A really fun Chinese New Year activity to do with your kids that integrates movement and culture is to centered on the Zodiac calendar.
{By Jakub Hałun (Own work) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons}
Several mornings each week we take the time to do a few yoga poses. Many of these poses are animals. Last week as my sons slithered on the floor like a snake, this activity occurred to me. How simple? Each year of the Zodiac calendar represents an animal. There are 12 animals total. Get the bodies moving and learn about Chinese culture all in one. Perfect for the home and the classroom. I introduced the calendar at one of our circle times.
There are many ways to learn about the Chinese Zodiac Calendar. Although I encourage you to learn more about the ideas, the animals represented in the calendar are as follows: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. 2013 is the Year of the Snake. Don’t get too caught up in any particular way to present the animal, just have fun with it and get your bodies moving. Hop like a rabbit, slither like a snake and neigh like a horse. You get it. Have fun!
Thanks for visiting! I hope we inspired you today!
Marnie
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Marnie Craycroft
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Great idea! I’m curious to see which of these my son will try. He has very definite opinions about…well, everything! But specifically here about animals he’s willing to pretend about. Should be interesting!
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Just have fun with it! If you or your son come up with something creative for an Ox, let us know!
Marnie recently posted…Chinese New Year Activity for Kids
I love this! As a yogi and a mom I’m looking for ways to integrate it into activities with my tot. Also I’m doing a link-up about teaching kids languages and cultures. I would love it if you linked this up! http://toddlefast.blogspot.com/2013/01/link-up-say-it-two-ways-thursdays-books.html
Kristen recently posted…Link Up Say It Two Ways Thursdays – Books
Hi Kristen, thanks for your comment. We try to do yoga as many times a week as possible. Fun and a great way to get your body and mind moving in the right direction! I linked up the post! ~ Marnie
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What a great idea! This would make an excellent language activity too. Movement is a wonderful way to enhance language learning!
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Yes! Jennifer, thank you for the inspiration! My sons take Mandarin and this activity would lend nicely into some key language! ~ Marnie
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Oh, I love this!! We are definitely going to give this a try. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!
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Thanks Carrie! Look forward to connecting with you!