My Chinese New Year Presentation To Bri's Class

Well, my very first presentation to Briana's kindergarten class was a very big success. At the beginning of the school year, I asked Briana's teacher, Mrs. R, if I could be a mystery reader during CNY and read the kids a CNY book. A few weeks ago, she told me I could actually have an entire hour on the morning of the 27th, so I told her I would read a couple of books, have a couple of crafts prepared for the kids and also bring in some goody bags for them to bring home.

I need to preface something though before I continue. I am not an expert when it comes to all things China. I am not expert when it comes to Chinese New Year. I don't ever want to present myself as being some kind of expert. Briana entered my life only 4 years ago. I started studying up on Chinese culture about a year before she came along. But I did not grow up in the Chinese culture, so I don't know all the traditions by heart. I was actually very nervous about going to talk to the kids because I am not as familiar with everything regarding Chinese New Year as someone growing up with the holiday would be. I do know a lot. But I don't know it all. I went and did this because this holiday is important to Briana (and to me) and she felt very special that day. I can tell how proud she is of who she is and where she came from. So all my preparation for that day was totally worth it. And it was a double bonus when Doug was available to come and help me out that day.

I had all the bags ready to go (inside I had panda cookies, red envelopes with chocolate coins inside, pencils, pads and slide drums)...

Briana opted to wear cowgirl boots with her Chinese silk and I decided not to fight her on it that day. She looked super cute...

I talked a little about the history of CNY and then I read two books to them. I also discussed the Chinese Zodiac. They loved finding out that some of them were Roosters and some were Dogs...

The absolutely loved the crafts! I had them put together Chinese lanterns and color dragon faces...

Mrs. R did a review after my presentation and asked the kids what they learned. They repeated a lot of the things I had talked about such as red being a lucky color, this being the year of the dragon and long noodles and dumplings being eaten on Chinese New Year's Eve. Mrs. R asked if they enjoyed it and all the kids really did. One little boy even said, "I am ALWAYS going to remember this." I walked away that day from the school with a smile. I did pretty good if I do say so myself. ;D