Treemote: A Unique Christmas Lighting System

Soon we will be decorating and putting up our Christmas trees. Whether you choose a real tree or artificial, they have strands of lights. Wouldn't it be nice to easily light your tree without bending down or crawling behind the tree to plug in the lights? Well now we have a solution -- TREEMOTE!

"Treemote solves the daily task of switching holiday lights on and off by using the wireless Treemote device. Treemote is simple and easy to install. To use, plug the white receiver into any wall outlet, and then plug a string of lights into the receiver. Using the green tree-shaped remote, customers can then control the lights from up to 80 feet away. "

And, when the holidays are over, don't pack your Treemote away. It can be used with any household lamp or small appliance to easily turn it on and off with a cute remote control device. Don't get down on your knees or strain your back any longer -- just push a button!

• MSRP: $19.99 Batteries included.
• Availability: Available for purchase online and at select retailers nationwide

We don't have our Christmas tree up yet, usually around the first week of December, BUT I have my Treemote  ready for this event. I tried it on a table lamp and it was so easy. I think every household should have one of these nifty devices. 

Until next week -- Happy Parenting,
Tania 

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I want to thank Treemote, Inc. for the opportunity to view their product. I was not paid or coached to write this blog post. The information about the product was provided and these are my own opinions.

Holiday Gift Guide: Playmates Toys

As November approaches, it’s time to think about some serious holiday shopping for the kids. Since our kiddos love toys, I thought I would start with a gift guide with fun and educational items from Playmates Toys.

Does your child like to play alone or with a friend? Is play one of action or imagination? Here is a list of favorites from Playmates Toys that can fit whatever playful mood your child is in for the day.

Voltron: Legendary Defender

Playmates Toys is the master toy licensee for DreamWorks Animation's Voltron: Legendary Defender. This critically acclaimed series debuted as a Netflix original in June 2016, with the fourth season coming to Netflix in October 2017. The series is a contemporary reimagining of the pop culture phenomenon featuring five young pilots of mystical robot lions that combine to form Voltron, the most powerful defender in the universe. This action figure assortment features four fully articulated Lion figures that can transform and combine with the Electronic Black Lion to form a 16" fully-articulated Voltron figure with phrases and sounds.

Ben 10

“Playmates Toys is introducing a full range of toys based on the animated series. The new Cartoon Network series, which premiered in the U.S. in April 2017, is centered on fun loving, 10-year-old, Ben Tennyson, his cousin Gwen and Grandpa Max as they travel the country during summer vacation. Once Ben finds the Omnitrix, a mysterious watch that transforms him into 10 different heroic aliens, a world of extraterrestrial superpowers opens up to him.”

If you child is into this television series, he/she is apt to collect action figures that are part of the story. Playmates have these figures all around 5-inches tall and painted with extreme details. Some figures come with accessories that complement their costume. The assortment includes Ben & Grey Matter, Heatblast, Diamondhead, Four Arms, Cannonbolt, XLR8, Overflow, Wildvine, Stinkfly, Upgrade, Hex, Steam Smythe & Dr. Animo. These toys are recommended for children ages 4+ and cost around $8.99 each.

Along with the action figures, your kiddo may want the main vehicle seen in Cartoon Network’s new Ben 10 animated series, the Rustbucket, which is a 2-in-1 vehicle that transforms into a giant 3-level playset standing over 2 feet tall. The set features include an alien transformation chamber, plasma blaster, “alien-vator”, grabbing claw, alien lab and more. Now, the kids can get involved in pretend play between this playset and all the action figures. This vehicle costs $49.00 MSRP and suitable for ages 4 and up.

And, if your child wants to dress and act like all the heroes, why not present him with a Ben 10 Deluxe Omnitrix watch. Kids can turn the dial to choose an alien and press down on the dial to begin play.  Includes over 100 alien phrases and motion activated sound effects! This watch retails for $24.99.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

The TMNT have made a comeback the last couple of years and still so popular. What kid wouldn’t want a Micro Mutants Deluxe Sweeper Ops Vehicle Playset? They can clean up the streets of New York City with this set that is two toys in one. With the deluxe spiral sweeper, kids can sweep up all of their Micro Mutants action figures and vehicles by rolling over them and transporting them into the Turtles holding jail! Once the trash is collected, transform the Sweeper vehicle into a multi-level Operational Headquarters playset designed with multiple levels of play and tons of play features to discover!  The Sweeper Ops Vehicle Playset includes three fully articulated micro action figures (Leonardo, Raphael and Shredder). This toy is suitable for ages 4+ and retails at $39.99.

