New Canaan Country School first graders celebrated the Lunar Year with a dragon parade, a peacock dance and song at their weekly Lower School Assembly. VIEW THE VIDEO.
The performances and fanfare were a part of their study of China. Students began the unit by finding China on the map and discussing the country’s population, key industries, weather, climate, and wildlife. They then turned their attention to the Lunar New Year, which began on Feb. 16. Students learned how families gather together to wish for good luck, good health and prosperity during the 15-day period of celebration which follows. They also have special foods, dances and parades at this time. Students also learned the 12 zodiac symbols and that this is the year of the Dog. In class, they painted cherry blossoms, and have mastered counting and writing their Chinese numbers. The students also made a papier-mâché dragon which they paraded through the Lower School halls.
