Today, Franny’s class had a day long celebration for the Chinese New Year.  They did some fun activities like making dragon puppets with their Big Buddies.  Also, two of her Chinese classmates’ dads came to demonstrate the art of Chinese calligraphy.  Then, they had a small writing project, where they could practice writing Happy Chinese New Year in Chinese.  When they were done they were to say xīn nián kuài lè  (Happy Chinese New Year) to one of the Chinese student’s grandma; once they said it correctly, she gave them a red envelope, a symbol of good luck, with a chocolate coin inside.  Needless to say, they were all thrilled!  They also had a sang a Chinese song before having the treat of a Chinese lunch, complete with chopsticks, tea, another red envelope, and a fortune cookie!  I was very happy to be able to sit with her during her lunch.  It was fun to be able to see her do so many fun things first hand. Her teacher really planned a great day for the kids, and I am sure Franny will be talking about it for many days to come.