Elf Magic Blog Fun Ways To Teach Children About Chinese New Year

A new year, a new start-something about this idea always makes us come alive. Wouldn't it be great if the New Year hype lasted a little longer? Perhaps we could learn a thing or two from those bringing in 2016 the Chinese way! In China, the New Year celebration is one of the longest festivals in the world, lasting from January 15 through February 8. This year's celebration ushers in the year of the Fire Monkey. The positive attributes associated with this unique animal are personal accomplishment and the possibility that anything can happen. These are inspiring ideas, and ones that we could all incorporate into our lives-children and adults alike. Start by teaching kids that the Chinese New Year, and all of its hope for the future, is a beautiful tradition rich in culture and meaning. Here are our favorite Chinese New Year activities for kids:1. Quiz time!Children are curious and they love uncovering facts about the world around them. Why not collect some information about the fire monkey and create your own trivia game? You could even broaden their education by adding interesting facts about China. This is great for children of all ages. The whole family can get in on the fun.2. Craft with red paper.Around the New Year Celebration, many Chinese families decorate their doors and windows with red cutouts symbolizing qualities like happiness and longevity. Stock up on shades of red construction paper and let your children's imaginations wander.3. Get your Jai on.On the day of the New Year, the Chinese prepare a vegetarian dish called Jai. Some people add additional ingredients that they believe have a significant meaning. For example, bamboo shoots express well wishes. Have the children learn their way around the kitchen by assigning them a task in cooking up this traditional meal.4. Light up the night.In China, celebrants use fireworks to diminish evil and to bring good luck to the New Year. See if any local place is celebrating or invest in your own fireworks. Bundle up and treat your family to a Fourth of July feeling in the middle of winter.December 31st was great-but there's no need to stop the celebration! Extending the New Year by celebrating a different culture isn't just fun, it's an educational and enlightening experience for everyone.