My current school visit program centers around my picture book The Red Lantern. It is suitable for children Pre-K to 3rd grade. A typical visit runs about 45 - 60 minutes and includes any of the following: a slide presentation, Lion Dance steps, guided lion drawing, reading of The Red Lantern, Q & A, and a book signing if applicable.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE LANTERN FESTIVAL

  1. There are three types of lanterns: hanging (Chinese New Year Festival), flying (Autumn Festival) or floating (Dragon Boat Festival)
  2. Began over 2000 years ago
  3. It is part of Chinese New Year celebrations / Spring Festival which lasts 15 days
  4. Occasion for big family reunions, like Thanksgiving in America
  5. The Lantern Festival is celebrated on the last day of the Spring Festival = Chinese New Year, during the first FULL MOON of the New Year.
  6. Solving lantern riddles is one of the most popular activities of the Lantern Festival
  7. Favorite dessert to eat is Tang-yuan, also called Yuan Xiao, consisting of sweet, round, glutinous rice balls: symbolizing the full moon and family unity
  8. There are street performances like lion and dragon dances, stilt walkers, and acrobats
  9. Red lanterns are hung in the streets, malls, and homes, symbolizing hope and good luck
I love teaching art and for an extra fee, my school visit can include any of the following workshops: paper lantern painting; decorating lucky, red envelopes; and/or writing lantern riddles.

SAMPLE ART LESSON: PAINTING PAPER LANTERNS