Teacher PLD: Integrating Chinese New Year into Teaching Through UDL and Curriculum Integration

Please complete this form to express your interest, and we will contact you about the next steps for registration.

Date: 31 January, 2026

Modality: In-person

Venue: Room 342, Building 201, Faculty of Arts and Education, 10 Symonds Street, Auckland City Campus, University of Auckland.

Duration:  9:30am – 3pm

Price: Free

This one-day workshop supports Chinese language teachers to design engaging, culturally responsive, and curriculum-integrated learning experiences using the theme of Chinese New Year – Year of the Horse. Teachers will explore how cultural symbolism, storytelling, creative technologies, and movement-based activities enrich Chinese language teaching.

Using Universal Design for Learning (UDL), the workshop highlights multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression. Participants will explore the science of motion, try creative digital tools, and experience hands-on cultural activities such as kung fu-inspired movement and making and playing jiànzi (毽子). These experiences demonstrate how Chinese can be integrated with physical education, STEAM, and cross-curricular inquiry.

The workshop also connects Chinese and Māori perspectives, supporting teachers to design bicultural, inclusive learning experiences. Participants will receive practical resources — including posters, NCEA-graded readers, and classroom-ready materials — and leave with adaptable lesson ideas for designing innovative Chinese New Year activities.

Short course structure and topics covered:  

·         Chinese New Year – Year of the Horse: symbolism, stories, and Chinese–Māori links

·         UDL principles and curriculum integration with PE, STEAM, and technology

·         Hands-on activities: kung fu-inspired movement and making/playing jiànzi (毽子)

·         Classroom applications: digital tools, posters, NCEA readers, and simple lesson ideas

Travel subsidies

Ten travel subsidies of up to $500 each are available for teachers traveling from outside Auckland. To apply, please email chinese.clec@auckland.ac.nz by 23 January 2026. Travel subsidies will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Learning outcomes:  

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand how to apply UDL principles to design inclusive Chinese language learning experiences.
• Explore cultural symbolism and traditions related to the Year of the Horse.
• Integrate Chinese language with physical education, technology, and STEAM.
• Learn and practise classroom activities, including kung fu-inspired movement and making jiànzi (毽子).
• Strengthen understanding of Chinese–Māori curriculum connections.
• Receive a set of teaching resources, including posters, NCEA-graded readers, and practical classroom materials.
•  Build confidence in creating culturally responsive and engaging Chinese New Year activities.

Who should attend? / any entry requirements?  

This course is designed for Chinese language teachers at all year levels in New Zealand schools. No prior experience or knowledge is required. 

If you have any course enquiries, please email chinese.clec@auckland.ac.nz.

By enrolling in a Short Course at the University of Auckland you agree to the Short Course Terms and Conditions. If you require assistance, please email shortcourses@auckland.ac.nz.