What a fantastic week we’ve had in Early Years, with the wonderful celebration of Chinese New Year! Yesterday, we embraced the festivities with joy, laughter, and a sense of community as we celebrated the Day of the Snake.
Throughout the day, the children enjoyed various activities that highlighted the rich traditions of Chinese New Year. From crafting beautiful lanterns to learning about the significance of the dragon dance, every moment was filled with excitement and learning. It was heartwarming to see the children working together, sharing their ideas, and celebrating the spirit of kindness and cooperation.
Chinese New Year is a time of reunion and celebration, where families come together to honor their traditions and share special moments. It’s common for families to gather for a big meal, filled with delicious foods symbolizing good luck and prosperity. Many also participate in customs like cleaning their homes to sweep away bad luck and decorating with red lanterns and banners that bring good fortune.
At this time of year, the importance of family is especially highlighted. Celebrating together fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens bonds. We encourage our children to appreciate their own families and the values of love and support that come with them.
The Year of the Snake encourages us to embrace change and approach challenges with patience and strategy. Just as snakes shed their skin, this year invites our children to let go of old things and grow into new, more confident versions of themselves. This transformative energy can inspire our children to explore new ideas, foster creativity, and enhance their learning experiences.
What a fun-filled week we have had celebrating Chinese New Year and welcoming the Year of the Snake! The children in Pre-Nursery enjoyed listening to the story "The Great Race," where they named all the zodiac animals. They showcased their artistic skills by creating lanterns, counting coins into hóngbāos, and writing symbols in red sand. Pre-Nursery also worked together to create a big snake.
In Nursery, we celebrated the joy of Chinese New Year, which was a vibrant and joyful theme in our classes. The children were busy creating beautiful painted dragons and snakes, showcasing their creativity and excitement. These artworks are a fantastic way for the children to learn about different cultures and traditions. In our Maths sessions, we're working hard on number sequencing and learning a new number rhyme called "Five Little Polar Bears."
This week in Reception, we embraced the vibrant celebrations of Chinese New Year! The children were captivated by the story of the Nian Monster, learning about the traditions that make this festival so special, including the significance of its foods, the color red, and firecrackers. To mark the beginning of the Year of the Snake, Reception collaborated on a beautiful snake collage, which will be displayed in our hallway. We also made the most of our outdoor time, continuing our learning journey by practicing phonics and exploring mathematical concepts through playful activities. To top off our celebrations, the children delighted in performing their very own Dragon Dance alongside the rhythm of the drums.
