YOUNGSTERS across Longbridge and Rednal have been celebrating Chinese New Year with a host of specially themed activities.
The Chinese year of the monkey began on Monday and children from Play Days Playgroup and Plus 2s Group in Rednal, decorated dragon masks, made Chinese hats and performed a special dragon dance to celebrate the occasion.
The children in the group, which is based at St Stephens Church, helped decorate cakes and biscuits with monkey-toppers, and everyone received a red ‘lucky bag’ to take home.
The group’s manager Jules Kite-Lightfoot said: “As we live in a multi cultured society we feel it is important to acknowledge a whole range of festivals and events from all around the world. It was a very enjoyable week for all.”
Children from Jellybabies Nursery, based at Longbridge Methodist Church, held a Chinese New Year’s Day with a party.
The youngsters all had Chinese food which they ate with chopsticks and they also made monkey door hangers and Chinese New Year cards.
The ‘home corner’ was transformed into a Chinese restaurant and the children participated in a dragon dance to music played with the nursery’s instruments.
They also acted out the Chinese new year animal story which taught them why the years are named after animals.
The day concluded with them each receiving a fortune cookie.
Jacqueline Walker, the manager of Jellybabies Nursery and Pre-School, said: “This was a great way for the children to learn about other cultures and celebrations.”
