At Willows Nursery, we recently had the most delightful time celebrating the beginning of the Chinese New Year, a momentous occasion that allowed us to immerse ourselves in the rich culture and traditions of China. Thanks to one of our wonderful pre-schoolers’ mums, Yen Yen, we experienced a celebration filled with enthusiasm, creativity, and countless opportunities for learning. Yen Yen truly went above and beyond, bringing not just her knowledge, but an infectious energy that made the day even more special for the children.
The festivities began in the most heartwarming way possible. Yen Yen introduced the children to the Chinese New Year through the popular Peppa Pig storybook, which she read aloud to the eager little ones. The book not only entertained the children but also helped them understand the cultural significance of this time of year. One key tradition she explained was the giving of oranges during the Chinese New Year, a custom believed to bring good luck and prosperity. As the children listened intently, they learned about the symbolism behind the simple, yet meaningful gesture of gifting these bright, round fruits during the festive season.
As the story came to a close, Yen Yen invited the children to engage in a fun and interactive activity. She introduced them to the concept of Chinese characters, writing several symbols on the whiteboard for the children to observe and attempt themselves. It was absolutely fascinating to see how the children, with their natural curiosity, tried to replicate these intricate characters. What was particularly intriguing was how objects in nature were transformed into written words—a truly magical experience for the young minds.
The celebration continued with an exploration of beautiful and meaningful Chinese objects. Yen Yen shared with the children some precious items that belonged to Layla’s great-grandmother, such as a stunning embroidered purse. The children were captivated by the delicate details of the embroidery, marveling at how such intricate art could be found on something as everyday as a purse. Alongside the purse, there were bowls, fans, and even a special lantern in the shape of a fish. Each item was carefully chosen, offering the children a glimpse into Chinese culture, and they were all eager to ask questions and learn more about the significance of each piece.
But the fun didn’t stop there. The children were soon encouraged to create their own crafts to mark the occasion. As part of the activities, they made slippery paper plate snakes—one of the most fun and creative projects of the day! The snakes were a nod to the Chinese zodiac, where each year is represented by a different animal, and this year happens to be the Year of the Snake. The children eagerly painted, glued, and decorated their paper plates to create their snakes, and the results were nothing short of adorable.
What made the craft session even more exciting was the addition of a surprise element: bubble wrap! Initially provided to the children for a simple activity, it wasn’t long before they turned it into something far more imaginative—a colour-mixing adventure. The children experimented with different colours, squeezing the bubble wrap and watching as the colours blended and created beautiful, vibrant patterns. It was a wonderful demonstration of how creativity can flourish in the most unexpected ways.
To wrap up the celebration, the children had the chance to let loose and enjoy a Chinese dance party. The atmosphere was filled with joy as the children danced to festive music, clapping, twirling, and smiling from ear to ear. It was a beautiful sight to see the children so engaged and full of energy, as they celebrated the occasion in their own unique way.
The Chinese New Year celebration at Willows was not just a fun day for the children; it was an opportunity for them to learn, explore, and engage with a different culture. Yen Yen’s dedication and passion brought an extra level of excitement to the event, and her thoughtful approach allowed the children to connect with the traditions of Chinese New Year in a way that was accessible, fun, and meaningful. From learning about the symbolism behind oranges and the Chinese zodiac to creating crafts and dancing, the day was filled with valuable learning experiences that the children will surely remember for a long time.
This celebration truly showcased the power of community and the importance of introducing young children to the diverse cultures that make our world so rich and varied. The memories created on this special day will remain in the hearts of the children, as well as in the hearts of the parents and staff who were fortunate enough to participate. The effort and care that Yen Yen put into making the day so memorable was truly appreciated by everyone involved. It was a day of celebration, learning, and, most importantly, fun—a day not to be forgotten.
As we continue to foster a love of learning and exploration at Willows, this Chinese New Year celebration will stand as a reminder of the joy that can come from embracing different cultures and traditions. It was a day of connection, creativity, and celebration, one that perfectly embodied the spirit of the season. Here’s to more cultural explorations, to learning from one another, and to the wonderful memories that come with sharing experiences like these.
