With Luna New Year over half term an early celebration was in order. We read and shared two books relating to the celebrations soon to be held around the world. Ladybird’s “First Festivals” series offered us illustrations of key traditions around the festival; traditions we would take part in, and become a part of on Friday. Our second book, “The Great Race” illustrates the story of the zodiac.
Spring blossom trees, decorations and Lion costumes were created, ready for a day of fun and feasting.
Hard times in the nursery, with a limited choice for the Lunar New Year feast menu! Which would the children choose? Vegetable noodles or some smelly old cheese from the back of Jim’s fridge? We handled….and had a good sniff of the ingredients. Then we had to cast our vote by writing our initial on the whiteboard next to our chosen dish…writing, counting and smelling cheese…all in a day’s fun at THNS! Can you spot our initials on the board?
With Pancake day also falling on the Tuesday of the half term, it would be another missed festival…that simply wouldn’t do. For us, seasoned bubble bread bakers, whipping up some pancake batter is no bother.
3 was the magic number.
1 bottle of milk
1 cup of flour
1 egg
The egg was passed around the circle with great care…each pass being counted to make sure we knew how many people were in our group. We counted the children first and then we “added on” the number of adults. Lots of number and maths talk as part of our daily processes at THNS!
The egg was cracked into a bowl, which again was passed. The yolk was bright yellow….or orange…or maybe yellowy orange?…either way it wobbled as we passed the bowl with care and attention ensuring everyone had their turn to observe and move the gooey egg.
Combining the ingredients is easy peasy for bubble bread bakers turned pancake makers. Pancakes were enjoyed by all as we learnt about and put into action being true healthy eaters; sweet treats are treats for special times and rainbow fruit and vegetables are a treat for every day!
Friday was the big day for our early Lunar New Year festival. The drums and improvised metallic instruments clattered and roared waking the sleeping lions. We processed and “scared away the baddies” with our loud music and fierce homemade lion costumes. After some spice smelling and veggie tasting it was noodle time…nobody decided to opt for the smelly old cheese after all!
