Chinese New Year 2020: The Year of the Rat

The Chinese New Year of 2020 falls on January 25th and the festival will last to February 8^th. According to the Chinese zodiac 2020 is a Year of the Rat.

• The rat is the 1st animal in the Chinese Zodiac, an every 12th Chinese new year heralds the start of another year named for this clever animal.
• It has characteristics of an animal with spirit, wit, alertness, delicacy, flexibility and vitality. In Chinese culture, rats were seen as a sign of wealth and surplus. Because of their reproduction rate, married couples also prayed to them for children
• People born in the year of the rat are thought to be generous witty, alert, and flexible. On the other hand, they are also thought to be a bit stubborn and picky.
• The recommended occupations for rats are artist, author, teacher and doctor.

The above information is shared from the following websites:

https://secretserendipity.com/the-year-of-the-rat-2020-chineseastrology
https://holidappy.com/holidays/Printable-Coloring-Pages-for-Year-of-the-Rat-Kid-Crafts-for-Chinese-New-Year

https://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/social_customs/zodiac/rat/jobs.htm

A well-known legend or origin of the Chinese Zodiac tells the tale of the Jade Emperor who invited the entire animal kingdom to take part in a race. The first 12 animals to cross the river would be assigned a year of the Chinese Zodiac system.

All of the animals were very excited and the news spread quickly. On the day of the race all of the animals gathered at the river and rat won the race. You see, although he was the smallest animal he used his bran and played a little trick! To read the rest of the story click the link below:

https://www.hutong-school.com/origin-chinese-zodiac-why-cats-and-rats-are-sworn-enemies

STORIES

The Cat and the Old Rat – Aesop
http://whisperingbooks.com/Show_Page/?book=Aesops_Fables&story=Cat_And_Old_Rat

The Monkey with the Tom –Tom – Southern India
https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/type0170a.html#kingscote

The Pied Piper of Hamelin - Germany

https://shortstoriesshort.com/story/pied-piper-of-hamelin/ 

You will find another version here:  
https://ofpanthers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/The-Pied-   Piper-of-Hamelin.pdf

And the poem written by Robert Browning with gorgeous illustrations here.
https://archive.org/details/piedpiperofhamel00brownyctest2

Rat Hall – Scotland
https://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/sfft/sfft83.htm

The Rat Princess - Japan

https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/134/stories-from-around-the-world/5100/the-rat-princess/

The Rats and Their Daughter - Japan

https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/type2031c.html#japan

The Rat’s Wedding – Northern India
https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/type0170a.html#steel 

The Story of a Monkey – Philippines
https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/type0170a.html#cole

The Story of the Rat and Her Journey to God – Romania

https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/type2031c.html#romania

Why the Rat Kills Cats – Nigeria
https://www.worldoftales.com/African_folktales/Nigerian_folktale_18.html

Why the Woman and Rat Came to Stay in the Same House - Sudan
http://www.southsudanesefolktales.org/?project=how-the-woman-and-the-rat-came-to-stay-in-the-same-house

BOOKS

Gift of Curiosity – Books About the Chinese New Year for Kids

https://www.giftofcuriosity.com/books-about-chinese-new-year-for-kids/

CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES

Education.com – Make a Chinese Zodiac Mask: Year of the Rat

https://www.education.com/worksheet/article/chinese-zodiac-mask-rat/

Enchanted Learning – Crafts and Activities for the Chinese New Year

https://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/chinesenewyear/

First Palette – Chinese Paper Lanterns

https://www.firstpalette.com/craft/paper-lantern.html

Make an Origami Rat

https://www.origami-resource-center.com/chinese-zodiac.html#rat

Printable Coloring Pages: Year of the Rat

https://holidappy.com/holidays/Printable-Coloring-Pages-for-Year-of-the-Rat-Kid-Crafts-for-Chinese-New-Year

FOOD

Food Network – Chinese New Year Recipes

https://www.foodnetwork.com/topics/chinese-new-year

SOMETHING EXTRA

Chinese New Year Taboos

https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/festivals/chinese-new-year-taboos.htm

Please note, websites change at a rapid pace and weblinks may change or break without notice. I cannot be responsible for redirected or broken links.  At the time of this posting all links were in working order. Thank you for understanding.

