Resources to Teach Kids About Ancient China

When I moved to the Kingdom of Tonga (in the South Pacific), one thing that surprised me was the large Chinese population here. Chinese people make up about 3% of the population. In America, they make up about 1.5% of the people, bringing a vibrant and colorful culture with them. You can’t study China without studying its ancient history, and these resources to teach kids about Ancient China will help.

You won’t have to go very far to understand why studying Ancient China is a huge part of the history of the world. It is one of the oldest, longest-lasting, and wealthiest civilizations and cultures ever. Its history can be traced back around 4,000 years.

Significant geography for Ancient China

Geography played a huge part in the progression of Ancient China’s civilization and culture. The country was separated from the rest of the world by way of different types of geographical features.

China was a large landmass secluded by dry desserts in the north and west, the Pacific Ocean bordering the east, and the south full of mountainous terrain making it impossible to pass. These features allowed China to develop independently from other civilizations in the world.

Rivers

Its riches were built mainly because of two rivers that began in China’s central region. One river, the Yellow River (3,395 miles long), flows through the north and the other, the Yangtze River (3,988 miles long) flows through the south.

China’s civilization formed first along the Yellow River, where Chinese farmers built small villages. The yellow color soil was fruitful for growing a grain called millet. Farmers also raised sheep and cattle there.

The Yangtze River also played an important role in China’s culture and development. Because of the warm weather and rain around this river region,  farmers there grew rice. The Yangtze River ended up becoming a very wealthy land. Eventually, it became a boundary between Northern and Southern China.

Besides its geographical features, there are several reasons why we should teach Ancient China to our kids.

My very favorite is #1 on my list below:

1. The Great Wall of China

I love the idea and history behind The Great Wall of China. It took over 2,000 years to build – between the years of 770 BC and 1633 AD. It was completed in stages over several Chinese dynasties and leaderships, the last being The Ming Dynasty.

2. It’s so interesting.

My husband and son love Chinese movies. My husband is a history buff and tells my son about books he has read of China’s history.

Some cool history includes the Silk Road, all the Dynasties, the Opium War, and Confucian thought that still has significant influence in China today. China has over 56 different ethnic groups, all uniquely characterized. 

The colorful festivals, traditions, and culture make it fun and visually pleasing history to study in your homeschool.

3. Their history shows what resilient people the Chinese are.

The Chinese have been through struggles like the Nanjing Massacre, the Cultural Revolution, and the Great Famine. All of these have caused much suffering, yet the people remain resilient and learn to survive all over the world to flourish.

4. The Chinese are brilliant minded people.

Not everyone, of course, but I can say that China has been ahead of the curve for much of ancient history. Silk originated in China in the Neolithic, the Yangshao culture in millennium 4 BC. China still leads the world in silk production today.

They also invented gunpowder, the compass, fireworks, movable type, crossbows, paper money, and landmines. That is a LOT to explore and have fun learning about with your kids.

I think your kids could really enjoy learning all about Ancient China. You can start with these YouTube videos:

History Of Ancient China – Dynasties, Confucius, And The First Emperor | Cogito

Ancient China | EdYouToo

Grab these resources to teach kids about Ancient China:

Ancient China Contributions | ColemanCreations

Facts & FREE Worksheets Ancient Chinese Empires  | kidskonnect

Ancient China Fact Hunt and Doodle Poster about Ancient Chinese Civilization | Brain Waves Instruction

Lesson Plans and Activities- Ancient China | China MrDonn.org

Ancient China FREE Lapbook | Homeschool Share

BINGO Game Ancient China Activity | Drag Drop Learning

Ancient China Interactive Notebook and YouTube Video| StudentSavvy

No Prep Ancient China Activity – Ancient China Word Search FUN | Puzzles to Print

Ancient China Geography Scavenger Hunt and Task Cards – Differentiated | Engaging Them All

Website Sleuths- Ancient China (Daily Life and Culture) | The Peanut Gallery

Ancient China Packet (FREE Notebook Pages) | Homeschool Den

STEM Ancient China Challenges and Projects | StudentSavvy

Ancient China: Escape Room – Social Studies | Escape Room EDU

Lapbook Ancient Civilizations and VocAPPulary™ | Student Savvy

Anchor Charts, Worksheets, and Fun Ancient China Activities | 1st Grade Salt Life

History Resource: Ancient China | Raising Royalty

Ancient China Projects for Elementary Students | Growing Curious Minds

Study of Ancient China | The Pinay Homeschooler

Terracotta Army: Learning About Ancient China | All Done Monkey

Art & Architecture History of Ancient China (FREE Printables) | The Natural Homeschooler

FREE China Lapbook | Homeschool Helper Online

Small World Play: Ancient China | The Pinay Homeschooler

STEM Activities for Kids: Great Wall of China Challenge | Preschool Powol Packets

These craft and activity resources will go great alongside your lessons to teach kids about Ancient China.

Teaching Ancient China (FREE Crafts and Activities) | Glitter in Third

Crafts/activities for Ancient China | Glitter in Third

Chinese Character Printmaking Project | Creative Family Fun

Quick and Easy Ancient Chinese Papermaking for Kids | Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus

These resources will help your kids learn about the country and culture of China.

Resources for Studying China

Facts About China FREE Book for Kids | 123Homeschool4Me

Fun China Facts For Kids FREE Printable | ItsyBistyFun

Chinese Inventions FREE Worksheet | Education.com

Resources to Learn about China | Blessed Learners

China Activities For Elementary | Adventures in Mommydom

Activities for Your China Unit | A Day in First Grade