"Roarring" Chinese New Year Preschool Activities

It is time for Chinese New Year Preschool Activities again!

The Chinese New Year is based on the Lunar Calendar and is celebrated by the Chinese worldwide on the first moon.

The date will vary between a day January or February, depending on when the phase occurs.

Here is a short list of interesting Chinese New Year preschool activities for you!

Dominos -

Dominos are a Chinese invention and can be played several ways.

You can either the traditional matching of numbers, creating designs by falling the dominoes, or by turning them into math lessons for the kids.

In the latter you can have the kids add or subtract the two numbers on each domino.

Kites -

Kites are also a Chinese tradition. Make your own kites by taking two wooden dowels, and glue them together to form a cross. Next take some old newspapers and blue them to the dowels.

Tie one end of the string to the center of the kite and with the other end of the string roll start running! This can be a part of your cut and paste preschool activities as well. You're ready to fly!

Dragon Tail -

Dragon Tails can be a hands-on preschool activities for Chinese new year. Have the kids line up in a row and have them put their hands on the person's shoulder in from of them. Snake in and out in the fashion of the dragon.

Box Dragon -

Box dragons are another option. Take a cardboard box covered with red paper and a smaller box and attach the two together so that the small box is the snout of the dragon.

Add eyes by using paper plates or similar, add a mouth - don't forget the teeth and flames.

Chinese Abacus -

The Chinese Abacus was used for years to keep account of numerical items. By using cheerios on strings of yearn, you can create a small abacus for the kids.

Don't forget to teach them how to count and do math while you're at it!

Chopsticks -

Chopsticks can be used to eat with as part of your Chinese preschool activities, but don't forget to practice first!

You can also create a simple game where the kids gets to pick up a small item (like Ping-Pong) with chopsticks. The team with the most balls picked up, wins!

Chinese Snacks -

Chinese Food Snacks to go along with the chopsticks can be presented. Something like rice, fortune cookies, egg rolls , or "love letter" perhaps.

Fireworks -

Fireworks, where legal, are a blast! These were actually invented by the Chinese. Either set off real fireworks for the kids or have them create their own firework pictures.

With the picture, take a piece of dark construction paper and use colored glitters by gluing the glitter onto the sheets of paper.

Different Phases- Moon preschool activities -

As a science project, teach the kids about the different phases of the moon. You can refer to this Moon Phases website for details.

Gold Fish -

Goldfish are a symbol of good fortune. Fill a small tank with goldfish and allow the kids (with permission) to catch their own and take one home.

Ping-Pong -

What can be more fun that a little Ping-Pong Tournament as part of your Chinese New Year preschool activities?

Have a blast! And remember to wish your Chinese friends "Gong Xi Fa Chai"!