Making Chinese lanterns. Scissors, glue/masking tape. Glitter, collage bits for decorating.

Art

• The 3 year old had the opportunity to express creativity and imagination by decorating the Chinese lanterns with glitter and collage bits.
• Learning to use scissors and glue/masking tape for art activities helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
• The activity provided an introduction to Chinese culture and traditional crafts through the creation of lanterns.

English

• The teacher can encourage the child to describe their finished lantern, using descriptive language and practicing vocabulary related to colors, shapes, and patterns.
• The child can listen to a story about Chinese New Year and relate it to the activity, developing listening comprehension and storytelling skills.
• Encourage the child to participate in a show-and-tell with their Chinese lantern, practicing their speaking and communication skills.

History

• The activity provides an opportunity to discuss the history and cultural significance of Chinese lanterns, introducing the concept of traditions and celebrations.
• The teacher can share simple historical facts about lanterns and how they were used in ancient China, promoting early awareness of historical concepts.
• By exploring the origin and use of lanterns in Chinese culture, the child can develop an understanding of cultural diversity and global traditions.

Math

• The child can practice counting and sorting the collage bits, developing early math skills in a fun and creative manner.
• Encourage the child to identify and compare different shapes and sizes of the lanterns and collage bits, promoting basic math concepts.
• The child can learn spatial awareness and measurement as they decide on the size and shape of their lantern and where to place the decorations.

Physical Education

• Engaging in the activity involves fine motor skills and coordination while cutting, gluing, and decorating the lantern, contributing to physical development.
• The child can practice following instructions and demonstrating hand-eye coordination while creating the lantern, developing important physical skills.
• The child can have a short physical activity break, such as a dance related to Chinese culture or a stretching activity after completing the lanterns.

Science

• Discuss how light interacts with the lanterns, introducing simple science concepts related to transparency, opacity, and reflection.
• Explore the materials used in the activity and discuss their properties, such as the texture of glitter, contributing to early scientific understanding.
• The student can learn about the concept of day and night, and how lanterns were traditionally used to illuminate the darkness, linking the activity to natural science concepts.

Social Studies

• Encourage group discussions about different cultural traditions and how people around the world celebrate special occasions, promoting cultural awareness and empathy.
• Discuss the importance of traditions and celebrations in different cultures, fostering an understanding of diversity and inclusivity among young learners.
• Through the activity, the child can learn about the importance of community and shared customs, initiating an understanding of social relationships and interdependence.

Communication and Language

• Encourage the child to ask questions about the activity, promoting curiosity and a desire to learn through dialogue and language development.
• The child can engage in conversations with peers or adults about their lanterns, practicing their listening and speaking skills to convey their thoughts and ideas.
• The child can learn to follow simple verbal instructions, developing their receptive and expressive language skills in a practical setting.

For continued development, the child could be given opportunities to explore various patterns and designs for decorating the lanterns, further enhancing their creativity and artistic expression. Additionally, integrating music related to Chinese culture during the activity can expand the child's understanding of cultural arts and traditions.

Book Recommendations

• Chinese New Year Colors by Rich Lo: This picture book introduces young children to the colors and symbols of Chinese New Year, complementing the art and cultural aspects of the lantern activity.
• What We Do on Chinese New Year: See Chinese Traditions and Customs Come to Life by Xiaoyuan Liu and Yijin Wert: This book provides insights into the traditions and customs of Chinese New Year, linking to the history and cultural significance of the Chinese lanterns.