Lunar New Year Activities - post

Lunar New Year is a joyful celebration that many families around the world enjoy. It can be a wonderful classroom theme because it teaches children about family, new beginnings, and respect for different traditions. With the right approach, you can celebrate in a way that feels warm, simple, and inclusive for every child. #LunarNewYear #CulturalAwareness

What is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year is a “new year” celebration that follows the moon calendar. Many families celebrate with:

• Family time and special meals

• Decorations (often red and gold)

• Music, dancing, and stories

• Kind wishes for health and good luck

For young children, you can say:

• “Some families celebrate a new year based on the moon.”

• “It is a time for family, kindness, and fresh starts.”

Why should we celebrate Lunar New Year in the classroom?

Including Lunar New Year helps children learn that families may celebrate in different ways—and that differences are something we can respect.

Celebrating can help children practice:

• Empathy: noticing and caring about others

• Inclusion: making sure everyone feels welcome

• Friendship skills: sharing, listening, and taking turns

• Curiosity: learning about the world in a positive way

If you want ideas for teaching empathy and inclusion as everyday classroom skills, this ChildCareEd article is a great support:
https://www.childcareed.com/a/social-skills-in-action-teaching-empathy-inclusion-and-friendship-skills.html
#Inclusion

How can teachers celebrate Lunar New Year respectfully and inclusively?

A respectful celebration is simple, calm, and family-friendly. Here are smart tips that work in any program:

• Use “some families” language. Example: “Some families decorate their homes.”

• Avoid stereotypes. Not all families celebrate the same way.

• Invite sharing, but don’t pressure. Families can choose what feels comfortable.

• Keep food optional. Allergies, diets, and preferences vary.

• Focus on shared values: kindness, gratitude, family, and new beginnings.

This approach keeps your classroom welcoming for everyone—whether families celebrate Lunar New Year or not. #EarlyChildhoodEducation

What Lunar New Year activities work for infants (birth–12 months)?

Infants learn through comfort, safe sensory play, and your warm voice. Keep activities short and calm.

Try these infant-friendly ideas:

• Color discovery: Show red and gold scarves or fabric squares (supervised) and name the colors.

• Gentle music time: Play soft music and sway together. Say, “It’s celebration music.”

• Picture talk: Use baby-safe books with simple photos (families, food, lights) and describe what babies see.

• Mirror smiles: Hold a baby-safe mirror and practice happy faces while you say, “Happy New Year!”

Safety reminder: avoid small items, long ribbons, and anything that could be a choking hazard.

What Lunar New Year activities work for toddlers (1–2 years)?

Toddlers love movement, repetition, and “helper” jobs. Keep it hands-on and simple.

Try these toddler ideas:

• Parade movement game: March, clap, and stomp in a short classroom “parade.”

• Lantern-color stamping: Let toddlers stamp or sponge-paint circles on paper (adults can turn them into “lantern” decorations later).

• Sorting play: Sort big red and gold items (pom-poms, blocks, paper squares) into two bowls.

• Kindness practice: Teach a simple phrase: “Kind hands” and “Help a friend.”

Toddlers don’t need details. They need warm routines and simple words.

What Lunar New Year activities are good for preschool (ages 3–5)?

Preschoolers can handle short discussions, simple projects, and routines that build classroom community.

Try these preschool ideas:

• “New Year wishes” mural: Children draw one wish (health, friends, learning, kindness). Teachers can label it with their words.

• Lucky pattern math: Make patterns using red/yellow paper shapes (circle-square-circle).

• Zodiac animal movement: Choose a few animals (like dragon, rabbit, tiger) and act them out with safe motions.

• Classroom reset routine: Talk about “fresh starts” and do a fun clean-up challenge together.

Keep the focus on learning skills: language, math, movement, and kindness.

What Lunar New Year activities fit kindergarten (ages 5–6)?

Kindergarten children enjoy leadership roles and simple “why” questions.

Try these ideas:

• Class “welcome greeting” practice: Teach children to greet others warmly and respectfully.

• Simple writing prompt: “A new beginning for me is…” or “I can be kind by…”

• Team banner project: Small groups create a banner about kindness, friendship, or family.

• Classroom “good deeds jar”: Add a bead or paper strip each time the class helps someone.

These activities connect to social studies and social-emotional learning in a kid-friendly way.

What Lunar New Year activities work for school-age (ages 6–8 and up)?

School-age children can think more deeply and enjoy projects that feel meaningful.

Try these school-age ideas:

• Culture curiosity cards: Children write respectful questions like “What is a special tradition in your family?” (No one has to answer.)

• Kindness challenge week: Plan one kind action each day (thank-you notes, helping younger children, classroom jobs).

• Storytelling circle: Share a story about a time you tried something new. Connect it to “new beginnings.”

• Map connection (simple): Look at a world map and talk about how holidays are celebrated in many places.

School-age children also benefit from learning respectful language, like: “That’s interesting. Tell me more—if you want to.”

How can you do Lunar New Year in mixed-age classrooms?

Mixed-age groups work best when everyone can do the same activity at different levels.

Use “same theme, different challenge,” like:

• Art table: Everyone decorates with red/gold, but older kids add patterns or words.

• Music and movement: Toddlers march; older kids lead the parade and help set rules.

• Helping buddies: Older children pair with younger children as “helpers” during centers.

This builds leadership and community without making planning too complicated. #ClassroomCommunity

How can teachers partner with families during Lunar New Year?

Family partnership makes cultural learning more accurate and respectful.

Simple ways to connect:

• Send a short note: “We’re learning about Lunar New Year. Would you like to share a book, photo, or family tradition?”

• Offer choices: families can share something small—or nothing at all.

• Ask for guidance: “Is there anything you want us to avoid or be careful about?”

If you want training support for cultural communication, these ChildCareEd courses are a great fit:

• https://www.childcareed.com/courses-bridging-cultures-family-communication-collaboration-4051.html

• https://www.childcareed.com/courses-cultures-in-the-classroom.html

Where can I find more Lunar New Year activities for ages 3–8?

If you’d like additional activity ideas for ages 3–8, ChildCareEd has a helpful resource here:
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00763-lunar-new-year.html

Where can I get more classroom ideas and updates?

For more cultural-learning tips, printables, and training updates, follow ChildCareEd on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/childcareed/ 

Lunar New Year can be a gentle, joyful classroom theme when it focuses on what children understand best: family, kindness, and new beginnings. When we teach these ideas with respect, we help every child feel like they belong.