++All toys are available at mass retailers

This is one of a series of gift guides I'm going to present. Keep checking this blog for more guides, holiday crafts, and more.

Until then -- Happy Parenting!

Tania

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I want to thank Playmates Toys for the opportunity to view their products. I was not paid or coached to write this blog post. The information about the products was provided and these are my own opinions.

Halloween Craft Via Colortime Crafts & Markers

Hello Friends,

I wanted to introduce you to a company who provides the cutest and fun fabric coloring crafts. For Halloween I was provided a cotton tote, just in time for trick-or-treating. The kit contains a preprinted tote, three fabric markers, and an instruction sheet. If your child can color inside the lines, this craft is for you. My family found it easy to make and a “spook-tacular” addition to our Halloween accessories. 

ColortimeCrafts and Markers has kits for all seasons and reasons. Your child can color tee-shirts, bandanas, head wraps, totes, and pillowcases. The markers are easy to use and the fabrics do not have to be prepped before coloring. They are non-toxic and permanent on the fabric, yet will wash off hands easily. The design doesn’t need to be heat set and the colors are chlorine resistant. Just make sure to let the project dry thoroughly before washing (at least two hours). All of these instructions come with your package.

Clean, easy, and affordable crafts activity that doubles as a unique keepsake! For savings, join our "Birthday Club" and receive 20% off and a free backpack, with your order at http://www.colortime.com/

Check out this coupon code for the latest online special offers and promo codes to Colortime Crafts and Markers.

Until next time – Happy Parenting,
Tania

I want to thank Colortime for the opportunity to try their product. I was not paid or coached to write this blog post. The information about the product was provided and these are my own opinions.

LeapFrog Academy -- An App for Additional Learning

Hello Readers,

Last March I introduced you to the educational LeapFrog toys. Here is the link to my past post: https://creativepreschooltime.blogspot.com/2017/03/keep-learning-during-breaks-from-school.html

Now, I want to tell you about a great learning tool by LeapFrog -- the Academy.

"The Academy is an interactive app learning program for 3-6 year olds that guides children on a variety of fun Learning Adventures that they can play anywhere on a variety of devices.

LeapFrog Academy features a well-rounded curriculum, where children can explore a variety of skills that are important to their development. This exciting, new, subscription-based service offers access to more than 1,000 learning activities for just $7.99 per month.

Additional features of LeapFrog Academy include:

·         No Wi-Fi, no problem! Children have the ability to learn and play on the go, even when Wi-Fi isn’t available. They can play most of their preferred activities by adding up to 24 of them to their “Favorites,” making them accessible to play even without an internet connection.

·         Each LeapFrog Academy subscription includes five free user profiles, so multiple children can each go on their own unique Learning Adventures.

·         There is a wide selection of more than 1,000 learning activities including eBooks, games, puzzles, videos, music and art activities across a variety of Learning Adventures.

·         A Parent Dashboard lets parents choose and change their child’s Learning Adventures. The dashboard also lets them see how their child is progressing, view their account, manage each child’s profile and more.

·         There are no ads or links to take children to other websites, and no in-app purchases, making LeapFrog Academy a safe place for children to play online.

LeapFrog Academy is available now at leapfrogacademy.com and in the iOS and Google Play app stores. New users can try LeapFrog Academy free for one month, then continue the learning fun for $7.99 per month."

Check out an assortment of LeapFrog toys here.

Information about the LeapFrog Academy is courtesy of LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.

Photo courtesy of Tania Cowling, all rights reserved

Ben 10 Has a Toy Line From Playmates Toys

So, what are your kids doing this summer? Do they watch the Cartoon Network? Have they found interest in Ben 10?

"The new Cartoon Network series is centered on fun loving, 10-year-old, Ben Tennyson, his cousin Gwen and Grandpa Max as they travel throughout the country during summer vacation. Once Ben finds the Omnitrix, a mysterious watch that transforms him into 10 different heroic aliens, a world of extraterrestrial superpowers opens up to him."

