January 9, 2013

Preparing for Year of the Snake!

Chinese New Year begins February 10th and we're starting to collect activities and crafts that we can introduce to Josie's classmates regarding this special holiday...the Year of the Snake!
For all my friends who want to get a jump start on Chinese New Year preparations, Panda Express is offering a FREE Chinese New Year Kit.   We've used this service last three years for Josie's preschool and Kindergarten and have been very pleased.  

The FREE kit is geared for second through fourth grades (I adapted some of it for Josie's grade level) and includes:  
  • Panda Express’ Year of the Snake Video
  • Year of the Snake Fact Sheet
  • Jade Emperor’s Interactive Game and Activity Sheet
  • Chinese New Year Decoration Art Activity
  • Lai See Activity Sheet
  • Bookmarks (with a Free Kids Meal with purchase coupon attached)
See here for details from Panda Express.

I recently placed an order with Oriental Trading company for mini red envelopes  that I'm going to fill with Chinese chocolate gold coins.  They were a big hit last year in Kindergarten.  


Over the next few weeks, I'm hoping to share a few Chinese New Year crafts.   
As you can imagine, Josie had fun constructing and decorating this paper chain snake.      
I think a fun variation would be to have each child decorate their individual paper link for a classroom paper chain snake.   
 The zodiac stamp for this year's Chinese New Year - Source

There's always a celebration going on at our house! 

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14 comments:

  1. KarinJanuary 9, 2013 at 10:39 PM

    Ooohhh...fun to see what you are going to come up with this year. :) That postage stamp is beautiful. Hope I can get some this year. Our small town doesn't always carry the CNY stamps.

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  2. LauraJanuary 10, 2013 at 12:11 AM

    That sounds like alot of fun!

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  3. KJ@letsgoflyakiteJanuary 10, 2013 at 6:47 AM

    Bring on year of the snake! The stamp is beautiful, the Canadian one was released on Tuesday, people lined up before the post office opened - very high demand!
    I think a class paper chain snake is a great project. The children can each write their name on a link. As always, I look forward to following your family's CNY celebrations, it is how I found your lovely blog.

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  4. vivianJanuary 10, 2013 at 6:47 AM

    Oh, I like the idea of each kid decorating their own link for the snake! He could end up being very elaborate! and isnt that how he should be? yes lots of celebrations.. but I do think life should be a series of celebrations.. so we are right on target!! celebrate on!

    Is it friday yet Kim???
    lol... have a great day!
    xoxo

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  5. JodeeJanuary 10, 2013 at 8:40 AM

    I love how you celebrate at school every year! Adorable snake too! I can't wait to see more!

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  6. craftylesJanuary 10, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    I'm sure all the activities will be a big hit. By the way, I just went back and read the letter from Emma to Josie-WOW. You really do have some special girls!

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  7. GARAGE SALE GALJanuary 10, 2013 at 11:42 AM

    She did make a cute snake! I think it's awesome that you create so many memories/traditions with your girls! You are a Great Mom!
    Warmly,
    deb

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  8. NanaDianaJanuary 10, 2013 at 12:57 PM

    I absolutely love how you embrace the culture she was born into. She will be forever grateful to you for that when she is grown. I love that paper chain snake-what a cute idea. You're a good Mom!!!! xo Diana

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  9. NellieJanuary 10, 2013 at 3:21 PM

    Another great celebration, Kim! I look forward to seeing everything unfold. xo Nellie

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  10. Cheryl G.January 10, 2013 at 4:12 PM

    What fun!
    You gave us plenty of time I may even do that for my older kids!

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  11. AnonymousJanuary 10, 2013 at 8:26 PM

    Yep - I think your house is filled with fun! Never a dull moment!

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  12. Tammy's in LoveJanuary 10, 2013 at 9:56 PM

    Do you have the tree adorned in Chinese New Year ornaments now too? Did you find the ME print of the two little girls to put in that mat I sent for you? Fun, fun, fun!

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  13. MargaretJanuary 12, 2013 at 8:59 AM

    Wow! My Caitlin lost a tooth yesterday! Her third in 3 months! Love your idea for the mailboxes.I will be checking Target tomorrow! Maggie/Maggie's Lil' Fixins

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  14. WesAugust 21, 2015 at 5:55 PM

    Wonderful ideas here, Kim! Especially like how you bring the holiday into the classroom and also make it possible to celebrate Chinese New Year without necessarily having to live near a Chinatown.

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Thank you for following our adventures. I always enjoy reading your comments. Happy crafting! Happy thrifting! PS. Ignore that "robot" verification. You can ignore/skip that step since I can't seem to remove it from blogger.