Karen Chace 2019 ©

This blog post was researched and compiled by Karen Chace. Permission for private use is granted. Distribution, either electronically or on paper is prohibited without my expressed written permission. For permission please contact me at storybug@aol.com. Of course, if you wish to link to my blog via your website, blog, newsletter, Facebook page or Twitter please feel free to do so; I greatly appreciate your support and personal integrity.

World Kindness Day

Reine Lefebre and Margot before a Window
by Mary Cassatt, 1902

"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." ~ Mark Twain 

I know I am a few days late but truly, it's never too late to be kind. November 13 is World Kindness Day. Spread some kindness with these lovely tales?



STORIES

The Best Wish - Serbia

https://fairytalez.com/the-best-wish-the-story-of-three-brothers-and-an-angel/

The Crystal Heart – Vietnam

https://tinyurl.com/qaxcooh

Evil Allures But Good Endures – Russia

https://tinyurl.com/y5oyrrs9

The Fairy Shilling – Ireland

https://tinyurl.com/y6t556qc

Great Joy the Ox – India

https://tinyurl.com/y57uzj9y

How the Kangaroo Got Her Pouch – Australia
https://www.learningtogive.org/resources/how-kangaroo-got-her-pouch-0

Lord of the Cranes - China
https://www.learningtogive.org/resources/lord-cranes

Native American Stories About Kindness to Animals
https://www.native-languages.org/kindness-animals.htm

Old Woman Who Was Kind to Insects – Inuit/Native American
https://tinyurl.com/y35xeam3

The Princess Mouse – Finland

https://tinyurl.com/o2y4qss

Selekana and the River God – South Africa
https://www.learningtogive.org/resources/selekana-and-river-god

The Two Jeebi-ug or a Trial of Feeling – Native American/Ojibwa

https://www.learningtogive.org/resources/two-jeebi-ug-or-trial-feeling-ojibwa

BOOKS

Folktales for a Better World: Stories of Peace and Kindness - Seven stories celebrating peace, kindness, and forgiveness from seven countries that have all suffered from wars and conflicts in recent times told by an award-winning author.
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/61397368

Kindness Tales: World Folktales to Talk About by Margaret Read MacDonald. “Kindness Tales contains more than forty folktales that illustrate the transformative power of kindness through leading, sharing and caring for one another. These stories share a common theme of using thoughtful and sometimes generous acts of kindness to make the world better.” You can’t go wrong with any collection of stories by this esteemed author.
https://www.cedarwoodschool.org/bookshop-2/kindness-tales-world-folktales-to-talk-about

Thirty-five Children's Books That Teach Empathy and Kindness
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/childrens-books-empathy-kindness_l_5d52e7b1e4b0c63bcbee2699


CRAFTS

55 + Kindness Activities for Kids
https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/68659/55-kindness-activities-kids/

Teach Kids Kindness with Crafts
https://www.craftfoxes.com/blog/kindness-crafts

CURRICULUM

Helpful Animals and Compassionate Humans in Folklore – “Through examining several examples of helpful animal tales from around the world, students will learn about humans living in cooperation with the land and sea and with the beasts that inhabit them. In many helpful animal tales, the animal only offers its aid in return for a kindness done by or promised by a human.” Resources for K-5.
https://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plans/helpful-animals-and-compassionate-humans-folklore

Random Acts of Kindness Foundation – From PreK – High School there is curriculum for every grade level, including posters for your school, information on how to start a Kindness Club, and so much more. Be sure to bookmark this site!
https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/for-educators

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Storytelling and Empathy - My previous blog post from my National Storytelling Magazine column.
http://karenchace.blogspot.com/2019/08/stor-e-telling-fall-2018-storytelling.html

 

 

Please note, websites change at a rapid pace and weblinks may change or break without notice. I cannot be responsible for redirected or broken links. At the time of this posting all links were in working order. Thank you for understanding.

