Hatching Dragons Canada Water Nursery: Weekly Wrap Up 7th February

At our nursery school, nestled in the vibrant communities of Rotherhithe, Canada Water, Bermondsey, and Surrey Quays, we are dedicated to nurturing the creative and cultural development of our young learners.

Our innovative approach to early childhood education is designed to support the holistic growth of each child, fostering a love for learning through engaging and meaningful activities.

Lantern Making: A Journey into Expressive Arts

In our baby room, the Hatchlings and Baby Dragons embarked on an exciting journey of lantern making, a project that beautifully intertwined art and cultural education. Using materials such as paper cups, paint, and glitter, the children explored their expressive arts and design skills.

This hands-on activity not only enhanced their fine motor skills through sticking and mark-making but also introduced them to new vocabulary, including words like "red," "light," and "lantern."

Through this sensory-rich experience, our young learners gained a deeper understanding of the world, learning about cultural celebrations like Chinese New Year in a playful and engaging manner.

If you're looking for Chinese New Year activities for toddlers, lantern making is a fantastic way to introduce cultural traditions through creative expression.

Glittery Marks: Unleashing Creativity

Our nursery school encourages children to express themselves creatively, and the Glittery Marks activity was a perfect example of this. The Hatchlings and Baby Dragons engaged in a sensory-rich mark-making session, using glitter, paintbrushes, and their fingers to create their own interpretations of Chinese-inspired marks and patterns.

This open-ended experience supported their physical development by strengthening fine motor skills through swiping, dabbing, and spreading glittery textures. As they explored, they were introduced to new vocabulary, enhancing their communication and language skills with words like "sparkle" and "bright."

This hands-on play also fostered an early understanding of the world, as children engaged with cultural traditions.

For parents and educators seeking Chinese New Year activities for toddlers, sensory mark-making is a wonderful way to encourage artistic exploration while introducing cultural themes.

Hidden Pandas: A Sensory Adventure

In our nursery school, we believe in the power of active learning. The Hidden Pandas activity was a delightful sensory adventure that captivated the curiosity of our young learners. The Hatchlings and Baby Dragons participated in a panda scavenger hunt, using their senses to explore and discover pandas hidden within a foam tuff tray.

This activity supported their physical development by strengthening coordination and gross motor skills as they reached to find the pandas. As they explored the materials in the tray, they were introduced to new vocabulary words like "find," "look," and "panda."

This themed activity related to animals and nature fostered their curiosity and problem-solving skills, helping them develop a deeper understanding of the world.

Celebrating Chinese New Year: A Cultural Extravaganza

At our nursery school, we celebrate cultural diversity and encourage children to explore the richness of different traditions. The Chinese New Year celebration was a vibrant cultural extravaganza that offered a range of sensory and creative activities.

The Hatchlings and Baby Dragons explored their expressive arts and design skills through mark-making with various materials and tools.

They danced with ribbons to traditional music, developing both fine and gross motor skills. Music and dance played a significant role in this celebration, as the children used a range of musical instruments like drums, shakers, and bells to explore sounds while listening to traditional music.

If you're searching for Chinese New Year activities for toddlers, incorporating music, dance, and creative crafts can provide a well-rounded cultural experience.

A Supportive and Compassionate Learning Environment

Our nursery school in Rotherhithe, Canada Water, Bermondsey, and Surrey Quays is committed to providing a supportive and compassionate learning environment. We understand the importance of nurturing each child's unique potential and fostering a sense of belonging. Our dedicated educators are passionate about creating dynamic and engaging learning experiences that inspire curiosity and a love for learning.

Innovative Approaches to Early Childhood Education

We pride ourselves on our innovative approaches to early childhood education. Our curriculum is designed to be inclusive and culturally rich, ensuring that every child feels valued and respected.

By incorporating diverse cultural celebrations and creative activities into our daily routines, we aim to nurture global citizens who appreciate the beauty of diversity.

