This week, our Reception class has been exploring Chinese New Year as part of their Early Years curriculum, discovering how this important celebration is marked in different parts of the world.
The children were fascinated by the traditional story of the twelve animals of the Lunar New Year zodiac, learning how each year is represented by a different animal and what this means within Chinese culture. Through discussion and storytelling, they also explored how families prepare for the New Year, including the exchange of lucky red envelopes, the decoration of homes with lanterns, and the sharing of special festive meals.
Learning extended beyond the story as the classroom was transformed into an immersive environment. In the home corner, pupils created their own Chinese restaurant, encouraging imaginative role play and language development. They designed and made colourful lanterns and dragons and carefully prepared their own “lucky” red envelopes.
At English School Los Olivos, learning about festivals such as Chinese New Year forms part of our commitment to providing a broad and inclusive education. Through exploring global traditions, our youngest pupils develop curiosity, respect and an understanding of the diverse world around them. These experiences help lay the foundations for empathy, cultural awareness and global citizenship from the earliest stages of their education.