 

Karen Chace 2023 ©

This blog post was researched and compiled by Karen Chace. Permission for private use is granted. Distribution, either electronically or on paper is prohibited without my expressed written permission. For permission, please contact me at storybug@aol.com. Of course, if you wish to link to my blog via your website, blog, newsletter, Facebook page or Twitter please feel free to do so; I appreciate your support and personal integrity.

Stor e Telling Fall 2018: Storytelling and Empathy

Young Man with a Candle
Michel Gobin, 1685

Empathy is an important part of our humanity. Below are some links to complement this issues theme and explore how it relates to our storytelling work and life.

The first three links “… explore how stories serve important functions in our day-to-day life, a reality that social justice advocates can harness for awareness raising and motivating public action…this series will illuminate the “why” behind the human love of stories.”

Wired for Empathy: Why We Can’t Resist Good Narrative

Part One focuses “on the brain’s response to stories, and why stories are so prevalent in all human societies from an evolutionary perspective.”

https://tinyurl.com/y9h7bzpk

Wired for Empathy: How and Why Stories Cultivate Emotions

Part Two “takes this foundation and connects it to empathy development and what this means for crafting effective advocacy stories, with an emphasis on homelessness.”
https://tinyurl.com/yafbpjwr

Empathy, Neurochemistry, and the Dramatic Arc
Part Three discusses “how to use stories to reach challenging audiences, with an analysis of how affluence and power impacts empathy.
https://tinyurl.com/h34mjk2

How We Can Develop Empathy Through Storytelling – “When a personal story is being shared we unconsciously create an emotional connection with the storyteller and empathize with their experience… and therefore, helps us develop empathy towards people that were once strangers.” This article also includes a link to a powerful Tedx talk on the subject of Empathy to Combat Social Violence.

https://tinyurl.com/mlkfmp2

In the United States pumpkins dot the landscape in gardens and on front porches. Below are a few pumpkin tales to help you celebrate the lovely autumn season.

The Great Pumpkin – Taino Indian/Puerto Rico

https://tinyurl.com/ycqbj2sh

Grinding Stone to the Rescue - India

https://tinyurl.com/ybl49dvq

The Legend of Stingy Jack - Ireland

https://tinyurl.com/y8jxbwve

The Magic Pumpkins – Ukraine
https://tinyurl.com/ybqo2lr4

The Pumpkin in the Jar – Philippines
https://tinyurl.com/y7a4cgw2

It’s Harvest Time! Apple and Pumpkin Fun for the Wee Ones – I’ve shared this before but thought it would  be worthwhile to share once more. Fingerplays, songs and more to make your lapsit program shine.
http://tinyurl.com/nrluwpj

December 7 is the Feast of Saint Ambrose, patron saint of candle makers. Here are some folktales to add some light to a dark winter night.

The Candles of Life: The Story of a Child for Whom Death Stood Godmother - Czechoslovakia
https://tinyurl.com/y7uk7j4s

Chanukah Candles in Chelm – Poland
The link leads to a pdf file chock full of Chelm tales. You will find this story on page 58.
https://tinyurl.com/yalfq5mg

The Iron Man - Germany

http://tinyurl.com/y7cfk3jf

I Know What I Know - Denmark

https://tinyurl.com/y73ocsqf

The Rose Tree - England

https://tinyurl.com/y89ccqb5

The Twist Mouth Family

https://tinyurl.com/p42zjqr

SOMETHING EXTRA

Stor e Telling Spring 2018: Storytelling World

Seven public domain resources filled with stories from Holland, Breffny, South Africa, Scotland and more. Keep reading for stories to celebrate the national holiday in Turkmenistan known as A Drop of Water Is a Grain of Gold, to celebrate our precious resource, water.
https://karenchace.blogspot.com/2019/01/stor-e-telling-spring-2018-storytelling.html

Stor e Telling Spring 2018: Storytelling World
The theme was Storytelling World so you will find tales from many cultures. There are also legends to savor on Tea for Two Tuesday on March 21, Noodlehead tales to tickle your funny for International Moment of Laughter Day on April 14, and folktales for Bat Appreciation Day on April 17.
https://karenchace.blogspot.com/2019/01/stor-e-telling-spring-2018-storytelling.html

