1st-7th-Gantan Sai (New Years)- Shinto -Play based ideas for Children Birth-8 years
Updated: Jan 31, 2024
Gantan Sai, observed from January 1st to 7th, is the Shinto New Year celebration, a time of great significance in Japan. It marks the beginning of a new year with prayers and wishes for happiness, prosperity, and good health. During this festival, people visit shrines to pay respects, partake in traditional foods, and enjoy various festive activities. This period is characterized by a spirit of renewal and gratitude.
Learning about Gantan Sai is important for children, especially in a multicultural educational setting. It helps them develop an understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, fostering respect and empathy for different traditions and beliefs. Participating in activities related to Gantan Sai can enhance children's global awareness and social skills, while also offering a rich sensory and learning experience. Here are some easy ideas for each age group. If you are enjoying these please sign up to our newsletter to receive regular freebies and ideas.
Birth to 3 years
Festive Bell Exploration
Age: Birth to 3 years
Materials: Handbells, chimes, colourful ribbons
Instructions: Let children explore the sound of bells and chimes, decorated with colorful ribbons, to mimic the New Year's celebration sounds.
EYLF Outcome: 1.4 Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy, and respect.
VEYLDF Outcome: WELLBEING - Children become strong in their social emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Analysis of Learning: Develops auditory senses and promotes social interaction.
Theorist Link: Piaget's sensorimotor stage.
Extension Ideas: Create simple rhythm patterns for children to follow.
New Year Art Collage
Age: Birth to 3 years
Materials: Paper, glue, natural materials (leaves, twigs)
Instructions: Assist children in creating a collage using natural materials, representing the Shinto appreciation of nature.
EYLF Outcome: 4.4 Children resource their own learning through connecting with people, place, technologies, and natural and processed materials.
VEYLDF Outcome: LEARNING - Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem-solving.
Analysis of Learning: Enhances creativity and fine motor skills.
Theorist Link: Montessori's emphasis on sensory-based learning.
Extension Ideas: Discuss nature's role in Shinto traditions, introduce seasonal changes.
Miniature Torii Gate Play
Age: Birth to 3 years
Materials: Cardboard, red and black paint, brushes
Instructions: Create small Torii gates with children using cardboard, paint them in traditional red and black.
EYLF Outcome: 2.1 Children develop a sense of connectedness to groups and communities.
VEYLDF Outcome: COMMUNITY - Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
Analysis of Learning: Fosters understanding of cultural symbols and creativity.
Theorist Link: Vygotsky's social development theory.
Extension Ideas: Use the gates for imaginative play, discuss their significance in Shinto.
Nature Exploration Tray
Age: Birth to 3 years
Materials: Tray, items from nature (stones, leaves), magnifying glasses
Instructions: Let children explore a tray filled with various natural items, encouraging sensory exploration.
EYLF Outcome: 3.2 Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical well-being.
VEYLDF Outcome: WELLBEING - Children become strong in their social emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Analysis of Learning: Enhances sensory awareness and connection with nature.
Theorist Link: Maria Montessori's focus on naturalistic education.
Extension Ideas: Talk about the importance of nature in Shinto, seasonal changes.
Festive Lantern Making
Age: Birth to 3 years
Materials: Paper cups, LED tea lights, colored tissue paper
Instructions: Help children create simple lanterns using paper cups and tissue paper, placing LED lights inside.
EYLF Outcome: 5.3 Children express ideas and make meaning using a range of media.
VEYLDF Outcome: COMMUNICATION - Children express ideas and make meaning using a range of media.
Analysis of Learning: Encourages creative expression and understanding of light.
Theorist Link: Reggio Emilia's emphasis on expressive arts.
Extension Ideas: Discuss the use of lanterns in New Year celebrations, explore light and shadows.
3-5 years
Toshigami-sama Art Creations
Age Range: 3-5 years
Materials: Paper, coloured pencils, markers, glitter, glue
Instructions: Children create their own artistic interpretations of Toshigami-sama, using a mix of colors and materials. Encourage them to express what prosperity and good health mean to them through their art.
QKLG Outcome: Building a confident self-identity
VEYLDF Outcome: Children develop knowledgeable and confident self-identities
Analysis of Learning: This activity fosters self-expression and creativity, allowing children to explore their understanding of blessings and good fortune.
Extension Ideas: Explore other deities in various cultures; create a class mural combining all the artworks.
Miniature Kadomatsu Craft
Age Range: 3-5 years
Materials: Green and brown paper, scissors, glue, small decorations (like sequins or stickers)
Instructions: Guide children in crafting their own miniature Kadomatsu decorations. Discuss the significance of welcoming spirits and good luck in the New Year.
QKLG Outcome: Showing respect for diversity
VEYLDF Outcome: Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment
Analysis of Learning: Enhances fine motor skills and cultural awareness, introducing concepts of hospitality and tradition.
Extension Ideas: Create other cultural New Year symbols; set up a 'welcome area' in the classroom with children's crafts.
Soba Noodle Play Dough
Age Range: 3-5 years
Materials: Homemade play dough (brown colour), plastic knives, plates
Instructions: Children use play dough to make their own 'soba noodles,' practicing rolling and cutting skills. Discuss the symbolism of long life.
QKLG Outcome: Exploring ways to promote physical wellbeing
VEYLDF Outcome: Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical well-being
Analysis of Learning: Encourages fine motor skill development and understanding of health symbolism in food.