“Fans of Cartoon Network’s new Ben 10 series will now be able to bring home the action-packed adventures seen in the show,” said Karl Aaronian, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Playmates Toys. “The expansive toy line that we developed includes unique transformations, special features and technology to provide kids with an imaginative play experience where their favorite characters are brought to life.”

The toy line from Playmates Toys features the following:

• The Basic Action Figure assortment features a variety of 5-inch, highly detailed and articulated figures based on the show, including Ben Tennyson, the 10 different heroic aliens that he transforms into and key villains from Season 1. Other figure assortments include Deluxe Power Up figures, with lights and sounds, and Giant 10-inch figures. See photo above.

• The Rustbucket Vehicle & Playset, the main vehicle seen in the show, transforms into a 3-level playset that stands over 2 feet tall and is packed with action features including an alien transformation chamber, plasma blaster, alien lab and more. 

• Rounding out the collection is role play, including both a Basic and Deluxe Omnitrix, allowing kids to transform into any one of Ben’s 10 aliens, and Transform-N-Battle gauntlets and masks.

As a former teacher, parent, grandparent and writer, I truly love interactive play and make-believe. These toys bring the series to life, as your youngster can pretend to be any of the characters in the story. And as the experts say, "Imagination is essential in the learning process and can advance cognitive development. ... Through imaginary games and storytelling children are more likely to adapt learning habits, develop their communication skills and improve their vocabulary."

Drop by any Toys R Us store (or online) to find these fun toys. 

Sources for review:

The Wait Is Over – It’s Hero Time! Press Release, El Segundo, CA, June 6, 2017

Toys R Us

Photo by Tania Cowling

I want to thank Playmates Toys for the opportunity to try their product. I was not paid or coached to write this blog post. The information about the product was provided and these are my own opinions.

Who Remembers the Powerpuff Girls?

The Powerpuff Girls, seen on the Cartoon Network, have returned globally with books, toys, and more. Check out this press release about products with this theme. They may be just the items you need for your little girls.

Cartoon Network Enterprises

The Powerpuff Girls Spring 2017 Products

Overview

The Powerpuff Girls, one of Cartoon Network’s most popular and enduring brands, returned globally in April 2016 with an all-new animated series from Cartoon Network Studios alongside a full worldwide licensing program. Since their debut in 1998, Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup have charmed girls and women of all ages as the original ambassadors of girl power, juggling school work, fighting bad guys, and always saving the world by using their Powfactor.

This spring, an assortment of new products will be available for fans of the series, including new toys from global master toy partner Spin Master, new books and more from other licensing partners.

       Toys:

Storymaker System Rainbow Rally Playset

Storymaker System Fashion Frenzy Playset / Dine and Dash Playset

PJ-Themed 8” Basic Plush Assortment

2" Action Dolls

DVD:

The Powerpuff Girls: Tiara Trouble DVD

Books:

Tales from Townsville

Mojo Jojo’s Carnival of Confusion

I Got You! A Friendship Handbook

Party Supplies:

The Powerpuff Girls Party Supply Assortment

More information about Powerpuff products on the Spin Master website.

On your next shopping trip, introduce your children to these famous characters.

Until next time -- Happy Parenting,

Tania :)

While Waiting for April the Giraffe to Give Birth

Kids love all animals and a giraffe is no exception. The world has been patiently waiting for April the giraffe to give birth to her calf. Many are watching the days go by with the live stream from Animal Adventure Park, a zoo in upstate New York. This may be a good time to teach your children about the giraffe. Look into the variety of books on giraffes, as reading and pictures are great tools for preschool learning.

Next, pass the time with toys. There are companies who have toys that are related to the giraffe and other toys that are just fun when passing time. Keeping busy is important, no matter the circumstances. Below are a few of the toys I recommend and the important information about each play item.

