First Festivals: Lunar New Year
First Festivals Series
What’s inside...
This book introduces young readers to the traditions and festivities of the Lunar New Year, celebrated by millions of people around the world. Through engaging illustrations and storytelling, children will learn about the cultural significance of the holiday, traditional foods, activities, and the meaning behind various customs. Discover the celebration of Lunar New Year with this bright, interactive lift-the-flap book! Featuring simple text, gorgeous illustrations and satisfying lift-the-flaps, this book explores common traditions and helps young children understand the importance of this special holiday. Lift the flaps to reveal gifts being opened, a dragon dance being performed, a lantern taking to the skies and firecrackers and fireworks exploding in the night sky. The First Festivals series invites children to explore the world's culture from the comfort of their home, encourages the development of hand-eye coordination and is recommended for children aged 2 and over.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
12 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think are some reasons people celebrate Lunar New Year?
Can you describe how the family in the book prepared for the festival?
How do the celebrations in the book compare to our own family traditions?
What new thing did you learn about Lunar New Year from this book?
How did the story make you feel about celebrating with others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the importance of family and cultural traditions by connecting the story to your own family's celebrations. Ask them to visualize and describe scenes or traditions from the book, fostering a deeper connection to the content. Use the book’s illustrations to point out details about Lunar New Year, thereby increasing comprehension and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: Through vibrant storytelling and illustrations, 'First Festivals: Lunar New Year' introduces young readers to the traditions and celebrations of Lunar New Year, fostering an understanding of cultural diversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and show interest in the cultural practices of others, which can enhance their social interactions and global awareness at school and in diverse social settings.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Family
Explanation: The book highlights the gathering of family members during Lunar New Year celebrations, emphasizing the joy and importance of familial bonds.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and participate in family gatherings, understanding the strength and support family connections offer.
Example Lesson: Generosity and Giving
Explanation: In the story, characters participate in the tradition of giving red envelopes, symbolizing good wishes and luck, teaching the value of sharing and kindness.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children practice generosity in their daily lives, encouraging them to share their belongings and offer help to friends and family.
Example Lesson: The Joy of Preparation
Explanation: The book describes the various preparations for the Lunar New Year, from cleaning the house to preparing special food, illustrating the importance and excitement of preparing for special occasions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to take part in household chores and preparations for family events, seeing them as a source of joy and contribution rather than a burden.
Example Lesson: Respecting Traditions
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes adhering to traditional customs and the reasons behind them, demonstrating respect for one's own cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to learn about and uphold their family traditions and understand the importance of culture in shaping personal and community identity.