January - New Year Celebrations From Around the World/Cold Weather/Arctic Animals

In January we learned about different ways the new year is celebrated around the world, what snow and ice are made of and what we can do with them, how to dress for winter weather and what kinds of animals live in cold weather.

Here is our bulletin board proudly being featured next to our principal's office.
We made Chinese New Year fortune cookies, Jewish Rosh Hashanah apples and honey collages, and American firework rockets. A giant countdown ball is in the center with the year and our class's name.

Here is a close up of a Chinese New Year lantern we made. I especially love celebrating this holiday in class as I'm of Colombian/Chinese heritage. I get to share personal experiences and stories as a child with my students. This holiday celebration last two weeks long and varies every year, occurring late January into early February. Gung Hay Fat Choy!

We also learned about the Jewish new year called Rosh Hashanah. Its usually celebrated in September. Jews snack on apples dipped in honey and say a prayer asking for a sweet year.

Americans often celebrate New Year's Eve by staying up late to watch the countdown on tv. A ball drops and confetti and fireworks fill the air! Living in NYC, the spirit can be felt everywhere with everyone cheering, honking car horns, and having fun!

For our winter study we traced our hands to make mittens and learned about different cold weather animals like seals.

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January Book Recommendations