As I mentioned in a previous post, the kids and I are doing a history unit on ancient China right now to overlap with the Chinese New Year. Just thought I'd share some of the highlights of our studies! :)
Luke trying his hand at Chinese number-writing!
We learned that one way to decorate for the Chinese New Year is to place hang prints of important symbols on your doors to represent what you wish to receive in the coming year. The boys both chose dragons, which are a symbol of power!
We borrowed a number of great books from the library to enhance our studies. (Love love love the library!!!) Moonbeams, Dumplings and Dragon Boats is chock full of art projects, stories, history and recipes!
Decorating for the Lantern festival, the 15th and final day of the Chinese New Year.
Luke making his dragon door decoration.
We read the story of The Kitchen God, who stuffed his face so full of melon candies (the result of a carefully devised plan on the part of the humans) he was rendered unable to any speak ill as he reported to the Jade Emperor. The kids loved this so much that they couldn't stop making goofy puffed-cheek faces!
More Chinese art to
The book Great Ancient China Projects is a wonderful book chock full of projects and information on ancient China!
Our lanterns all lit up (thanks to fake tea lights! Fire hazards-begone!)
Perhaps the kid's favorite activity we've done so far has been the tradition of Lai See; a red envelope given to children the first evening of the Chinese New Year usually containing money or other treats. (Luke said, "Ooo, maybe I'll get A HUNDRED DOLLARS in mine!" Ha-ha-ha. Funny kid.) :)
These are some of the things we've enjoyed so far. More to come! :)
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Saw you on Women Living Well. You have wonderful ideas for Chinese New Year. Thanks for sharing all the activities and resources you used. I'm going to have to find 'The Kitchen God', I think my kids would love it. I'm now following your blog. I did a post for Chinese New Year too if you want to try making drums. http://www.obSEUSSed.com/2011/02/chinese-new-year-books-and-craft-simple.html
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