VTech® Zoo Jamz Guitar™
Rock and learn with the Zoo Jamz Guitar! Join the animal band and play along with the silly giraffe. The eight light-up buttons and strings allow little musicians to jam to the included music or make their own. The light-up buttons also add funny animal sounds to the melody. Sing along to eight familiar tunes with the giraffe. Turn the dial to choose acoustic, electric or distortion guitar to learn about different types of guitar sounds. Bring the animal band together by pressing the star-shaped button and hear the giraffe sing with the zebra from Zoo Jamz Piano™ and the lion from Zoo Jamz Microphone™ (each sold separately). Be a rock star with this cute giraffe!
Ages 1 ½ – 4 years, $19.99

Janod A Day at the Zoo Funny Magnets
These four chunky wooden jungle animal magnets are ideal for little hands to piece together as a puzzle, plus you can encourage your child to mix and match heads, bodies and tails to create very funny looking animals! Each animal is segmented into three parts and children will enjoy creating their favorite zoo animals by snapping them together with the help of the safely embedded magnets. Designed in the Jura mountains of France, the quality of these magnets is absolutely superb and will make a special gift for toddlers.
Ages 1.5+, $21.99

Janod Tactile Puzzle “A Day at the Zoo”
Janod Tactile Puzzle - A Day at the Zoo lets your little one bring the petting zoo home! Build the 20-piece puzzle to create a scene featuring 7 types of zoo animals in their habitats. One of each animal is textured, so you can feel their fur or skin. Touch a flamingo, koala, tiger and more, they won't bite! Includes a 25.5 inch x 19.5 inch puzzle with 7 textured pieces.
Ages 3 – 6 years, $21.99

ALEX Toys Tots Art Start
Alex Jr. Tots Art Start lets you have fun introducing art to your toddler and preschooler. Everything is included for 6 great activities. These colorful projects include sticky collage frames, which encourage your child to draw in the center. Includes easy grip crayon, crinkly, tissue and fringe papers, doilies, stickers and specially colored activity paper shaped like a tree and giraffe.
Ages 1.5+; MSRP $17.00

ALEX Toys Ready Set Count
Finger puppet counting friends are as easy as 1-2-3! Learn number, counting and easy math concepts with Ready, Set, Count. Each activity is packaged separately so everything is ready to go when you open the kit. Make a giraffe ruler, linked paper counting chains, adorable finger puppets and make a number collage!
Ages 3+; MSRP $12.00

And let's not forget about Slinky. It's a toy that has no age -- it was a favorite in my day and now with the kids. The Slinky is an icon of traditional fun. The MSRP is about $5.00 for the original size and mini Slinky toys are available too.

Check your local toy stores and online for these wonderful and educational products.
Alex Toys
Janod Toys
VTech Toys

Looking forward to April the Giraffe's baby in the near future. Find more information here.

I want to thank all the toy companies for the opportunity to try their products. I was not paid or coached to write this blog post. The information about the products were provided and these are my own opinions.
Photos by Tania Cowling, all rights reserved

CONTEST: SMURFS Movie Tickets

WE HAVE A WINNER:
Congratulations Tina! You have won 2 free tickets to see SMURFS:The Lost Village.
Enjoy the movie.

Hi everyone,

So, the new SMURFS movie opens this Friday, April 7th. Who would like to win two free movie tickets?

To enter the contest, FOLLOW my blog and then enter your name and email in the comment section below. Friday afternoon, I will randomly pick a winner and send you codes for two FREE tickets to see this new movie. You will have from April 7 through April 16th to use these tickets.

I'm sure your kids will love the film. Good luck!

Happy Parenting,

Tania :)

Disclosure:
We reserve the right to make revisions, to cancel, or suspend this contest for any reason. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received Open to the US 18 only. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

The SMURFS are Making a Comeback!

Who's ready for a new movie? On April 7, 2017, the SMURFS are coming back in their new film "SMURFS The Lost Village" to a theater near you. And to get you and the kids ready, here is some information about the film, the official movie trailer, and coloring sheets your kids will love.

"Best friends Smurfette (Demi Lovato), Brainy (Danny Pudi), Clumsy (Jack McBrayer) and Hefty (Joe Manganiello) use a special map that guides them through the Forbidden Forest, an enchanted wonderland that's filled with magical creatures. Their adventure leads them on a course to discover the biggest secret in Smurf history as they race against time and the evil wizard Gargamel (Rainn Wilson) to find a mysterious village."

View the official movie trailer HERE.  And at the top of the page you will find coloring sheets and activities.

