Happy New Year! So, 2017 is officially here. I will tell you... I am ready for a fresh start. I like to keep things pretty "sunny" and positive but if I am honest, 2016 has not been my favorite year. It seems like lots of people felt that way this year. I always think that's so strange... that when I have a bad day (or a "bad year") that everyone else seems to be feeling the same way.
Anyway, I was really looking forward to ringing in 2017 and having life magically get back on track. I did have a really fun little New Year's trip with my family... ( I will have to write about that in my next "catching up" post... there are some funny stories there!) -but surprisingly enough, when the ball dropped at midnight all of life's problem's didn't disappear... crazy right? ;)
However, I think I figured out why! (I told you I am an eternal optimist!) CHINESE New Year isn't until January 28 this year! So THAT is when my luck is going to change! Ha!
Two years ago I started reading about Chinese New Year for a close reading unit I was writing. If you are not familiar with the traditions, let me tell you... it is fascinating! For example, I need to hurry up and get my hair done this week because once the New Year celebration begins the Chinese believe that you shouldn't cut your hair because you don't want to "cut off" your luck for the new year. You might want to clean your house really well this weekend as well... because there is no sweeping your floors during the New Year's celebration... you certainly wouldn't want to sweep out your luck! (I know I need all the luck I can get this year!)
Last year was the "Year of the Monkey". We were all warned by the Chinese that it was going to be a strange, unpredictable year. (I should have taken that warning a little more seriously!) However, 2017 is going to be a good one! This is the year of the Rooster! We have good luck and good fortune to look forward to this year! Alright Rooster... BRING IT ON!!!
I have some cute little freebies that you can use to celebrate with your students! Download this free packet to make "Year of the Rooster" crowns and celebration lanterns with your students. (They are super cute!)
You can check out the entire non-fiction unit here. I have to tell you... It is one of my favorites! It is So interesting! It includes 11 articles informational text articles with writing prompts, text dependent questions and really cool photos.
I hope you and your students enjoy these resources and I really, really hope that the Year of the Rooster is as prosperous and fulfilling as predicted!! Happy New Year!
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