El Zodiaco Chino en 3º Grado / The Chinese Zodiac in 3rd Grade

In connection with third grade’s Ancient China Study, in Spanish class the students have been learning the vocabulary for the animals and their presumed attributes that are represented in the Chinese Zodiac, el Zodiaco Chino. The Chinese Horoscope consists of twelve signs and is determined by the Chinese Lunar Year. There are twelve animals, one for each year of the lunar cycle.

1. la rata: the rat

            ambicioso, trabajador y creativo

            ambitious, hard working and creative

2. el buey: the ox

            responsable, paciente y leal

            responsible, patient and loyal

3. el tigre: the tiger

            valiente, simpático y sospechoso

            brave, nice and suspicious

4. el conejo: the rabbit

            compasivo, creativo y amigable

            compassionate, creative and friendly

5. el dragón: the dragon

            brillante, honesto y entusiasmado

            brilliant, honest and enthusiastic

6. la serpiente: the snake

            sabio, callado y respetado

            wise, quiet and respected

7. el caballo: the horse

            alegre, hablador e independiente

            cheerful, talkative and independent

8. la cabra: the sheep

            amable, creativo y apasionado

            loving, creative and passionate

9. el mono: the monkey

            inteligente, chistoso y genial

            intelligent, humorous and genius

10. el gallo: the rooster

            agresivo, ambicioso y orgulloso

            aggressive, ambitious and proud

11. el perro: the dog

            honesto, leal y sincero

            honest, loyal and sincere

12. el cerdo: the pig

            cariñoso, simpático y trabajador

            affectionate, kind and hard working

The third graders have been having much fun putting their new knowledge to practice. Many entertaining and engaging games have been provided for the students to practice their listening and reading comprehension. For example, el juego de los matamoscas (the Swatter Game) was first played using the photo of the animals, then with the written name, and then with the written personality traits that the students needed to read in order to swat the correct one called out. 

In addition, the students played a couple of rounds of their favorite, Pulgar Arriba (Thumbs-Up) by using flashcards with the animal photo and then with the written word. 

Lastly, the students played a few rounds of another favorite, Bingo, created just for this study.  The three characteristic traits of an animal were called out and reference sheets were used so that the third graders could read and connect them with its corresponding animal logo on their board. In later games, the students were encouraged to play from memory. What a fun challenge!! Stay tuned for more…