Free Chinese Zodiac Coloring Pages for Kids
Chinese culture has always fascinated me, and I’m excited to share these free printable Chinese zodiac coloring pages for kids to enjoy.
These pages are a fun way to learn about the Chinese New Year and discover which zodiac animal represents you.
Packed with creativity and cultural exploration, these free Chinese New Year printables are perfect for both families and classrooms looking to celebrate this festive season.
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Chinese zodiac animals coloring pages
Celebrate the magic of the Chinese New Year with these beautifully designed Chinese zodiac coloring pages.
Perfect for personal or classroom use, these free printables are a creative way for kids to explore the zodiac while learning about this fascinating tradition.
What’s inside the coloring set
This printable collection includes 13 free coloring pages, beginning with a vibrant cover that introduces the zodiac animals.
Each subsequent page highlights an animal, paired with the years it represents, making it easy to discover your zodiac sign.
The first page is just the cover for the Chinese zodiac animals.
For an engaging experience, I highly recommend pairing this activity with a read-aloud of The Great Race—a wonderful story that brings the zodiac legend to life.
According to legend, the Jade Emperor held a race to decide the order of his guards. Here’s how the animals placed:
- The Rat: Clever and opportunistic, the Rat rode the Ox’s back and jumped ahead to claim first place.
- The Ox: Reliable and steady, it crossed the finish line second.
- The Tiger: Its strength helped it secure third place.
- The Rabbit: Despite challenges, it made a daring leap to take fourth, with help from the Dragon.
- The Dragon: Known for its generosity, it stopped to assist others, finishing in fifth place.
- The Snake: Silent and swift, it startled the Horse and slid into sixth.
- The Horse: Spooked by the Snake but determined, it earned seventh place.
- The Sheep: Gentle and cooperative, it worked with others to claim eighth.
- The Monkey: Clever and resourceful, it followed closely at ninth.
- The Rooster: Ever resourceful, it joined forces with the Monkey and Sheep, coming in tenth.
- The Dog: Distracted by a refreshing swim, it arrived eleventh.
- The Pig: After a snack and nap, it finally completed the race in twelfth place.
Top books about the Chinese New Year and Zodiac
Enhance your learning and celebrations with these engaging books that dive into the rich traditions of the Chinese New Year and the stories behind the zodiac animals. These books are perfect for read-aloud sessions or independent exploration:
- Bringing in the New Year. A vibrant and joyful picture book that celebrates Chinese New Year traditions through a family’s preparations and celebrations. It’s an excellent choice for younger readers.
- Celebrating Chinese New Year: An Activity Book. This interactive book combines storytelling with crafts, puzzles, and recipes, providing a hands-on way to learn about Chinese culture.
- Dragon Dance: A Chinese New Year Lift-the-Flap Book. Ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, this fun book introduces the festivities of Chinese New Year through engaging flaps and colorful illustrations.
- Chinese New Year Wishes. A simple and heartwarming story that follows a young boy as he prepares for Chinese New Year, learning about its customs and traditions along the way.
These books pair perfectly with the Chinese zodiac animal coloring pages, offering kids an immersive and educational way to celebrate the holiday.
Whether through storytelling, crafts, or hands-on activities, these titles will make the season memorable!
What is your Chinese zodiac animal? Mine is the snake. Let me know in the comments.
Fun Chinese New Year activities for kids
Extend the fun with these engaging and educational activities that complement the Chinese zodiac coloring pages:
- Chinese New Year memory game. Test your memory skills while learning about the zodiac animals and festive symbols. This matching game is perfect for kids and adults to enjoy together, fostering concentration and fun.
- Chinese New Year word scramble. Challenge your vocabulary and problem-solving skills with this themed word scramble. Unscramble words related to the Chinese New Year and its traditions for an entertaining learning experience.
- Chinese zodiac animal bookmarks. Create your own bookmarks featuring the zodiac animals! These colorful and practical crafts are a fun way to mark your favorite books and celebrate the Chinese New Year throughout your reading adventures.
These activities are perfect for families, classrooms, or homeschoolers looking to bring the spirit of the Chinese New Year to life through play and creativity.
Need to print later? Add this to your Pinterest board or share it on Facebook. You’ll have it handy whenever you’re ready to use it!
Get the free printable Chinese Zodiac animals coloring sheets here!
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Last Updated on 9 December 2024 by Clare Brown