Origin of the Chinese Zodiac Reading Comprehension

Learn how the animals of the Chinese Zodiac came to be with this Chinese New Year folktale! Children will read a simple origin myth about how the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac found their places in the lunar calendar. After reading a story about the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig, learners will answer three questions about the swimming contest that determined their fates. Designed for second and third graders, this traditional story is a fun way to introduce students to some of the signs and personalities of the Lunar New Year.