Last month, children at Little Hayes Nursery School explored Lunar New Year through stories, music and imaginative play, bringing a global celebration to life in their classroom.
Children learned about the legend of Nian, the mythical beast said to be frightened away by the colour red and loud sounds. Through shared stories and video clips, they discovered why red decorations, firecrackers and drums are such an important part of Lunar New Year traditions, symbolising good luck, happiness and good fortune.
Inspired by what they had learned, the children worked together to create their own Chinese dragon. Using red and gold materials, they decorated the dragon and took turns stepping underneath the costume. Dancing to music and parading around the room, children played drums and clapped along, building confidence, cooperation and a shared sense of celebration.
The activities also introduced children to the long history of the dragon dance, which began over 2,000 years ago in agricultural rituals and later became a central part of Lunar New Year festivities. Exploring these traditions supported children’s understanding of the wider world, while encouraging creativity, communication and collaborative play.