Festive decorations galloped into our ELFA Preschool classrooms, bringing with them the spirited energy of the Year of the Horse. The spaces were transformed into vibrant corners filled with joy and Lunar New Year celebration.
At ELFA Preschool Singapore, Chinese New Year is not simply celebrated — it is thoughtfully experienced through language, culture, and purposeful learning.
A Celebration of Joy and Cultural Identity
The celebration began as children arrived dressed in elegant traditional attire, filling the centres with vibrant colours and festive spirit. They exchanged warm greetings of “Gong Xi Fa Cai” with their educators, setting a joyful tone for the day’s celebrations.
The tradition of Bai Nian (拜年) is an important Chinese New Year custom where younger generations greet elders to express respect and share blessings. Children at ELFA Preschool @ Jurong East learned how to perform Bai Nian in a traditional manner
From the moment they stepped into the classrooms, the festive atmosphere sparked curiosity and delight. Parents also had the opportunity to witness their children meaningfully engaging with traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Festive Learning Experiences
Across both ELFA Preschool @ Jurong East and Hougang, children enjoyed engaging activities that blended Chinese New Year traditions with fun learning.
At ELFA Preschool @ Hougang, children played Orange Toss, a game inspired by oranges symbolizing good luck.
Laughter echoed across ELFA Preschool @ Jurong East, as children tried their hand at Pitch-Pot (投壶), an ancient Chinese game
They enthusiastically took part in games such as Orange Toss, Ang Bao Relay, Fortune Fishing, and Pitch-Pot Game (投壶). These activities helped to encourage teamwork, coordination, and social confidence.
A child and father shared a special bonding moment during a traditional calligraphy session
Nothing is more fun than learning Chinese in a fun way. Children from ELFA Preschool @ Hougang enjoyed a word-fishing game while discovering the meaning of Fu (福)
Creative craft sessions also provided opportunities for children to express themselves artistically while making festive decorations. During these sessions, educators guided them in discovering the stories and symbolism behind traditional Chinese New Year elements.
Children enjoying festive goodies together, filling their interactions with smiles and giggles
The celebration concluded with children sharing festive goodies with their friends. This meaningful moment reminded children of the importance of sharing and the spirit of reunion that defines the festival.
Discovering the Stories Behind the Traditions
Every meaningful tradition begins with a story.
During the celebrations, children were introduced to the legend of Nian (年), the mythical creature at the centre of Chinese New Year folklore. They learned why loud sounds, bright lights, and the colour red became powerful symbols used to chase the creature away.
Children having fun with the lion dance while discovering the legend of Nian and its meaning during Chinese New Year
Understanding these origins helped transform the festivities into a deeper appreciation of the traditions and cultural meanings behind the celebration.
Special Highlights at ELFA Preschool @ Jurong East
At ELFA Preschool @ Jurong East, the celebration featured additional creative experiences that deepened children’s engagement with Chinese language and culture.
Our children performed with confidence, presenting their Bai Nian wishes in a fun and lively way
Children confidently presented creative Bai Nian (拜年) greetings using Chinese idioms, strengthening their Mandarin vocabulary, pronunciation, and expressive skills. The experience also nurtured courage and stage confidence from a young age.
The legend of Nian (年) unfolded beautifully as children and families immersed themselves in a shadow puppet tale.
An engaging shadow puppet performance also brought the legend of Nian vividly to life, capturing the children’s imagination and deepening their understanding of the story.
A Joyful Celebration of Tradition and Learning
ELFA Preschool wishes everyone a joyful and prosperous Year of Horse!
At ELFA Preschool, this Chinese New Year celebration was a joyful reflection of learning rooted in tradition. We wish everyone a happy and prosperous Lunar New Year, filled with joy, good health, and abundance.