Using red envelopes, also known as “hongbao” in Mandarin, is a significant part of Chinese New Year traditions and can be a wonderful educational and cultural experience for children in early years.

Here are some ideas on how to incorporate red envelopes in an early years setting:

Incorporating Math Skills: Use play money to teach basic math skills. Children can practice counting and simple addition or subtraction by placing play money in the envelopes and exchanging them with each other.

Role-Playing: Create a role-play activity where children give and receive red envelopes to each other, mimicking the tradition in a respectful and understanding manner.

Language Skills: Introduce simple Chinese words or phrases related to the new year, such as “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (wishing you wealth and prosperity) or “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year).