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January brings Chinese New Year! It has been a favorite festival for me to share with SNF & ALF residents over the years. Often there were dragon dancers willing to come “practice” in our community. And of course, there is the food!
In January 2011, the Brookdale communities will be celebrating “The Great Wall of China“. As I provide services to two area Sterling Houses, I am planning a January session entitled “Of Boats & Dragons”. Here is a look into some of my plans. Maybe they will provide ideas for use with other older adults.
- Sing songs including: “Slow Boat to China” & “Puff The Magic Dragon”
- Drum to: “Yangtze Boatman’s Chantey”
- Do a Dragon dance
There are other songs I am keeping under wraps for now, but I hope these items help you plan a special event for a group. Why not share your plans for Chinese New Year in the comment section to create a wonderful collaboration!
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- Photo Recap: Chinese New Year (timeoutny.com)
Great ideas!! I just started working with a client who celebrates Chinese New Year and I was looking for some new material!
Thanks!
You are welcome. I try to find related english songs for conversation starters and connections but put in a little of the culture.
Here’s a neat way to make a lantern I received this week. Have lots of fun with your celebration! http://www.lowescreativeideas.com/idea-library/projects/WAGI_Chinese_New_Year_Lantern_0111.aspx?cm_mmc=email_newsletter-_-creative_ideas_dec-_-num1-_-num
Here’s a link to a great Chinese New Year resource I just found. Some ideas are appropriate for all age groups though the books focus on children. enjoy! http://www.naturallyeducational.com/2011/01/chinese-new-year-dragon-craft/
Here’s a wonderful link from Mundana Music Therapy for a Chinese New Year Song! http://mundanamusictherapy.com/?p=611