Children at Redcliffe Nursery School have been celebrating Lunar New Year this month, the Year of the Red Fire Horse, through creative play and cultural exploration.
The team set up red playdough, choosing this colour because red is lucky in Chinese culture. They put out bamboo steamer baskets and photos of meals that families may share to celebrate Lunar New Year, alongside books about the celebration. The children loved exploring the playdough and making food together, engaging with the cultural significance of the celebration through hands-on, imaginative play.
The nursery invited families to get involved in the celebrations, welcoming those who celebrate Lunar New Year to share ideas, traditions, stories, music, clothing, decorations and special foods. This wonderful opportunity for children and adults to learn about different cultures and traditions helps build understanding, respect and appreciation of diversity within the nursery community.
These cultural celebrations help children develop awareness of different traditions and customs whilst building their creativity, social skills and sense of belonging in a diverse, inclusive community.