From Carnival to Lunar New Year: Festive Games and Crafts for Kids

Festivals are a fantastic way to introduce children to different cultures, traditions, and creative activities. Through games, crafts, and storytelling, children can develop a deeper appreciation of global celebrations. At Hatching Dragons Nursery Schools, we integrate international festivals into our curriculum, ensuring children experience hands-on learning through creative play.

In this guide, we’ll explore festive games and crafts inspired by global celebrations, with a particular focus on Chinese New Year arts and crafts. We’ll also provide ideas for activities for Chinese New Year preschool, Chinese New Year activities for kids, and Chinese New Year activities for toddlers that can be incorporated into any early years setting.

Chinese New Year Arts and Crafts

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time of joy, family gatherings, and colourful traditions. Incorporating Chinese New Year arts and crafts into preschool settings allows children to engage in sensory-rich experiences while learning about an important cultural festival.

1. Chinese Lanterns

• Materials: Red and gold paper, glue, scissors, string.
• How to: Cut paper strips, create loops, and secure them with glue to form a lantern.
• Educational Value: Develops fine motor skills and understanding of festive symbolism.

2. Dragon Puppets

• Materials: Paper plates, paint, straws, tissue paper.
• How to: Paint and decorate the plates, attach straws, and add tissue paper for movement.
• Educational Value: Encourages creativity and storytelling about the legend of the dragon dance.

3. Red Envelopes (Hongbao)

• Materials: Red paper, gold stickers, small treats.
• How to: Children decorate envelopes and place messages or small gifts inside.
• Educational Value: Introduces traditions of good fortune and gift-giving.

Festive Games for Global Celebrations

Games provide an interactive way to celebrate global festivals. Here are some ideas inspired by international celebrations.

1. Dragon Parade Relay (Chinese New Year)

• Children form a line, each holding onto a part of a long fabric "dragon."
• They move together like a dragon in a festive parade.
• Develops teamwork and coordination.

2. Samba Dance-Off (Carnival)

• Children dress in bright colours and dance to lively samba music.
• Encourages rhythm, movement, and confidence in expression.

3. Mask-Making Station (Venetian Carnival)

• Decorate masks using feathers, glitter, and sequins.
• Helps develop fine motor skills and an appreciation for artistic traditions.

How Hatching Dragons Celebrates International Festivals

At Hatching Dragons, we recognise the importance of cultural education and celebrate a variety of international festivals throughout the year. Our approach includes:

• Integrating festival-themed crafts and games into the EYFS framework.
• Encouraging parental involvement in sharing cultural traditions.
• Using storytelling and role play to bring global celebrations to life.

Conclusion

By incorporating Chinese New Year arts and crafts, festive games, and international celebrations into nursery settings, we create an engaging and educational experience for young learners. Whether through activities for Chinese New Year preschool or a Carnival dance-off, these celebrations offer invaluable opportunities for cultural learning.

At Hatching Dragons, we believe in fostering global awareness and creativity through meaningful experiences. By celebrating festivals, we help children develop a love for diversity and community spirit.