We had so much fun celebrating Chinese or the Lunar New Year together!
Throughout the week, we read various books and stories to learn more about this holiday. As a class, we also made a Chinese Zodiac representing the twelve animal signs. It is displayed on our bulletin board! Then we made our own Chinese lanterns out of construction and tissue papers, pipe cleaners and foam circles.
Finally, we sang Chinese New Year songs and walked in our own mini parade!
Celebrating all holidays and cultures is an intrinsic part of Montessori education. We hope to help the children develop into global citizens without prejudice and with a deep understanding and appreciation of cultures everywhere.
One of the songs we learned this week was “Chinese Lantern” to the tune of Frere Jacques:
Chinese lantern, Chinese lantern
Shining bright, shining bright,
Happy, happy new year,
Happy, happy new year,
Gung hay fat choy,
Gung hay fat choy!
