Grade Levels: K-3

In this set of activities adaptable for grades K-3, parents and educators will find ideas for teaching about ancient China. These activities are designed to complement the BrainPOP Jr. Ancient China topic page, which includes a movie, quizzes, online games, printable activities, and more.

Classroom Activities for Teaching About Ancient China

Timeline

Divide your students into small groups or pairs and have them pick a dynasty in ancient China, such as the Han, Tang, or Song dynasties. Draw a timeline that stretches around the classroom. Then, in chronological order, have groups make presentations and posters about their period of ancient Chinese history. Post their posters on the timeline so they can share their work. Encourage students to use different modes of presentations such as skits, songs, and poems.

Go Fly a Kite

Together with your students, go fly kites! If possible, have students make their own kites using tissue paper or light fabric and thin plastic rods. Encourage students to experiment using different shapes and compare and contrast their designs. Students can test their kites outside on a windy day and draw conclusions about their designs. Have students infer how the ancient Chinese might have used kites as part of ceremonies.

Great Wall

Remind students that the Great Wall of China is about 4,000 miles long. Have students research maps or the internet to find similar distances. For example, ask students which is longer, the Great Wall or the distance between New York and California? How far is it to the moon? Have students share what they discovered with the class.

Family and Homeschool Activities for Teaching About Ancient China

China Travel Guide

Have your child make a travel guide or brochure of China. Help him or her research different sites in China that represent its ancient history, such as the terra cotta soldiers of Shi Huangdi’s tomb or the Great Wall, and write short paragraphs or sentences describing each. Your child can print out pictures from the internet or cut them out from magazines to decorate their guides or brochures. Have your child share the brochures to family members and friends.

Time Capsule

Explain to your child that historians know much about ancient Chinese because of the artifacts they have found. These artifacts give clues as to how the ancient Chinese lived and what they used. Make a time capsule with your child. You can use a metal or plastic box and bury it in a safe place. Think of things your child can put in the time capsule, such as pieces of writing, toys, photos, etc. Encourage your child to think about what the object would represent to a person who finds the capsule thousands of years from now.