The first day of the Chinese New Year will be celebrated on Sunday, February 10th. This year is the year of the snake, which is also known as the “junior dragon”. Within the chinese culture it is said that the person born during the year of the snake is a very smart person. As in many cultures the Chinese have many strong beliefs about the symbols of the animals. It’s important for our children to learn about different cultures and therefore the following books are great literature connections to immerse them even more:
Prior to introducing the children to the Chinese New Year read them the following selection so that they are better able to understand the culture of this country.
China by Ann Heinrichs
This informational text gives plenty to discuss with children. Children will learn about the land, how the people survive, and where China is located on a map. The people of China and the dialects of the Chinese language. This book provides the children with many words in Chinese in case you have a child who is interested in learning the language. This selection takes you through a wealth of information of Early Dynasties to farms and factories, pandas, and culture and arts. Your child will not only learn about the new year but all about China.
Chinese New Year’s Dragon by Rachel Sing
In this selection children can see many similarities to our culture and beliefs. The little girl in the story is cleaning her home to remove the old year and bring in the new year. This signifies not allowing the bad luck from the old year to lead them into the new. The family goes shopping for food and decorations for their home. The family does things together and within the selection you are introduced to new words in chinese for your child to learn. I really enjoy the symbolization of food throughout the text- long noodles symbolizing long life and if perhaps you cut them while you eat them you are cutting short your luck. This book explains the gifts that are given for the new year- red and gold envelopes with money inside. These envelopes mean “lucky money” which the children look forward to.
To complete the festivities of the celebration of the Chinese New Year a great arts and crafts project would be a Chinese lantern and this is what you will need to create it: (Please use the photo below as a guide)
- A red piece of construction paper (it can be any color of your choice)
- Child safety scissors
- Pipe cleaner – color of choice
- Glitters, feathers, or any other crafts you would like to decorate with.
Gather the sheet of paper of your choice and fold in half:
- Then, you cut strips alongside the fold-upward across to the other side
- After cutting the strips you turn the paper to a standing up position (vertically)
- The strips will travel alongside the paper now–in the middle- it will look like a fan.
- Join the paper from the top and they will fall into place resembling a lantern.
- Tape the top pieces- you can add glitter prior to taping it up, paint it, color it or whatever else you would like to decorate it with.
- Punch two holes on the top part of the lantern and pass the pipe cleaner through the holes. You can use string as well so you can hang the lantern wherever you like. Your lantern is complete and the children love this simple craft.
Have you immersed your child in the Chinese culture and discussed the Chinese New Year with them?