Extension Ideas: Make play dough food from different cultures; discuss healthy eating habits. Try picking up the noodles with chopsticks.
Omamori Charm Making
Age Range: 3-5 years
Materials: Felt, ribbon, beads, yarn, fabric markers
Instructions: Assist children in creating their own Omamori charms. They can choose colors and decorations that represent their wishes for the New Year.
QKLG Outcome: Building positive relationships
VEYLDF Outcome: Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy, and respect
Analysis of Learning: Enhances fine motor skills and creativity, while fostering a sense of community and well-wishing.
Extension Ideas: Exchange charms with classmates; discuss the importance of good wishes and positive thinking.
5-8 Years
Ema Plaque Artwork
AGE RANGE: 5-8 years
MATERIALS: Wooden plaques or heavy cardstock, markers, paint, ribbons
INSTRUCTIONS:
Guide the children to create their own Ema plaques.
Encourage them to draw or write their wishes for the new year.
Decorate the plaques with paint and markers.
Attach ribbons for hanging.
MTOP: 4.3 Children and young people transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another.
VEYLDF: Children are confident and involved learners.
ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: This activity fosters creativity and self-expression. It encourages children to articulate their hopes and dreams, enhancing their communication skills and sense of agency.
EXTENSION IDEAS: Create a wish tree in the classroom where children can hang their completed Ema plaques.
Mini Shrine Building
AGE RANGE: 5-8 years
MATERIALS: Cardboard boxes, paint, natural materials (sticks, leaves), glue
INSTRUCTIONS:
Encourage children to construct mini shrines using cardboard and natural materials.
Discuss the significance of shrines in Shinto tradition.
Allow children to paint and decorate their shrines.
MTOP: 4.4 Children and young people resource their own learning through connecting with people, place, technologies, and natural and processed materials.
VEYLDF: Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: This activity promotes understanding of cultural traditions and environmental awareness. It also enhances fine motor skills and creative thinking.
EXTENSION IDEAS: Explore different types of shrines around the world and their cultural significances.
Traditional New Year Meal Preparation
AGE RANGE: 5-8 years
MATERIALS: Play kitchen set, plastic food items representing Osechi-ryori dishes, recipe cards
INSTRUCTIONS:
Set up a play kitchen area.
Introduce children to the traditional dishes of Osechi-ryori using plastic food items.
Use recipe cards to guide them in 'preparing' these dishes.
MTOP: 3.2 Children and young people become strong in their physical learning and wellbeing.
VEYLDF: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.
ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: This activity enhances understanding of cultural diversity through food and promotes healthy eating habits. It also encourages cooperative play and language development.
EXTENSION IDEAS: Host a multicultural food day where children can share dishes from their own cultures.
Toso Tea Party
AGE RANGE: 5-8 years
MATERIALS: Play tea set, water or juice as 'tea', cups, small snacks
INSTRUCTIONS:
Set up a tea party area.
Discuss the significance of Toso (spiced sake) in Gantan-sai, substituting it with juice or water for children.
Host a tea party where children serve 'tea' and snacks to each other.
MTOP: 1.3 Children and young people develop knowledgeable confident self-identities and a sense of positive self-worth.
VEYLDF: Children have a strong sense of identity.
ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: This activity encourages social interaction, communication skills, and understanding of cultural practices. It also fosters a sense of community and belonging.
EXTENSION IDEAS: Explore tea ceremonies from different cultures and their significance.
Joya-no-Kane Bell Craft
AGE RANGE: 5-8 years
MATERIALS: Paper cups, string, beads, paint, bells
INSTRUCTIONS:
Guide children in creating their own Joya-no-Kane (bell).
Decorate paper cups with paint and attach a string with a bell and beads.
Discuss the tradition of ringing bells 108 times during the New Year in Japan.
MTOP: 4.1 Children and young people develop a growth mindset and learning dispositions such as curiosity, cooperation, and creativity.
VEYLDF: Children are confident and involved learners.
ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: This activity helps develop fine motor skills, creativity, and an understanding of cultural traditions.
EXTENSION IDEAS: Learn about different bell sounds from various cultures and their meanings.
Kagami Mochi Clay Modeling
AGE RANGE: 5-8 years
MATERIALS: Air-dry clay, paint, decorative materials
INSTRUCTIONS:
Provide children with clay to model their own Kagami Mochi (traditional rice cake decoration).
Once the clay models are dry, paint and decorate them.
Discuss the symbolism of Kagami Mochi in the Japanese New Year.
MTOP: 4.2 Children and young people develop a range of learning and thinking skills and processes such as problem-solving and experimenting.
VEYLDF: Children are confident and involved learners.
ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and cultural understanding.
EXTENSION IDEAS: Create a display of traditional New Year decorations from different cultures.
Omikuji Fortune Telling
AGE RANGE: 5-8 years
MATERIALS: Paper strips, markers, container
INSTRUCTIONS:
Create Omikuji (fortune-telling) strips with various positive messages and simple fortunes.
Children can draw or write their own fortunes.
Place the strips in a container for children to draw from.
MTOP: 5.3 Children and young people collaborate with others, express ideas, and make meaning using a range of digital technologies and media and communication technologies.
VEYLDF: Children are effective communicators.
ANALYSIS OF LEARNING: Enhances literacy skills, creativity, and understanding of cultural practices.
EXTENSION IDEAS: Discuss how different cultures use fortune-telling in their traditions.
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