Topic:
Diwali: Hindu Festival of Light
LT focus:
Discuss similarities and differences across the major belief systems and identify common links
Research the diversity of specific traditions such as the differing celebrations across the world
Look at and respond to the differing art forms associated with festivals
Introduction
Day 1:
On the IWB, display some images of Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity)
Ask the children if they know who this character is.
Do they know from which religion this character may be found?
Explain that we will be researching the Hindu and Sikh celebration of Diwali (also spelt and pronounced Divali)
Display a range of images representing Diwali. (see below)
Ask the children to access
http://www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/religion/diwali.htm
Ask the children to discuss this celebration in a ‘think, pair share” group under the headings:
What is Diwali? Where is it celebrated?
When is Diwali? How long does it last?
Why is it celebrated?
What is the Diwali story?
What does Diwali Mean?
What happens during Diwali?
Giving each group a focus, ask them to relate back to the class the most important aspects
Development
Days 2 – 5:
Over the coming days, the children could engage is different tasks including
- Making Salt Dough Candle Holders https://nurturestore.co.uk/diwali-activity-craft-ideas-salt-dough-candle-holders
- Making edidle Doodh Peda (sweet biscuits) https://kidworldcitizen.org/try-these-easy-doodh-peda-indian-sweets-for-diwali/
- Edible Diya Craft http://www.littlefoodjunction.com/2014/10/happy-diwali.html#.XIZB6hP7TBL
- Flame Craft https://www.crayola.com/crafts/diwali-light-craft/
- Rangoli Colouring Craft https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/rangoli/
Plenary
Can the children find any similarities and differences between this festival and other festivals that they are aware of?
Do some of these traditions remind them of other traditions in other celebrations?
The children could share their crafts and activities on their LT table and/or at assembly.
Other teacher resources for teaching this topic:
On Google Classroom, children could create a document based on Diwali for homework. As the week progresses, they could use these as a class discussion opener.