After you and your children enjoy the film, here is a parent discussion guide to help you quiz the kiddos to see how much they have absorbed from the film. Click HERE for the downloadable guide.

Parents, put this movie and opening date on your calendar -- your children will be happy you did!!!!!

Stayed tuned for more information about this movie opening.

Until then,

Happy Parenting,

Tania  :)

Photos courtesy of the official Smurfs movie site: http://www.smurfsmovie.com

#SmurfsMovieL3

Keep Learning During Breaks From School With LeapStart

March is National Reading Month, Spring Break and soon the Easter holidays. Although you will have planned family activities, why not keep learning in this off-time from school? Whether your child is in preschool, kindergarten or the primary grades, LeapStart Interactive Learning Systems will keep the "learning" during your holiday breaks.  

Jam-packed with school and life skills for curious 2-7 year olds, the LeapStart activity books are designed to help build key skills and challenge kids to get ready for their next step in learning. The system works with a library of 16 re-playable activity books that get kids excited about a multitude of concepts from the ABCs, numbers, shapes and colors to reading, writing, social skills, science, technology, engineering, math and many more. Both LeapStart platforms work with all four levels of activity books for complete interchangeability and ability to find just the right level for each set of skills.

The LeapStart interactive learning systems include a portable kid-tough device with a downloadable Parent Guide that fosters the development of kids ages 2-7 with tips, tricks, and activities that parents and kids can do together. Each system comes with a sampler book: Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten designed for the younger platform and Kindergarten and 1st Grade designed for the older platform. Availability LeapStart Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten system (MSRP $39.99, ages 2-4) and LeapStart Kindergarten & 1^st Grade system (MSRP $39.99, ages 5-7) as well as the 16 LeapStart Activity books (MSRP $12.99 each, ages 2-7) are available at major retail locations and online in the U.S.

I love this toy as you can upgrade with a variety of additional booklets (each sold separately) engaging your child in learning and stepping up to new skills. LeapStart is coming into my home for the spring holidays and continued use during the long summer months. Learning can be fun with the right tools -- from simple problems to critical thinking and even STEM learning. I thank LeapFrog for making such an innovative learning toy.

Leapstart on Amazon

Until later -- Happy Parenting,

Tania  :)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links or advertisements. I earn a small commission if you shop through them, which helps fund this website so I can continue to bring you informative and interesting content. All opinions are my own.

Take Time to Read on a Winter Day

Whether you are by the fireside or poolside, nothing beats a good book on a winter’s day. For children in the north, it’s fun reading about experiences in the snow and cold, however, for children in the south, they can read about what they are missing and have fun too through the magic of books.

Here are a few books to try:

• A Really Good Snowman by Daniel J. Mahoney (Clarion)
• Winter’s Gift written and illustrated by Jane Monroe Donovan (Sleeping Bear Press)
• Snowball Fight by Jimmy Fallon (Dutton Children’s Books)
• Tacky and the Winter Games by Helen Lester (Houghton Mifflin)
• Robert’s Snow by Grace Lin (Viking)
• The First Day of Winter by Denise Fleming (Henry Holt & Co.)
• It’s Winter (Celebrate the Seasons) by Linda Glaser (Millbrook Press)
• Winter Friends by Carl R. Sams & Jean Stoick (Carl R. Sams II Photography)
• Dream Snow by Eric Carle (Philomel)
• The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett (Putnam Juvenile)

Find these books and more about winter on Amazon.com.

Do you feel like making some snowmen crafts? Check out these fun ideas!

I hope you and your children enjoy these winter books and craft suggestions. Please feel free to comment below and add some of your wintry favorites.

(Books first posted on Caring for Kids/ EverydayTLC by Tania Cowling)

3 Valentine Activities for February 14th

It's February, and love is in the air. What greater love is there than the love of a child? So whether you are expecting the birth of your child or already enjoying the many hugs and kisses of a little one, Valentine's Day is the perfect time to celebrate. Here are some fun and easy Valentine's Day ideas to help with building early memories with your child this holiday season.

