Lunar New Year is a joyful celebration observed by many cultures around the world, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and other East and Southeast Asian communities. In early years classrooms and homes, Lunar New Year offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity, honour traditions, and foster a sense of belonging through play-based learning.
For young children, learning about Lunar New Year is not about memorizing dates or historical facts. Instead, it’s about experiencing culture through stories, symbols, sensory play, and inclusive materials that invite curiosity, connection, and understanding. When thoughtfully introduced, these experiences support children’s social-emotional development while helping them see diversity as something to celebrate every day.
Understanding the Tradition of Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new year based on the lunar calendar and is often associated with themes of renewal, family, hope, and good fortune. Traditions may include family gatherings, special foods, decorations, storytelling, and honouring ancestors. Symbols such as red envelopes, lanterns, dragons, and zodiac animals often represent luck, protection, and prosperity.
Introducing these traditions in early childhood settings helps children understand that celebrations can look different across cultures and that these differences are something to respect and value. Learning about Lunar New Year also supports children in recognizing that cultural traditions are passed down through generations, helping preserve heritage and identity.
Why Celebrating Lunar New Year Matters in Early Childhood
Children begin noticing differences and similarities from a very young age. When educators and families intentionally introduce cultural celebrations like Lunar New Year, they help children develop empathy, openness, and cultural awareness.
Celebrating Lunar New Year in early years:
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Encourages respect for cultural diversity
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Helps children feel seen and represented
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Builds curiosity about the world
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Supports identity development and belonging
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Reinforces values of kindness, inclusion, and community
When cultural celebrations are embedded into learning in age-appropriate ways, children remain engaged, curious, and motivated to learn.
The Role of Play in Fostering Understanding and Inclusion
Play is how young children make sense of the world. Through dramatic play, sensory exploration, small world play, and storytelling, children explore ideas, express emotions, and build understanding in ways that feel safe and meaningful.
When diverse and inclusive learning materials are available, play becomes a powerful tool for fostering cultural awareness. Dolls, figurines, books, loose parts, and dramatic play props that reflect diverse cultures allow children to:
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Explore different perspectives
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Practise empathy and cooperation
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Develop inclusive social skills
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Build confidence and self-expression
Play invites children to engage with cultural traditions naturally without pressure or fear of “getting it wrong.”
Developmental Benefits of Exploring Lunar New Year Through Play
Introducing Lunar New Year through play-based learning supports development across multiple areas:
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Social-emotional development: Children practise empathy, respect, and collaboration
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Language development: New vocabulary emerges through stories, symbols, and discussion
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Cognitive development: Children explore patterns, sequences, symbols, and traditions
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Fine-motor skills: Sensory play, art, and loose parts strengthen hand-eye coordination
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Identity and belonging: Representation supports confidence and emotional security
These experiences help children connect learning to real life while supporting inclusive values.
Age-Appropriate Ways to Celebrate Lunar New Year With Children
Toddlers and Preschoolers
Focus on sensory-rich, joyful experiences:
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Read picture books featuring Lunar New Year celebrations
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Offer red and gold loose parts for sorting and patterning
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Explore textures with sensory bins (rice, fabric, lantern shapes)
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Sing songs and explore simple movement activities
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Talk about family, celebration, and welcoming a new year
Kindergarten and Early Primary
Introduce simple stories and symbols:
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Explore zodiac animals through art or small world play
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Set up dramatic play invitations like a family celebration or market
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Create lanterns or collage art using loose parts
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Use inclusive dolls and figures to explore community and traditions
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Encourage questions and open discussion
The focus should always remain on celebration, curiosity, and respect.
Encouraging Representation and Inclusion in Play
Inclusion is most meaningful when it is consistent not limited to one celebration or month. Educators and families can support inclusive play by:
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Offering books and toys that reflect diverse cultures year-round
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Including cultural materials naturally across play spaces
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Modelling curiosity and inclusive language
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Encouraging children to share their own family traditions
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Creating environments where all identities are valued
When children regularly see diversity reflected in their learning spaces, inclusion becomes a natural part of their understanding of the world.
Celebrating Lunar New Year in early years classrooms and homes is a beautiful way to honour culture, foster belonging, and support children’s development through play. When introduced with care, curiosity, and inclusive materials, these experiences help children build empathy, respect differences, and understand that our world is made richer by diverse traditions and stories.
Through play-based learning, children don’t just learn about Lunar New Year—they experience its values of connection, renewal, and community in ways that will stay with them for life.
