Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is an excellent opportunity to foster children’s curiosity, creativity, and cultural understanding. For the Year of the Snake, here are four engaging, child-led activities designed to align with Aistear’s themes. These activities nurture emergent interests and support learning goals while celebrating diversity.
- Paper Lantern Creation
Provide children with red and gold materials, glue, and markers to create their own paper lanterns. Allow children to decide how their lanterns look, fostering a sense of pride and individuality. As they work, engage them in conversations about the symbolism of colours and lanterns in Chinese New Year traditions.
Aistear Links:
Identity and Belonging (Aim 1, Goal 5): Children feel valued as they see their work displayed in the room.
Communicating (Aim 2, Goal 4): Children develop vocabulary and share their ideas and feelings as they discuss their designs and learn about the festival.
- Snake Exploration Art
Using materials like recycled paper, paints, and textured fabrics, children can create their own snakes, reflecting the Year of the Snake. Provide open-ended prompts like, “How do you think snakes move?” or “What patterns can you create for your snake?” Encourage experimentation with textures, fostering sensory exploration.
Aistear Links:
Exploring and Thinking (Aim 2, Goal 3): Children use their senses to explore materials and develop their understanding of patterns and textures.
Well-being (Aim 3, Goal 1): This hands-on activity promotes self-expression and creativity, enhancing their psychological well-being.
- Mini Chinese New Year Parade
Invite children to collaborate in creating a dragon puppet or masks for a group parade. Encourage them to use ribbons, drums, or other materials for a sensory-filled celebration. Allow children to take turns leading the parade, enhancing their confidence and social skills.
Aistear Links:
Identity and Belonging (Aim 2, Goal 1): Children experience a sense of community and group pride by working together on the parade.
Well-being (Aim 2, Goal 1): Dancing and moving to music fosters physical coordination and social connections.
- Exploring Red Envelopes and Counting Coins
Introduce the tradition of red envelopes (hongbao) by allowing children to decorate envelopes and exchange pretend coins. Encourage children to count coins or group them into piles to incorporate early numeracy skills. Use this activity to discuss the cultural meanings of luck and sharing.
Aistear Links:
Exploring and Thinking (Aim 3, Goal 6): Children practice early numeracy skills while connecting them to a meaningful cultural activity
Communicating (Aim 1, Goal 1): Children share their thoughts about giving and receiving envelopes, fostering turn-taking and social interaction
Supporting Child-Led Exploration
By providing open-ended materials and inviting children to lead their own exploration, these activities ensure the celebration is meaningful and engaging. Linking them with Aistear’s themes and aims guarantees a rich, inclusive experience that promotes learning, creativity, and cultural awareness.
Happy Year of the Snake! Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Check out our Chinese New Year Emergent Interest Pack for more child-led and fun activities!
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