Lilah absolutely loved going around and saying "Gung Hay Fat Choy!" to everyone today.
This morning I went into her kindergarten class and taught the children some facts about Chinese New Year. I read a book, brought in props (including the 5ft inflatable dragon - they were SO taken with the dragon!), we did a craft, made happy new year (of the dragon) cards and had several work station activities on the go, including the use of chopsticks and also making a large dragon mural out of the children's (painted red!) handprints. Lilah had packaged red envelopes for everyone in her class to take home and she wished them all "Gung Hay Fat Choy!", of course!
It was a wonderful morning and I was rather exhausted when the 2.5 hours was up! (I have SO MUCH respect for teachers)
I can't believe the difference in Lilah this year, her understanding for this New Year tradition and the fact that it is Chinese, is much much deeper than before. She seemed to have this unspoken pride that it was a tradition from her country. She was also SUPER excited to receive three red envelopes this year, one from the owner of the Chinese restaurant we went to on Sunday for lunch, one from our neighbours daughter and of course, one from us!
Wishing you a wonderful new year, on this, the first day of the year of the dragon!
Oh, and if you're interested in teaching your child a beautiful little Chinese New Year song, this is a wonderful link! Enjoy.
Sounds like you did a fabulous job in Lilah's class!! I'll bet she was so excited to have you there. Lilah looks so cute and I love your decorations!!!
ReplyDeleteI went into Kate's class yesterday too. and she is also very excited this year. In fact, she was more excited for CNY than she was for Christmas. She is wearing her silks to school even though they wear a uniform. The teacher is letting her and she is so proud.
That sounds like a great morning at Kindergarten... and a lot of work too. How special for Lilah that you were so involved in this special day.
ReplyDeleteYou can see their pride in their culture on a day like CNY!
Love this! Your daughter is so sweet. It is amazing how one year can make a difference in understanding the importance of celebrating and embracing Chinese holidays and culture.
ReplyDeleteMy girls are really excited and proud this year as well.
Happy Chinese New Year to you! :)
Belated Gung Hay Fat Choy!
ReplyDeletesounds wonderful! And, your window looks amazing!
ReplyDeletelea
xo
I am so impressed with all of the great things you did with Lilah's class! No wonder Lilah is so proud!Your decorations look great, too. It is funny what a difference a year can make, though. Kerry was so proud to wear her silks and tell everyone she met that it was Chinese New Year and she soaked up everything we could teach her about it. Laat year she wasn't even three so the difference has been amazing.
ReplyDeleteGin =)