Chinese New Year

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Sensory bins are always welcomed by little learners, and this Chinese New Year noodle bin promises to be a hit. And with this bin, you’ll be ready to celebrate the next Chinese New Year, which is on January 25.

To add interest, the noodle-based bin features the Chinese zodiac animal for the year 2020 – a rat! The rodent is a metal rat and is associated with qualities such as industriousness, quick wit, persistence, and kindness.

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Year Of The Pig Sensory Bin (Chinese New Year 2019)

Year Of The Ox Sensory Tray (Chinese New Year 2021)

Year Of The Tiger Chickpea Bin (Chinese New Year 2022)

Year Of The Rabbit Sensory Bin (Chinese New Year 2023)

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Supplies In The Chinese New Year Noodle Bin

This bright and cheery Chinese New Year noodle bin has a "year of the rat" theme. Your little learners will love to explore it.

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The bin used is a square silver metal tray. The noodle base is a package of German egg pasta, selected for its gold color.

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Loose parts for a Chinese New Year noodle bin with a "year of the rat" theme.

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In addition to the noodles, the following loose parts are in the bin:

rat figurine
gold play coins
coin purse
red buttons
pink and white cherry blossoms
silver and red balls cut from garland
bead garland strips
silver bells
red tassels cut from hanging decorations
gold miniature present, bow, and drum decorations

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The Year Of The Rat Noodle Bin

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The German egg pasta is layered in the bottom of the “year of the rat” bin.

Red and gold are common Chinese New Year colors, so there are plenty of loose parts in both hues.

The official metal rat color is white. My rat is grey, as that’s the color I have handy. The grey metal tray and silver bells and beads are intended to match it.

Since rats do not have a good reputation, little learners may be hesitant to play with the toy rodent. So flowers and tassels are intentionally added to the bin to soften up the look and feel. Tassels are a staple in Chinese New Year decorations, and the flowers represent the coming of spring.

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For more early learning play ideas, follow me on Pinterest.

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[Read more…]

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The Chinese New Year officially begins on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, and it will be the Year of the Pig. The pig is the 12th and last zodiac animal. Some ancient storied explanations are:

The pig was the last to arrive at an important meeting because he slept in.
A wolf destroyed the pig’s house so he had to rebuild it before he could get to the meeting.
The pig stopped to enjoy a feast while taking part in a race. He resumed the race but not surprisingly came in last.
Being pretty pudgy, the pig moved the slowest in the race.

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Fascinating Facts About Pigs

Although pigs often get associated with being smelly and dirty, they keep quite clean if they are in a temperature-controlled environment. They only roll around in dirt when they get hot, and this is because they cannot sweat.
As far as smarts go, pigs are considered to be one of the most intelligent animals in the world. As pets, they can figure out how to open a cupboard and can be trained to shake a hoof and rollover.

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Predictions For The Year Of The Pig

The Year of the Pig might just be a positive one for everyone! People born in the Pig Year are attributed with an agreeable personality, balanced lifestyle, hardworking nature, and enjoyment of life. These qualities are thought to have a positive influence on all people.

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Related:

Year Of The Rat Noodle Bin (Chinese New Year 2020)

Year Of The Ox Sensory Tray (Chinese New Year 2021)

Year Of The Tiger Chickpea Bin (Chinese New Year 2022)

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Local Celebrations

In recognition of Chinese New Year, this weekend there will be celebrations all over the city of Edmonton. Events will include lion and dragon dances, music, dancing, and cultural performances. There will be karaoke singing for seniors and crafts for children. West Edmonton Mall will host a talent show as part of their itinerary. The University of Alberta will hold a Lunar New Year Gala, so Asian students can celebrate the holiday and make new friendships while staying in Edmonton to further their studies.

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Chinese New Year Sensory Bin

Here’s a sensory bin to celebrate Chinese New Year 2019. The rice base is a neutral color, but colored yellow rice would work well too.

A Chinese New Year 2019 rice sensory bin.

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Items In The Sensory Bin:

brown rice
red bowls
red spoons
Asian themed tins
small red cups
chopsticks
gold coins (borrowed from my St. Patrick’s Day stash)
gold and red buttons
red and gold jewels
red garland pieces
gold stars
toy dragons
toy pigs

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[Read more…]