1001 Nights to 2001 Story Resources V: Stor e Telling 2017
https://karenchace.blogspot.com/2018/12/1001-nights-to-2001-story-resources-v.html

1001 Nights to 2001 Story Resources IV: Stor e Telling 2016

http://karenchace.blogspot.com/2017/09/1001-nights-to-2001-story-resources-iv.html

From 1001 Nights to 2001 Story Resources III: Stor e Telling 2015
http://karenchace.blogspot.com/2017/01/from-1001-nights-to-2001-story.html

From 1001 Nights to 2001 Story Resources II: Stor e Telling 2014
http://karenchace.blogspot.com/2016/01/from-1001-nights-to-2001-story.html

From 1001 Nights to 2001 Story Resources: Stor e Telling 2013
http://karenchace.blogspot.com/2014/06/from-1001-nights-to-2001-story.html

Stor e Telling Columns: 2007 to 2012 with Synopses
http://karenchace.blogspot.com/2013/12/stor-e-telling-columns-2007-to-2012.html

Please note, websites change at a rapid pace and web links may change or break without notice. I cannot be responsible for redirected or broken links.  At the time of this posting all links were in working order. Thank you for understanding.

Karen Chace 2019 ©

This blog post was researched and compiled by Karen Chace. Permission for private use is granted. Distribution, either electronically or on paper is prohibited without my expressed written permission. For permission please contact me at storybug@aol.com. Of course, if you wish to link to my blog via your website, blog, newsletter, Facebook page or Twitter please feel free to do so; I greatly appreciate your support and personal integrity.

A Universe of Stories: Lots of Fun for the Wee Ones

This year the Summer Reading Program theme is ‘A Universe of Stories.’ I put together a list of fingerplays, crafts, songs and more to delight your young audiences. All of these resources are found on the Internet, they are not mine.

However, the story stretch at the end, My Aunt Came Back From the Milky Way, is my own creation. You are welcome to use it in your programs, put I do request that you give me attribution.

I hope you find something fun to add to your summer storytelling programs and perhaps the coming school year.

CRAFTS

Danielle’s Place - The following crafts and templates are found on http://tinyurl.com/kmcnyo .

• The Cow Jumped Over the Moon
• Sun Moon and Stars Mobile
• Alien Space Craft

Decorate A Star - Provide each child with a large tag board star-shaped cutout (or have them cut it out themselves). Provide whatever materials you'd like and allow the children to decorate their stars. Some ideas would be markers, paint, glitter, stickers. If you'd like attach a wide Popsicle stick with tape to the star to use as a wand. 

http://stepbystepcc.com/shapes/star.html

Easy Sun Catcher It requires a lid from a margarine container (or I imagine that a yogurt lid might work too), a large amount of Elmer's glue, a piece of string or ribbon, and items to decorate the sun catcher.

• First fill the container with Elmer's glue and decorate with shells, etc.

• Let the glue dry completely. The glue dries clear and can be popped out of the lid.

• With a sharp point make a hole in the sun catcher and put a string through it. Hang it in front of a window and admire!http://tinyurl.com/ncsvpf

Enchanted Learning – Lots of astronomy themed crafts here for hours of fun.
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/astronomy/ 
 

Star Mobile

What You Need:

• Yellow construction paper
• String or yarn
• Two plastic straws
• Hole puncher
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Eraser
• Stapler

1. Draw 6-8 stars on the yellow construction paper. Each one should be a different shape or size.
2. When you’re finished, ask a parent to help you cut out the shapes. Cut around the outside of the lines and then use an eraser to remove the pencil marks.
3. Parent Alert: Using the hole puncher, pierce a hole at the top of each star.
4. Cut a piece of string for each of the stars and tie it around the hole. Tip: Vary the length of the string to help your mobile come to life.
5. Parent Alert: Pick up two straws and make the shape of the letter “X” with them. Staple the straws together where the two meet.
6. Cut and tie a long piece of string to where the staple is and then tie the rest of the strings to one of the four limbs of the X.
7. Hang your mobile by the long string in the middle and in your room from the ceiling or in a favorite corner somewhere around the house. Now, you can look at the stars anytime you want!

