Diwali is one of the most special times of the year. There
are several Diwali ideas and activities for of kids, school goers, children – preschoolers
– kindergarten. The best way to introduce Diwali festival is by making clay
diyas or lamps.
Get some good clay. Demonstrate to children how to make
environment friendly diyas or clay lamps. Talk to them about the importance of
lamp in Diwali festival.
You can teach them to make simple and small Diwali lanterns.
Various small decoration pieces for Diwali using paper.
A painting on Diwali.
A painting of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman returning
to Ayodhya on the Pushpak Vimana, or flying machine, with people lighting
lamps. This can be a real fun activity for children as they can imagine flying
machine and each can create a different one.
Additional Update Information:
1. Diwali Crafts
a. Paper Lanterns (Kandils):
- Materials: Colored paper, glue, scissors, string.
- Activity: Cut and fold the paper into lantern shapes, decorate with glitter or stickers, and hang them around the classroom.
b. Diya Painting:
- Materials: Clay diyas, acrylic paint, brushes, sequins.
- Activity: Let children paint and decorate the diyas. Once dried, they can be taken home as keepsakes.
c. Rangoli Designs:
- Materials: Colored sand, rice, or flower petals.
- Activity: Create simple rangoli patterns on paper or on the floor using templates.
2. Storytelling and Puppet Shows
- Activity: Narrate the story of Diwali using puppets or storybooks. Highlight the victory of good over evil and the importance of light.
3. Music and Dance
a. Traditional Songs:
- Activity: Teach children simple Diwali songs and bhajans. Incorporate actions and hand movements to make it engaging.
b. Dance:
- Activity: Organize a small dance session with traditional Indian music. Encourage children to dress in festive attire.
4. Cooking and Food Activities
a. Sweet Making:
- Materials: Ingredients for simple sweets like coconut ladoos (coconut, condensed milk).
- Activity: Show children how to make the sweets, let them help with safe steps, and then enjoy the treats together.
b. Pretend Play:
- Activity: Set up a pretend kitchen where children can "make" Diwali sweets using playdough and toy kitchen sets.
5. Games and Play
a. Treasure Hunt:
- Activity: Organize a Diwali-themed treasure hunt with clues leading to small prizes like stickers or small toys.
b. Musical Chairs with Diwali Music:
- Activity: Play traditional music and have a musical chairs game.
6. Art and Drawing
a. Diwali Cards:
- Materials: Cardstock, markers, stickers, glitter.
- Activity: Have children design and decorate Diwali greeting cards to take home or give to friends and family.
b. Fireworks Art:
- Materials: Black paper, bright colored paints, brushes, glitter.
- Activity: Paint fireworks on black paper using bright colors and glitter to mimic the Diwali night sky.
7. Learning Activities
a. Diwali Worksheets:
- Materials: Printable worksheets with simple math, matching, or coloring activities.
- Activity: Incorporate Diwali themes into educational worksheets for practice.
b. Diwali Themed Books:
- Activity: Read age-appropriate books about Diwali, discussing the themes and messages.
8. Cultural Education
a. Dress-Up Day:
- Activity: Encourage children to come dressed in traditional Indian attire and talk about the different clothes and their significance.
b. Diwali Assembly:
- Activity: Organize a small assembly where children can share what they have learned about Diwali with songs, skits, or a short presentation.
By incorporating these activities, preschoolers and kindergarteners can enjoy a fun and educational celebration of Diwali, understanding its significance while engaging in age-appropriate and creative tasks.