What is the Year of the Dragon?
What is the difference between Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year?
- Lunar New Year is a more inclusive term that acknowledges the celebration’s connection to the lunar calendar.
- It is not specific to China and is observed by various East Asian countries, such as Vietnam, Korea, Mongolia, and others, as well as by Chinese communities around the world.
- The lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon, so the date of Lunar New Year varies each year on the Gregorian calendar.
- Chinese New Year specifically refers to the celebration in China and is often associated with Chinese cultural traditions.
- While the Chinese New Year is a part of the broader Lunar New Year celebrations, people might use “Chinese New Year” to emphasise its connection to Chinese culture.
When is Lunar New Year celebrated in 2024?
Why cover Lunar New Year in school?
If you’re looking for Year of the Dragon resources for EYFS and KS1, then look no further! We have a whole range of Lunar New Year resources specifically for 2024, including many activities such as colouring, pencil control, arts and crafts and much more!
Covering Lunar New Year in schools offers several educational and cultural benefits:
1. **Diversity and Inclusion:** Acknowledging and teaching about Lunar New Year demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Children from various cultural backgrounds, can feel seen and valued when their traditions are recognised and celebrated.
2. **Cultural Understanding:** Learning about Lunar New Year provides children with insights into the customs, traditions, and cultural practices of East Asian communities. It fosters a broader understanding of the world and encourages children to appreciate different cultural perspectives.
3. **Global Awareness:** Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions of people worldwide, making it a global cultural event. Exploring this celebration helps children develop a global perspective and an appreciation for the interconnectedness of our diverse world.
4. **Cross-Curricular Learning:** Incorporating Lunar New Year into the curriculum offers opportunities for cross-curricular learning. Teachers can integrate lessons on history, geography, art and design, languages, and maths, enriching the curriculum.
5. **Community Building:** Celebrating Lunar New Year in schools can be a community-building activity. It provides an opportunity for children, teachers and parents to come together, fostering a sense of unity and shared experiences.
6. **Cultural Competency:** Exposure to cultural traditions, such as Lunar New Year, contributes to the development of cultural competency. Children gain skills in understanding, respecting, and interacting with people from different backgrounds.
7. **Celebration of Traditions:** Lunar New Year is a time of joy, celebration, and family. Incorporating it into the school environment allows children to learn about and participate in the traditions associated with this festive occasion.
Covering Lunar New Year in school is a great way to engage children in learning, and cover a topic that has loads of unique learning opportunities.
Lunar New Year resources EYFS KS1
As ever, here at Mrs Mactivity, we’ve a large range of resources to help you celebrate Lunar New Year and bring new learning opportunities to your classroom! Take a look at our Lunar New Year pencil control activity – great for fine motor skills and getting little fingers ready to write.
Lunar New Year maths activities
If you’re looking for amazing maths ideas to help bring your Lunar New Year topic to life, then we’ve got you covered! Take a look at our EYFS Chinese New Year maths activity booklet – packed full of great ways to help children in Reception develop and consolidate maths skills.
For older children, we also have a year 1 Chinese New Year maths activity booklet as well as a year 2 Chinese New year maths activity booklet. These are directly linked to the national curriculum so you can rest assured that children will be learning what they should be.
Lunar New Year resources 2024
Whatever you’re looking for this Lunar New Year, we have a huge range of exciting and engaging learning resources for children that can easily be implemented in your classroom or home to make learning fun!