http://sloanlongway.org/docs/pdf/february13sg.pdf?sfvrsn=2

Starry, Starry Night

Materials

• Black construction paper
• Gold or silver and colored self-adhesive stars
• White chalk

Directions: In advance, cut sheets of self-sticking stars into smaller segments so that each child may have his or her own sheet. Provide each child with a full or half sheet of black construction paper and a piece of chalk. Show the children how to draw on the paper with the chalk, creating such things as stick figures, houses, a moon, or trees. Then hand out the stars and let each child add them to their pictures.
http://tinyurl.com/mj3wce

Sun, Moon, Stars & Planets Theme - Rhymes, recipes, activities, songs, finger plays and crafts from Child’s Play.

http://tinyurl.com/lpf2fo

GAMES AND ACTIVITIES

Star Dance - In advance, cut out 6-inch star shapes from yellow construction paper and tape them to the floor with double-sided tape. Choose music, such as Lullaby Classics by Baby Einstein, to accompany this activity. During the program, turn the music on and have the children dance among the stars by stepping on them, stepping over them, hopping on them, hopping over them, sitting on them, and running over them.

Bubbles - Either make or purchase a bubble mix in advance. To make bubble mix, mix ¼ cup blue dish washing liquid, 1-cup water, 1-teaspoon salt and 1-teaspoon glycerin. Combine well but gently. Do not stir too much and do not shake. Store in a sealed container. Gather bubble wands, or make some from pipe cleaners or from yarn tied to 2 straws. Tell the children to blow the bubbles up to the stars.

http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/projects/trc/2006/manual/todstars.html

One Little Astronaut

One little astronaut floating out from base, Hooked to a hose, exploring space. (Pretend to float in space.)

She thought it was such an amazing trick; she called another astronaut to join her quick. (Beckon with hand.)

Two little astronauts floating out from base (hold hands with second astronaut) Hooked to a hose, exploring space. (Pretend to float in space.)

They thought it was such an amazing trick; they called another astronaut to join them quick. (Beckon with hand.)

Continue until all children are holding hands. http://www.rpls.ws/lgiat/2007/READ/lincollibideas.pdf  (This website is now defunct.)

SONGS AND RHYMES                                       

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

Twinkle, twinkle little star,

How I wonder what you are.

Up above the world so high,

Like a diamond in the sky.

Twinkle, twinkle little star,

How I wonder what you are.

Hey Diddle Diddle

Hey diddle, diddle, the cat and the fiddle,

The cow jumped over the moon.

The little dog laughed to see such sport,

And the dish ran away with the spoon.

Star Light, Star Bright

Star light, star bright,

First star I see tonight.

I wish I may, I wish I might,

Have the wish I wish tonight.

Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Fire (Jerry Lee Lewis version re-written)

You give us light and you make things grow.
At dawn and sunset, well, you hang real low.
You are a star.
Closest by far.
Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Fire!

You may have sunspots and solar flares.
We know at you to never stare.
We all use sunscreen.
Sunburn makes us scream.
Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Fire!

Sun, kiss me, baby! (They cross their arms and shake themselves as they bend at the knees. It makes their voices quiver.)
Feels good!
Sun, warm me, baby!
You warm me like the sun should.
You're bright!
At night!
Come on and shine you light, light, light, light!
Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Fire!

You give us light and you make things grow.
At dawn and sunset, well, you hang real low.
You are a star.
Closest by far.
Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Fire! 
http://teachers.net/lessons/posts/346.html

Lyrics to popular Moon Songs – While some may not be exactly for the younger set, many would be wonderful to play for the older children. 

http://tinyurl.com/n3xzdd

FINGERPLAYS

Reaching for the Stars

I am reaching for the stars; I am climbing up to Mars

I think I might never stop

I hope I don’t drop …. Kerplop!

I am reaching for the stars; I am climbing up to Mars

I think I might never stop

I hope I don’t drop …. Kerplop!

Mr. Moon

Mr. Moon, Mr. Moon,

You’re out too soon; the sun is still in the sky.

