This weekend our city had a multicultural event with Chinese New Year and Robbie Burns Day combined. The eyes of the little ones watching the lion dance and parade followed by bagpipes and a sword dance were big and wide as they watched all the action. All the colors, sounds and movement keep kids and grownups looking intently. We came home with this idea for a craft: Chinese Lanterns. Cards left from Christmas are just the right size to use. We listened to a great story about lanterns at the public library, by Jonny Zuker and Jan Barger Cohen.
First, draw a Stop line about an inch from the open edge on the back of a card. Then, grownups can add some lines going across the card from the folded edge to the stop line. Big hands might be needed to help the little hands cut through the stiff card paper. Open the card up, roll the top and bottom together and staple. The middle opens out when pushing just a little bit on the ends.
This is a simple craft that includes both learning and some kindergarten readiness skills: following directions, using tools (scissors), eye-hand coordination and creating. While kids at this age are too young to understand the symbolism and traditions of Chinese lanterns they like to feel included and making lanterns is one way they can be part of the celebration, too. Do you have any traditions in your family or area for Chinese New Year? (I confess I prefer Dim Sum to Haggis!)