Feng Shui Fun
Introduce children to the Chinese concept of “Feng Shui”

Introduction
In the Maya & Miguel episode “Mala Suerte,” Maya thinks her family’s apartment is cursed with bad luck. Using Maggie’s grandmother’s Guide to Feng Shui (which they don’t really have time to read thoroughly), Maya, Miguel and their friends redecorate the entire place in an effort to restore the positive energy.

The following activity introduces the Chinese concept of “Feng Shui,” along with child-centered ideas for bringing more balance and harmony into your child’s environment. Cultural and concept understanding will be reinforced through spoken language and vocabulary.

Materials:

• Feng Shui ”ideas” (listed below)
• related books (listed below)
• index cards or poster board

Directions: Create homemade signs as friendly reminders to practice the following Feng Shui “ideas” at home! Using these Feng Shui “ideas” can bring “chi,” or good energy, into rooms that could use more balance and harmony. Help your child copy “ideas” on index cards or poster board. Then find the best place in each room to post a reminder:

Feng Shui Ideas

• Bathroom: Conserve water by taking a shower instead of a bath. Don’t forget to turn water off while brushing teeth or grooming.
• Kitchen: Prepare fresh, local, seasonal foods that haven’t been processed or stored for long periods.
• Bedroom: Share or donate unwanted toys, clothes and play equipment. Turn off and unplug electronics for less magnetic energy during rest time. Clear clutter from spaces.
• Family room: Display family pictures and open windows during daylight hours.
• Outdoor: Feed birds, take nature walks and exercise! Did you know that stroking a pet can relieve stress? It’s true!
• All spaces: Place inspirational pictures and sayings around the house to help everyone think positive thoughts.

Talk About It: Invite your child to share his/her thoughts about Feng Shui concepts by asking: Why is saving water so important? What foods are grown where we live? How do you feel when you hear the birds sing or spend time with a pet? Do you have any toys, clothes or play equipment that someone else might need? Are there happy pictures of our family at home?

Take It Further: Learn more about Chinese culture by reading these books:

• Sam and the Lucky Money/Sam y el dinero de la suerte by Karen Chinn (Ages 6-7)
• Stone Soup by Jon J. Muth (Ages 5-8)
• Lion Dancer by Kate Waters, Madeline Slovenz-Low, Martha Cooper (Ages 4-8)

With a Group: Ask someone involved in community recycling to share his/her knowledge about the benefits of recycling. Create a center or space for recycling. Keep records and reward recycling efforts.