Happy New Year in Khmer!

Exploring Cambodian Culture



Lesson Plan:
Celebrating Cambodian New Year (K-2)

This lesson plan is for a single session in the classroom and includes an overview of Cambodia. If you have available, bring a selection of Cambodian items such as a Kromah, Cambodian Flag, Monkey Mask, etc. to show student during the presentation. Encourage students to ask questions.

1. Presentation

Use the Powerpoint as a slide show to discuss these questions or print this booklet to read to the class. Here is the list of discussion questions with links to web sites that have the answers.

2. Hands-On Writing/Coloring Project

K-Worksheet: Write the names of the objects and color them in.

1-2 Worksheet: This page has a Cambodian Word find activity that can be played online or print out hard copies.

3. How many ways can we wear a Kromah?

Kromah Powerpoint or explain using booklet or photos

Pass around an authentic Kromah for students to hold.

Model wearing it as a hat, scarf, or to carry something.

Have students work in small groups and give each group a Kromah and brainstorm some ways they might wear it. Have them show the whole group

4. Group Movement Activity: Cambodian New Year's Game

Cambodia is home to a variety of games played to transform the dullest days into a memorable occasion. Through-out the Khmer New Year, street corners often are crowded with friends and families enjoying a break from routine, filling their free time dancing and play. We will play this game:

Leak Kon Saeng
("Lee-ak kon say-ng" - Hide the Handkerchief)

1. Take a large piece of cloth (a kramah) about 1.2 metres long and twist it to form a stiff loop.
2. The players form a circle. Everyone crouches down facing the centre of the circle with their hands on their knees, looking straight ahead.
3. One player walks around outside the circle with the twisted kramah, drops the kramah behind someone's back and keeps walking.
4. When a player realizes the kramah is behind their back they must jump up, pick up the kramah and chase the person around the outside of the circle. If they catch them they hit them on the back with the kramah. If not, the other person sits in their place and the second person must take over as the walker.
5. There is no winner, only the opportunity to whack other players and get a bit of exercise - a lot like "duck, duck, goose".

5. Watch a video and snack:

Use hand gesture diagrams and adapt lesson plan from "In my Heart, I'm a Dancer" teachers guide. Have kids watch the Khmer Court Dance video.