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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2026
Lunar new year
Lunar new year
This week we celebrated Lunar New Year in the Blue Room.
Lunar New Year is celebrated by over one billion people worldwide. We learned about the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. Each animal has specific attributes, which are believed to influence the personality traits of a person born under a specific sign.
Red is considered a lucky color, so we made red paper lanterns with cherry blossoms on them. We had a Lunar New Year "tea" in the dramatic play area, and each child took home a lucky money envelope with a few golden coins inside.
We watched some lion dancers, and the children were fascinated by the ahletes who wore the lion costumes.
This year is the Year of the Horse. It is a very special year because although the horse comes up every 12 years, this year is the Year of the Fire Horse, which occurs once every 60 years. Most people will only experience two Fire Horses in their lifetime. The Fire Horse has intense transformative energy. The children used oil pastels to make their own Fire Horses, which you can see in the outside showcase.
Finally we watched a dragon parade, where the dragon wakes up and chases a symbolic sun (a round lantern carried by the parade leader). The children loved the dragon, which seemed to come alive when operated by the performers. The New Year dragon dance symbolizes power, dignity and good fortune.
Black history month
Black history month
We were inspired by two incredible women this week. The first was Mae Jemison, who flew aboard the Endeavor space shuttle in 1992.
Jemison loved science as a child, especially astronomy. She thrived in college, and became a medical doctor in 1981. In 1987, Jemison was the first Black woman to be trained by NASA. In 1992, she became the first Black woman in space.
We also decided to venture into space— through a guided movement activity, and then in a two-person space shuttle designed by teacher Kate. To immortalize our trip into space, the children made rocket collages from familiar shapes.
Next we learned about Jackie Joyner, who holds the world record in women's heptathalon (7 events). She also holds the World Championship record and the Olympic record for the women's long jump.
We warmed up with a few jumps of our own on a practice course which highlights changing directions, and then we were ready to run around on the preschool yard.
Back inside the classroom, the children created little Jackie Joyner puppets to "run" on their decorated tracks.
The four pillars of wellbeing
The four pillars of wellbeing
Similarities & differences
We have been reading some wonderful books which talk about our similarities and differences. The children observed how they love fireworks, and so do the children in China. We all eat, but we eat different foods. We all have eyes, but they come in different shapes and colors. We all have skin, but our skin comes in different beautiful colors. We may have different traditions, but these differences are something to be respected and celebrated, as they are a wonderful part of who we are.
See you next week,
Renée & Kate
Reminders
Reminders
Tuesday, 2/24: Lunar New Year assembly.
Thursday, 3/5: Field trip - Wildlife Learning and Conservation Center.
3/9 - 3/13: Book Fair.
3/23 - 4/3: Spring break.
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