During the Chinese New Year holiday, children enjoy all kinds of games, including a game of shuttlecock called jianzi, which can be played by any number of people. The object of the game is to keep a shuttlecock in the air as long as possible, using any body part to propel it, except the hands. People usually start with their feet, then try their knees, their foreheads, the outsides of their feet, and other parts of their bodies.
Materials:
2 pieces of 8"x12" tissue paper, different colors
pencil and ruler
scissors
2 quarters
string, yarn or rubber band
Directions:
1. Start with the two pieces of tissue paper together, one on top of the other. Fold them in half to make an 8"x6" rectangle. Draw a line parallel to the crease, about 1 inch from the it. Cut seven straight lines perpendicular to the fold, stopping at the line you drew.
2. Unfold the paper and stack two quarters at the top center of the crease, near the edge. Fold paper tightly over the quarters from one end of the paper to the other.
3. Gather the strips up in one direction and tie the base with string, yarn or a rubber band. Spread out the cut strips and you have a jianzi! You can try hitting the jianzi with your palm as a warm-up. Then try kicking it with one foot and then the other. You can also play jianzi with others, kicking the jianzi back and forth.
