Monday, February 13, 2012

Happy Chinese New Year

Josie had another amazing learning experience at her Co-op preschool last week. They have been learning about Lunar New Year and all things to do with Chinese New year. They even took a field trip the week before to the Wing Luke Asian Museum in the International District. Photo below of Josie "counting dragons" that were posted all over the ID in preparation for their Lunar New Year celebration. During class the students all helped decorate the Dragon head that was used for the Dragon Dance, they each made Chinese lanterns, Lion hand puppets and helped to make almond cookies and wontons. On the day of their celebration, the kids were asked to wear red for good luck. About half way through preschool that day they all went downstairs and performed the dance several times making sure that everyone was able to have a turn at being up in front. They walked around the room in a circle chanting "Gung Hay Fat Choy" Which means "Happy New Year" in Chinese.




Marty and Benjamin walked up to take part in the celebration. Benjamin even got to "feed the dragon" Apparently the tradition is for onlookers to feed lettuce to the dragon for good luck as it passes. At preschool they gave out little red envelopes to feed to the dragon instead. Benjamin didn't quite understand it all but he played along.

After their Dragon dance they all came back up for their "snack" which was rice, the wontons and almond cookies that they made earlier in the week and the only utensil they were given were chopsticks.
Ever since seeing The Nutcracker with Josie, she says "No Flash Photography" whenever we are trying to take a photo or a video. You can see her reaction and Benjamin feeding the dragon in the videos below.


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