
