Empowering Children Through Play

Play is at the heart of our educational philosophy. We believe that through play, children can explore, discover, and learn in a way that is meaningful and enjoyable.

Our carefully curated activities are designed to empower children, allowing them to take the lead in their learning journey while being supported by our compassionate educators.

Building a Strong Foundation for the Future

At our nursery school, we are dedicated to building a strong foundation for each child's future.

We understand that the early years are a critical time for development, and we strive to provide the tools and experiences that will help children thrive.

By fostering creativity, cultural awareness, and a love for learning, we are preparing our young learners to become confident and compassionate individuals.

Join Us on This Exciting Journey

We invite families in Rotherhithe, Canada Water, Bermondsey, and Surrey Quays to join us on this exciting journey of exploration and discovery. Our nursery school is a place where children can grow, learn, and play in a safe and nurturing environment.

We are committed to supporting each child's unique potential and helping them develop the skills they need to succeed in a multicultural world.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Awaits

As we continue to innovate and evolve, our nursery school remains dedicated to providing exceptional early childhood education. We are proud to be a part of the vibrant communities of Rotherhithe, Canada Water, Bermondsey, and Surrey Quays, and we look forward to welcoming new families to our supportive and dynamic learning environment.

Together, we can create a bright future for our children, one that is filled with creativity, compassion, and a deep appreciation for the world around them.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chinese New Year Activities for Toddlers

How to Celebrate Chinese New Year at Nursery?

Celebrating Chinese New Year at nursery is a wonderful way to introduce children to different cultures and traditions. Here are some engaging and educational activities:

1. Storytelling & Books – Read age-appropriate books about Chinese New Year, such as The Great Race.
2. Arts & Crafts – Let children create paper lanterns, dragon masks, or red envelopes (hongbao) to enhance their creativity and fine motor skills.
3. Music & Dance – Play traditional Chinese music and organize a dragon dance parade with handmade props.
4. Food Tasting – Offer a taste of child-friendly Chinese cuisine, such as dumplings, noodles, or spring rolls.
5. Role-Playing & Dress-Up – Encourage children to wear red outfits (a lucky color) and role-play festive customs like giving "good luck" wishes.
6. Sensory Play – Set up a sensory bin with red and gold rice, chopsticks, and themed objects for hands-on exploration.
7. Cultural Learning – Discuss traditions like the importance of family reunions, fireworks, and the significance of red decorations.

What is Chinese New Year in EYFS?

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Chinese New Year is an opportunity to introduce young children to cultural diversity, traditions, and celebrations from around the world. It aligns with several EYFS learning areas, including Understanding the World, Expressive Arts and Design, and Communication and Language.

How Chinese New Year Supports EYFS Learning:

1. Understanding the World – Children learn about different cultures, traditions, and how people celebrate around the world.
2. Expressive Arts and Design – Engaging in creative activities like making lanterns, dragon masks, and red envelopes enhances fine motor skills and artistic expression.
3. Communication and Language – Storytelling, learning new words related to Chinese New Year, and discussing traditions improve language development.
4. Personal, Social & Emotional Development – Role-playing celebrations, sharing cultural stories, and participating in group activities help build confidence and social skills.
5. Mathematics – Counting activities with lucky red envelopes, exploring patterns in decorations can introduce mathematical concepts.

By incorporating Chinese New Year into EYFS learning, nurseries can foster inclusivity, cultural awareness, and hands-on learning while making the celebration fun and meaningful for children.

What can kids make for Chinese New Year?

Children can create a variety of fun and educational crafts to celebrate Chinese New Year, helping them explore cultural traditions while enhancing their creativity and fine motor skills. They can make paper lanterns using red and gold paper, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity, or craft dragon puppets with colorful materials to participate in a lively dragon dance. Creating red envelopes (hongbao) allows children to learn about the tradition of giving blessings and good luck.  For a sensory activity, children can design fortune sticks with positive messages or wishes. These creative projects not only make the celebration more engaging but also help children develop a deeper understanding of Chinese New Year
traditions.