Go back into your bed,

And cover up your head,

Until the day goes by
http://www.superiorchildrenscentre.org/images/Fingerplays.pdf

PRINTABLES AND COLORING PAGES

Moon and Stars http://tinyurl.com/nccxymSun http://tinyurl.com/nalffzSun Windsock http://tinyurl.com/lwk7rr
Astronaut http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/astronaut-colouring-page Space http://tinyurl.com/hcd2l

A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA

Lincoln Library – Numerous games, activities, songs and more that will help you blast off to fun! Note: The original link is no longer available but the resources may still be accessed via the Wayback Machine at this link.

https://web.archive.org/web/20120905045151/http://www.rpls.ws/lgiat/2007/READ/lincollibideas.pdf

Reach for the Stars – A story stretch I wrote back in 2009 for the Summer Reading Program Theme, Spaceship Adventure. This is my own creation. You have my permission to use it in your performances or classroom, however I do request attribution. Should you wish to use it in any publication please contact me for written permission.

https://karenchace.blogspot.com/2009/06/reach-for-stars.html

Please note, websites change at a rapid pace and web links may change or break without notice. I cannot be responsible for redirected or broken links.  At the time of this posting all links were in working order. Thank you for understanding.

Karen Chace 2019 ©

This blog post was researched and compiled by Karen Chace. Permission for private use is granted. Distribution, either electronically or on paper is prohibited without my expressed written permission. For permission please contact me at storybug@aol.com. Of course, if you wish to link to my blog via your website, blog, newsletter, Facebook page or Twitter please feel free to do so; I greatly appreciate your support and personal integrity.

August is National Peach Month: Folktales of Delicious Peaches

Peach Blossoms
by Winslow Homer, 1878

August is National Peach Month! It’s been a while since I’ve had time to research and post a blog but I couldn’t let this delicious celebration go by without sharing some delectable tales to whet your appetite.

Fun Facts About Peaches

• Peaches were mentioned as early as 79 A.D. in literature.
• Peaches are at their peak from June to the end of August.
• The World’s Largest Peach Cobbler is made every year in Georgia. The cobbler measures 11 feet by 5 feet.
• This plant is closely related to almonds, cherries and plums.
• The peach originated from China, but it can be found all around the world today. 
• The peach was known as the ‘Persian Apple’ because ancient Romans believed that the peach originated in Persia.
• The peach symbolizes immortality and unity in Chinese culture.
• “You’re a real peach: originated from the tradition of giving a peach to the friend you like.

The above facts were gathered from the following websites:
http://www.softschools.com/facts/plants/peach_facts/642/
https://alysonsorchard.com/fun-fruit-facts/

STORIES

Fadhila’s Secret - Kenya
https://tinyurl.com/y4lop5ld

The Peach Boy - Japan

https://tinyurl.com/y2zcjt2v

Peach Darling – Japan
https://tinyurl.com/yxbnmmap

The Silent Cavalier – The Story of the Peach Tree - Azores

https://tinyurl.com/y5jjf869

The Two Jugglers - China

https://tinyurl.com/y3l5eauu

The Monkey Spirit - China
https://tinyurl.com/y4cegovc

The Queen Mother of the West -China

https://tinyurl.com/yxmeqhld

How Three Heroes Came By Their Deaths Because of Two Peaches - China
https://tinyurl.com/y2h74kr4

CRAFT

Activity Village – Giant Peach Craft

https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/giant-peach-craft

RECIPES

Country Living

https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1499/peach-recipes/

Be a peach and leave me a comment when you have a moment.  Let me know if you found this or my other blog posts useful in your storytelling, classroom, etc. I would love to hear from you! 

Please note, websites change at a rapid pace and web links may change or break without notice. I cannot be responsible for redirected or broken links.  At the time of this posting all links were in working order. Thank you for understanding.

Karen Chace 2019 ©

This blog post was researched and compiled by Karen Chace. Permission for private use is granted. Distribution, either electronically or on paper is prohibited without my expressed written permission. For permission please contact me at storybug@aol.com. Of course, if you wish to link to my blog via your website, blog, newsletter, Facebook page or Twitter please feel free to do so; I greatly appreciate your support and personal integrity.