Guidelines for teachers to teach the 24节气 in Singapore schools in English

Why Teach the 24 Solar Terms in Singapore Schools?

The 24 solar terms are a cornerstone of Chinese cultural heritage, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. Although Singapore does not experience four distinct seasons, teaching the 24 solar terms in English classrooms can foster cross-cultural awareness, connect students to traditional wisdom, and cultivate curiosity about how people observe and adapt to nature. For Singaporean students, the topic offers a meaningful way to explore both Chinese heritage and broader concepts of time, weather, and sustainability.

Key Guidelines for Teaching the 24 Solar Terms in English

1. Contextualize for Singapore’s Climate and Culture

Start by acknowledging that Singapore’s tropical climate is different from the temperate regions where the 24 solar terms originated. Encourage students to compare local weather patterns with the changes described in the solar terms. For example, discuss how terms like “Grain Rain” or “Major Snow” relate to Singapore’s own rainfall and temperature cycles, or invite students to reflect on how local festivals and food traditions might be influenced by weather and seasonal changes.

2. Use Inquiry-Based and Experiential Learning

Adopt an inquiry-based approach, as practiced in international schools like SSIS. Place students in real or simulated situations: let them observe, taste, compare, and create. For example, during the lesson on “Winter Solstice,” organize a hands-on activity like making dumplings or sharing stories about family traditions. For “Grain Rain,” students can design pictographs or explore the origins of related Chinese characters. Such activities help students internalize the cultural and natural significance of each term, while developing observation, communication, and problem-solving skills.

3. Integrate Cross-Disciplinary Connections

Link the 24 solar terms to science, geography, and language arts. In science, discuss how ancient people observed the sun’s movement and natural phenomena to create the solar terms. Encourage students to gather evidence, record observations, and present findings using tables, charts, or drawings. In language arts, explore proverbs or stories related to each term, and invite students to write their own reflections or short poems. This cross-curricular approach deepens understanding and makes learning more relevant.

4. Encourage Reflection and Personal Connection

Ask students to reflect on what they have learned and how it relates to their own lives. For example, after learning about a solar term, students can journal about how weather affects their daily routines or family celebrations in Singapore. Use “exit cards” or group sharing to let students express their thoughts and questions, fostering a sense of ownership and curiosity.

5. Foster Collaborative and Inclusive Learning

Create a positive classroom culture where students work in pairs or groups to share prior knowledge, conduct experiments, or present projects. Use diverse resources-stories, videos, hands-on materials, and online platforms-to support different learning styles and backgrounds. Encourage students to appreciate cultural diversity by comparing the 24 solar terms with seasonal traditions from other cultures present in Singapore.

Practical Classroom Examples

• Observation Journals: Have students keep a weather journal for a month, then compare their findings to the descriptions of the 24 solar terms.
• Hands-on Activities: Organize food-tasting, craft-making, or storytelling sessions related to specific solar terms (e.g., making laba congee for Minor Cold).
• Group Projects: Assign groups to research and present on the meaning, customs, and modern relevance of one solar term each, using charts or digital presentations.
• Cross-cultural Comparisons: Invite students to share seasonal customs from their own backgrounds, highlighting similarities and differences with the 24 solar terms.

Assessment and Feedback

Assess students through a mix of participation, project work, and reflective writing. Provide feedback that encourages deeper inquiry and connects learning to real-world contexts. Consider designing assignments where students apply their understanding in creative ways, such as composing a poem or designing an infographic about a solar term.

For more resources and inspiration, teachers can refer to the SSIS curriculum example or explore Singapore’s Primary Science Syllabus for inquiry-based strategies.