Thursday, February 3, 2011

Happy (Chinese) New Year




Coming up with ideas for my Story Time Adventure Programs has been challenging, but it also forces me to think and create. Of course, with books, there are hundreds of themes I can choose from for my presentations. January was kind of slow, but after having a great run during December as Mrs. Claus, it was kind of nice to be able to sit back and take a breather. But, this is something I still love to do, and I am still determined to make it bigger and better, and to make the phones ring, ring, ring all the time!


February is a very interesting month, because there are several themes I can choose from. The Chinese Lunar New Year begins today (Feb 3) and runs for fifteen days. I am performing at a YMCA after school program on the 4th, reading stories about the Chinese New Year. I even stopped by the store and picked up some fortune cookies to hand out to the children. I'm very excited about this program. Although I am not of Chinese descent, I still think it's important to teach children about different cultures, for a variety of reasons. I've picked up some books to read to them. One is Dragon Parade by Steven A. Chin; another is Chinese New Year by Alice K. Flanagan, and another is D is for Dancing Dragon by Carol Crane. I think that one is my favorite. It goes through the alphabet and talks about different things that you will find in China. For example, A is for Acrobats, B is for Beijing, C is for chopsticks, etc. The book is pictured above.
I have also purchased Asian-looking clothing to wear. That's what's fun about doing this, too. I love dressing up, and will do so whenever I can.
There are also other themes for February: Valentine's Day; the Presidents' birthdays, and I believe it's even Dental Health Month!
I'm still available for assemblies and other programs. Gung Hay Fat Choy!
Julie Engelhardt

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