In this stamping activity, students explore the Chinese Zodiac. Students use stamps to make a zodiac calendar of their own by copying the Chinese Zodiac or by creating their own designs.

Materials

approx. 9 x 11 inch white drawing paper, cut into large circles (older students can use a compass to draw then cut their own circles)

scissors

zodiac animal, or any animal stamps

stamp pads

3 zodiac charts

zodiac birth year chart

zodiac fortunes

zodiac animals

compass (for older students)

pencils, markers

Procedure

Show the students the Chinese Zodiac charts. Discuss and name the animals. Have the zodiac chart set up with all materials. Show the students how to use the stamps and the stamp pad to create their own zodiac charts.

Follow Up, Extensions and Modifications

Display different kind of calendars. Research and discuss how the months got their names. In cooperative groups or for a homework lesson, discuss and chart the different ways of keeping track of time (hour glass, clock, sun dial, calendar). Discuss the reasons for keeping track of time. Do a math lesson computing time zones across Asia. Learn to spell the days of the week and months of the year. Have each student locate the year they were born and find out which zodiac sign they were born under. Have students color, cut and paste animals of the zodiac on craft sticks to make puppets.

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