Gong Hey Fat Choy

Today we learned about Chinese New Year. Here are some interesting facts we learned:
- It lasts 2 weeks and happens every January or February
- You spend lots of time with friends and family
- On New Year's Eve you have a big dinner. Some families set an extra place for missing family whether it is because they are away or have passed away
- You can give gifts of oranges or tangerines
- Each year has a different animal. 2017 is the year of the rooster
- The last day is celebrated with a lantern festival
- People set off firecrackers and fireworks to celebrate
- There are large parades that can feature a lion or dragon

We watched the story Sam and the Lucky Money about a little boy named Sam who goes out with his mother to celebrate Chinese New Year. Sam has been given lucky money in red envelopes. While he is out at the parade with his mother he accidentally steps on a man's foot. When he looks closer he sees that the man's clothes are dirty, he is covering himself with a blanket and he is not wearing any shoes. Sam and his mother explore the community by going to a bakery and store. Sam becomes upset because he doesn't have enough money to buy sweets or a basketball. When he is about to go home, he sees the man again. His mother gives the man a quarter, and Sam sees how thankful the man is. Sam decides to give the man his lucky money so that the man can buy himself a pair of socks.

We began an art project where we had a picture of a rooster (for the year of the rooster) that was divided into sections. Using pastel, we had the challenge of coloring in each section without the same color touching. Many of us found it quite difficult! We will finish our art on Monday.

One student who celebrates Chinese New Year brought each of us Lucky Candy in a red envelope. We were asked not to eat the candy until we got home so parents could check over the ingredients. They are as follows:
Glucose syrup, sugar, milk paste (milk, sugar, coconut oil), vegetable shortening (palm oil), artificial flavoring (contains emulsifier propylene glycol), salt, soy lecithin, egg white powder, stabilizer, color

Today we worked on finishing up our research projects. We will be going over presentation expectations on Monday and hopefully begin presenting on Tuesday. There will be more details on the blog next week.

Report Cards went home today. Ms. Binks made sure that all the report card envelopes ended up in backpacks! Please make sure you sign and return the envelope (please keep the actual report card at home) as the envelopes will be used for the June reports.

Reminders:
- Bring back report card envelopes
- Pillars of Care assembly is on Tuesday
- Spelling tests on Tuesday
- Library is on Tuesday. Remember to bring back your books!