Description:
This week Spoty Hat received a gift from his friends in India as they celebrated Diwali.
Links to EYFS:
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Communication and Language
Physical Development
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding of the World
Expressive Arts and Design
Activity:
The activity helped to introduce different celebrations and festivities to the children. In this case, Diwali, as was celebrated recently. It also encouraged the children to learn about different backgrounds and beliefs.
Spoty Hat told the children that he received a gift from his friends the elephant, tiger and rhinoceros etc. who celebrated Diwali - the festival of lights. One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual and victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. In this case, light being a metaphor for knowledge and consciousness. During the celebration, temples, homes, shops and office buildings are brightly illuminated. Diwali is also a major cultural event for the Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist diaspora from the Indian subcontinent.
They sent to Spoty Hat a candle to brighten the woodland. The children made their own candles to bring home and light their room or another place in their house. They used a jar, paint, vinyl paper, ribbons, and a tea candle. Spoty Hat also went to the library to borrow some books about Diwali so the children could learn the story behind the festival.
The children enjoyed the activity and they were very keen to make their own candles. They also enjoyed the books about the Diwali celebration and they were very curious about the story of Prince Rama and his wife Sita. They were able to see the similarities between themselves and their friends or family.
Home Activity:
Find out, explore and read about other celebrations or festivals with your child. Show them pictures, let them ask questions and generally try fuel their imagination on how other cultures, religions or groups of people celebrate different events from around the world.