Chinese New Year is a time for families to celebrate traditions and pass down cultural heritage. It is also a time of family bonding. At ELFA Preschool, this festive season transforms into a meaningful learning experience. We do so by immersing children in Chinese culture through storytelling, music, art, and hands-on activities.
A Festive Start at ELFA Preschool @ Jurong East
ELFA Preschool @ Jurong East kicked off the celebrations with an engaging storytelling session, introducing children to the origins and customs of the Chinese New Year. Storytelling is a key element of ELFA’s bilingual curriculum and helps preschoolers grasp cultural concepts in a fun and interactive way. They learned about reunion dinners, red envelopes, and the vibrant lion dance.
ELFA Preschool @ Jurong East wishes everyone a Prosperous Year of the Snake!
Festivities continued with a lively dance performance to Gong Xi Gong Xi, where children expressed their joy through bright smiles and graceful moves. Movement-based activities not only reinforce cultural themes but also enhance motor skills of toddlers and preschoolers.
Children dancing to the beat of “Gong Xi Gong Xi”
No celebration is complete without food! Families took part in Lo Hei (Yu Sheng), learning the symbolic meaning behind each ingredient and picking up auspicious phrases for good health and prosperity. They also indulged in a variety of festive snacks.
Creativity flourished as children crafted Plum Blossom paintings and wrote Spring Festival scrolls. These activities enhanced their fine motor skills and deepened their appreciation for artistic traditions.
A sensorial journey of creativity and fun—making a Plum Blossom painting
Lantern Festival at ELFA Preschool @ Hougang
As Chinese New Year celebrations came to a close, ELFA Preschool @ Hougang hosted a lively Yuanxiao Jie (Lantern Festival) event. This event marked the first full moon of the new year. Educators emphasised its significance as the grand finale of the festive season.
ELFA Preschool @ Hougang wishes everyone a joyful and festive Yuan Xiao Jie! May your day be filled with light, love, and sweet celebrations!
As part of the celebration, children and parents engaged in an exciting riddle-solving activity, sharpening their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. The festivities continued with a thrilling lion dance and a group performance of “Yes, Sir!”, fostering confidence and joy.
Fathers unlocking the mysteries, one riddle at a time!
Laughter filled the air as our ELFA Preschool @ Hougang educators brought the spirit of tradition to life with a vibrant lion dance!
Families then savoured tang yuan (sweet glutinous rice balls) which is a traditional symbol of unity. Next, children and parents decorated Chinese New Year bags and practiced traditional calligraphy, deepening their cultural appreciation. There are many pros that come with practising Calligraphy, including fostering concentration, improving fine motor skills, enhancing hand-eye coordination and developing creativity. At ELFA, all learning activities are done with the benefits of children in mind.
A cherished moment of creativity and connection— a mother and child immersed in the art of calligraphy
The celebration concluded with a lively Lo Hei toss, a cherished tradition that symbolises prosperity and togetherness—leaving everyone in high spirits as they welcomed the year ahead.
ELFA Preschool wishes everyone a year filled with prosperity, joy, and enriching learning experiences!