Celebrating New Year With Young Children

Celebrating New Year with young children can be a delightful experience filled with fun activities and meaningful traditions. The following article provides New Year Activities, Learning Goals and Linking To The EYLF and more.

New Year Activities

1. Countdown Activities

Early Countdown: Have a countdown at a kid-friendly time, like noon or early evening, to accommodate their bedtime.
Balloon Drop: Create a DIY balloon drop with colorful balloons to release when the countdown ends.

2. Crafting and Decorations

Party Hats: Make and decorate party hats using craft supplies like glitter, stickers, and markers.
Noise Makers: Create homemade noise makers using recycled materials like paper towel rolls and dried beans.

3. Fun Games

Scavenger Hunt: Organize a New Year-themed scavenger hunt with items like party hats, confetti, and small toys.
Freeze Dance: Play fun music and have a freeze dance party where children stop dancing when the music pauses.

4. New Year’s Resolutions

Goal Setting: Help children set simple and achievable New Year’s resolutions, like learning a new skill or helping more at home.
Resolution Crafts: Create a resolution tree where children can write or draw their resolutions on paper leaves and hang them on a tree branch.

5. Special Snacks and Drinks

Mocktails: Prepare child-friendly mocktails using fruit juices, sparkling water, and colorful ice cubes.
Themed Treats: Make New Year-themed snacks like star-shaped cookies, fruit kabobs, or a cupcake decorating station.

6. Story Time

New Year Books: Read books about New Year celebrations from different cultures to teach children about global traditions.
Bedtime Stories: End the evening with a special bedtime story that reflects on the past year and looks forward to the new one.

7. Photo Booth

DIY Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with fun props and a backdrop where children can take pictures to remember the occasion.
Memory Book: Create a memory book with the photos and let children decorate it with stickers and drawings.

8. Reflect and Appreciate

Gratitude Jar: Create a gratitude jar where children can write down things they are thankful for and place them in the jar.
Reflection Time: Spend some time reflecting on the past year’s highlights and memorable moments.

9. Music and Dance

Dance Party: Have a dance party with upbeat music and encourage children to show off their dance moves.
Sing-Along: Sing New Year songs or favorite tunes to create a joyful atmosphere.

10. Relaxation and Calm Activities

Storytelling Circle: Gather children for a storytelling circle where they can share their favorite memories and hopes for the new year.
Mindfulness Moments: Practice simple mindfulness activities like deep breathing or gentle stretching to calm and relax before bedtime.

Learning Goals

Here are some learning goals you can set for celebrating New Year's with young children, ensuring the activities are both fun and educational:

1. Fine Motor Skills

Activities: Crafting party hats, making noise makers, and engaging in hands-on activities like decorating cookies or creating art.
Goals: Enhance dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and control over small muscle movements.

2. Sensory Exploration

Activities: Sensory bins with confetti, glitter, and soft items, as well as tasting new foods.
Goals: Encourage sensory processing by exploring different textures, sounds, and tastes.

3. Creativity and Imagination

Activities: Decorating the space, making New Year-themed crafts, and participating in imaginative play.
Goals: Foster creativity, artistic expression, and imaginative thinking.

4. Social Skills

Activities: Group games, collaborative crafts, and sharing stories about New Year traditions.
Goals: Develop communication skills, cooperation, turn-taking, and empathy.

5. Language and Literacy

Activities: Reading New Year-themed books, singing songs, and discussing New Year traditions from different cultures.
Goals: Enhance vocabulary, listening skills, and cultural awareness.

6. Math and Counting

Activities: Countdown activities, sorting and counting party supplies, and number-themed games.
Goals: Reinforce number recognition, counting skills, and basic math concepts.

7. Understanding Time and Seasons

Activities: Creating a yearly calendar, discussing the concept of a new year, and marking significant dates.
Goals: Develop an understanding of time, seasons, and the concept of a year.

8. Reflective Thinking and Goal Setting

Activities: Making New Year's resolutions, creating a reflection jar, and discussing past achievements and future goals.
Goals: Encourage self-reflection, goal setting, and a sense of accomplishment.

9. Gross Motor Skills

Activities: Dance parties, active games like freeze dance, and outdoor activities.
Goals: Improve coordination, balance, and overall physical fitness.

10. Cultural Awareness

Activities: Learning about New Year celebrations from different cultures through stories, crafts, and food.
Goals: Increase cultural awareness, respect for diversity, and global understanding.

Linking to the EYLF

Linking New Year celebration activities to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) ensures that these activities are both fun and educational. Here are some ways to align the celebration with the EYLF outcomes:

1. Children Have a Strong Sense of Identity (Outcome 1)

Activity: Personalize New Year crafts, such as making party hats or resolution trees where children can express their individual goals and identities.
Outcome: Supports children in developing their sense of self and belonging.

2. Children Are Connected with and Contribute to Their World (Outcome 2)

Activity: Learn about New Year traditions from different cultures and create decorations or food items inspired by these traditions.
Outcome: Helps children develop an understanding of and respect for diversity and different cultural practices.

3. Children Have a Strong Sense of Wellbeing (Outcome 3)

Activity: Engage in group games, dances, and physical activities that promote physical health and emotional wellbeing.
Outcome: Encourages children to develop healthy lifestyles and positive relationships.

4. Children Are Confident and Involved Learners (Outcome 4)

Activity: Involve children in preparing New Year snacks and setting up decorations, allowing them to take on responsibilities and problem-solve.
Outcome: Fosters a sense of confidence, curiosity, and active participation in learning experiences.

5. Children Are Effective Communicators (Outcome 5)

Activity: Read New Year-themed books, sing songs, and share stories about personal New Year traditions.
Outcome: Enhances language, literacy skills, and the ability to express ideas and feelings.