Culture & Movement Activity for Kids

A fun Chinese New Year activity to do with your kids that integrate movement and culture are to center on the Zodiac calendar.

{Source Image: Wiki 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 is 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 find out 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 a good time!

Thanks for visiting! I hope we inspired you today!

Marnie