I was searching for some Chinese New Year crafts for the kids while our English speaking nanny, N, was here and playing with E and L. I made a prototype of this lantern, which raised the kids’ attention and wanted to make the lanterns immediately.
We took out some coloured paper and followed the simple instructions:
We drew lines along which the kids could cut a staight line. Little L cut like a pro. E needed to be reminded of the correct position of her arm.
We used a stapler to fix the lanterns insted of sticky tape.
Both E. and L. enjoyed cutting and stapling, what’s more, they loved how wobbly the lanterns became.
We displayed out creations in the hallway.
A very easy craft that you do not have to prepare beforehand.
While working on the lanterns, the kids started to sing a German song that E. had learnt in school for the St Martin’s Day lantern celebration and, of course, Little L knows perfectly well.
By the way, Chinese New Year celebrations are ended with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the firs lunar month.
We also metioned the Chinese zodiacs and identified who is which animal in our family:
- E. is a dragon just like her father
- Little L is a sheep
- myself is a horse
2020 is the Rat’s year.
We might do some zodiac crafts so stay tuned.
Happy Chinese New Year
Non-native Mommy 