Our Dragon Dance

Thursday (19/01/2012)

a) Visiting Culture.
* During Chinese New Year, we visit friends and relatives. Thus, we this morning; we visited all the classes of 4, 5 and 6-year old friends. The kids made a big CNY card for each class under Teacher Re Hong's guidance. We alos visited by carrying our huge model of dragon. The kids chose their parts to play; some carrying the dragon, while some carrying the big CNY card. At each class, we wished them good wishes followed by our English version of "Happy Happy Dragon" song. Next, we ate some food of each class as they offered us. The 6-year-old kids performed their Lion Dance to welcome us to their class. In return, we performed Dragon Dance and sang songs. It was fun!

b) School Performance.
* This was the merriest moment when every class representatives performed their Lion and Dragon Dance models at the school's living room. The others happily played their percussions of drums, bells and even pots and pans.
* Then, the teacher borrowed our Pomegranate Dragon model to perform. Finally, we carried the school Dragon Model (which was used for concert last year) and performed at the playground. Woohhh! We really scared away the "Nian" monster....haaaaa!

c) The Lantern Craft.
* We can see beautiful lanterns everywhere during CNY. To make this craft; each kid took 6 Ang Pow packets with them. They folded each angle into small triangles. Then, they assembled them into a paper lantern of hexagon pattern while I stapled for them. It was easy at folding but needed guidance at assembling.

d) Craft: 3D-Spring "chun"
* We talked about the meaning of "Spring". Then, I showed the kids how to cut the character which I have traced onto colour paper and red Ang Pow for them to cut. Every kid needs to have 3 pieces. The 6 year -old kids were more independent but some 5 year-old kids really needed 1 to 1 guidance. As long as they dare to try, they can improve further on their motor skill. The kids only managed to cut a piece. Tomorrow they shall continue.