Lesson
To have students show the bringing together of loved ones accomplished by bridging the gap between them.
Recommended Ages
Preschool to elementary
Background
Qixi is a Chinese story about the cowherd and the weaver girl in Chinese mythology. Their love was forbidden so they were banished to opposite sides of the silver river (which is a symbol of the milky way). Once a year on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month a flock of magpies would form a bridge to reunite the lovers for one day.
In China, this story inspires the Qixi festival. While the festival in not held close to Valentine’s day, it touches on similar themes and can be used around that time as well.
Prep
1. Hold a sheet of white paper in a landscape manner. Fold the paper by touching the right end to the left end.
2. Cut two horizontal lines in the center of the paper.
3. Unfold the paper to reveal a 3D bridge
4. Decorate to reflect the story of Qixi. Have the weaver girl on one side and the cowherd on the other
Materials
White Computer Paper
Pencils
Colored Pencils or Crayons (or both!)
The story of Qixi
Directions
1. Introduce the idea of Valentine’s day to the class. Bring up the idea of loved ones coming together.
2. Recite the story of Qixi. This can be done by presenting a video, a powerpoint, an illustrated book or by simply reciting it to the class
3. Show the Demo of the cowherd and the weaver girl. Explain that this is the goal of todays class
4. Hand out one sheet of white paper to each student.
5. Demonstrate folding the paper in half and cutting two horizontal lines to unfold and reveal a bridge.
6. Have kids draw a person on each side of the bridge, either mirroring the story or having them create their own version. Encourage them to add as much detail as possible.
7. If there are any kids who finish early have them fold the paper and decorate the outside to make it into a card.