Colton Kids Learn about Chinese New Year

It’s a cold, cloudy day in Colton, but that didn’t affect the enthusiastic children at the Luque Community Center from learning all about Chinese New Year! The kids were quick to say hello to attendees, bouncing around with excitement in their Chinese-themed center. Linda Harris, the recreation specialist for the Luque Community Center, shared that all of the fun and educational activities were planned for the children in celebration of Chinese New Year. “For each event, I print out something educational to teach them what the event is about. Of course it’s the Chinese New Year of the Horse, so we’ll give them a background about the Horse and at the end of the event we’ll ask them questions to see who was listening and we’ll give them a prize.” Some of the other exciting activities planned for the day included learning to use chopsticks, listening to Chinese music, crafting a cherry blossom tree, tasting chow mein, and even learning what their zodiac sign is! Harris says the center always stresses importance in incorporating education with the events. These events teach the children something new about the celebration while promoting their creativity. As said by staff member, Ernestina Llamas, "We are all friends here", and that's the feeling that the Center staff exudes in their family atmosphere. Not only do they have these types of events for children, but senior events are also held often and all of them are free! For more information on how your children (kindergarten through 6th grade) can join these after-school programs, contact Linda Harris at (909) 370-5548.