For Expecting Parents:

This creative little gift is especially designed for expectant parents. Remember those silly messages found on candy hearts you used to eat in grade school? For fun, try personalizing your own messages on cut out construction paper hearts for your loved one! "Back Massage," "Belly Rub," "Midnight Run for Snacks," or "Extra Smiles" are just a few ideas for fun heart sayings. The paper hearts don't taste like candy, but guaranteed to bring grins to the recipient.

Finger Paint With Your Baby:

The use of non-toxic paints offers older babies endless possibilities for making discoveries and exploring. A red (pink) heart picture is perfect for Valentine’s Day and fun to do with your child using pudding paint. Mix one box of instant vanilla pudding according to directions on the package. Add drops of red food coloring to achieve the desired color. Hand on hand, help your baby fingerpaint on freezer paper or paper plates. When dry, cut the paper into a heart-shape. Fingerpainting is such an open-ended activity—the process of painting is more important than the finished project. Take time to tickle the senses—enjoy the feel of this paint, smell it and if your baby tries to take a taste, it’s OK-- it’s pudding!

Fun With Toddlers:

Take several large appliance boxes and open all the tops and bottoms. Using heavy tape, attach all the boxes together making sure the inside flaps are securely taped and smooth. Invite your toddler to decorate the outside of the boxes in his own way with lots of scribbled hearts and designs using crayons and markers. Valentine stickers may aid in the decorating and toddlers just love them. Write “Tunnel of Love” on the outside. Encourage your little one to crawl through the tunnel—you may just want to follow him!

Enjoy your holiday and happy parenting,

Tania :)

Photos courtesy of geralt, photoshop Tofs, Moscow Moms, CC0 Public Domain, Pixabay.com

February is Dental Health Care Month

With my oldest grandchild losing baby teeth and getting his first permanent teeth to my youngest grandson cutting his baby molars -- I thought it's fitting to include some ways to teach preschoolers about dental health and ways to take care of their pearly whites. First, parents need to understand how important it is to visit the dentist at an early age to insure that your child's baby teeth come in properly. And, that the kiddos care for their teeth so permanent teeth are strong and shiny.

Teaching young children about important matters in the health field is best done through interactive activities. Read on for some fun dental health activities to do at home or school.

Reading books about dental health is fun for young children who learn from friendly characters who deliver the message about taking care of teeth. It also wouldn't hurt to have a "cool" looking toothbrush to lure the kids into happy brushing!

Since February is National Dental Health Care Month, take the time to read some entertaining and informative books about dental care and teeth. And, stock up on the supplies that will help your little ones get into the good habit of brushing.

Until later~~~
Happy Parenting,
Tania 

Book cover photos courtesy of Amazon.com
Photo courtesy of woodypino, CC0 Public Domain, Pixabay.com

The Chinese New Year: Year of the Rooster

The Chinese New Year 2017 is the Year of the Rooster according to the Chinese Zodiac. It started Friday, January 27, 2017, and ends February 2nd. This is a fun holiday to celebrate with your children even if you are not of the Chinese descent.

Here are a couple articles to explain the holiday and activities you can partake with your children.

Chinese New Year Traditions (Holidays Helper)

The Chinese New Year is the most important and festive holiday by the Chinese people. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar (with the beginning of the New Moon) anywhere from January 21 to February 19. Each Chinese year is represented by a repeated cycle of 12 animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. In 2015, the Chinese New Year begins on February 19, 2015 and is the Year of the Goat/Sheep.

As part of the Chinese New Year celebration, presents are bought, decorations adorn the homes, special foods are made, and new clothing is worn. Days before the holiday, Chinese families are busy preparing their homes with a thorough cleaning. The cleaning rids the bad luck and allows good luck to enter. Brooms are put away on New Year’s Eve, so good luck can’t be swept away. Since the color red is a symbol of happiness to the Chinese, you will see many homes with red paint trims.

Continue reading...

Teaching Your Kindergarten Class About the Chinese New Year (Bright Hub Education)

Chinese people consider The Chinese New Year as the most important and festive holiday. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar (with the beginning of the New Moon) anywhere from January 21 to February 19. These activities will help students understand the holiday.

• Twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac represent each year and continue with a repeated cycle including the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. In 2017, the Chinese New Year begins on January 27, 2017 and ends on February 2. It is the Year of the Rooster.
  

  
  

  Read on for more information and crafts...