Children’s Workshops

Seasonal Programs

Winter (Dong Jie)

In this workshop, children will learn all about the Chinese Winter Festivals which include Winter Solstice and the Chinese New Year. We will study the significance of the winter holidays, special customs, the giving of red envelops and other several- thousand-year-old traditions! Participants will learn to make beautiful festive Chinese paper decorations for the holiday.

Spring (Chun Jie)

In spring we celebrate the Lantern Festival and Ching Ming, or Bright and Clear Festival. We will study the significance of honoring the dead and visiting the graves of one’s ancestors and relatives. The spring season celebration also includes flying kites. Authentic Chinese Spirit-paper and other paper goods will be shared. Children will make paper lanterns.

Summer (Duen-Wu)

In summer we celebrate with the Dragon Boat Festival. We will study the history of Dragon Boats and the honoring of the ancient poet, Chu Yuen. We will learn why Chinese people make sweet rice dumplings, what special foods help ward off the heat. I will hand-make a cardboard pattern for a paper dragon boat and a dragon puppet for teachers to use in their class.

Tao and the Chinese Garden Workshop

In this workshop, students will learn about Taoism and its expressions. The workshop will show students how to create a miniature garden complete with “strange rocks”, ponds, bridges, gazebos and the the proper placements of plants, shrubs, moss and small pebbles. We will use material from the outdoors including dried flowers and plants as well as self-hardening clay.

This workshop on Tao and the Garden is suitable for adults and students of grade 3 to high school.