A Sparkling Week of Diwali and Bonfire Night Fun!
This week, students in the Red Pathway enjoyed learning about Diwali and Bonfire Night through a range of sensory and creative activities. They made clay diya lamps and paper plate diya lamps while exploring the traditions and celebrations of Diwali. Students listened to traditional Diwali music, explored colourful lights, and used different coloured ribbons to respond to the music and visual stimuli. They also created beautiful firework artwork using coloured sand and enjoyed exploring a Diwali-themed sensory tuff tray.
As part of our Bonfire Night learning, students talked about firework safety and shared their plans for the weekend. Some were excited about attending local bonfire celebrations, while others were looking forward to watching fireworks from home. One student proudly learned and recited the famous poem, “Remember, Remember the Fifth of November.” To finish the week, students enjoyed watching a fireworks display and listening to the different sounds and effects.
Students in the Yellow and Green Pathways have enjoyed learning about both Diwali and Bonfire Night through stories, discussions, creative activities, history, art, ICT and PE.
As part of their Diwali learning, students listened to the story of Rama and Sita and explored why Diwali is known as the Festival of Light. They learned about the significance of diya lamps, created their own clay and paper diya lamps, designed colourful rangoli patterns, and made mehndi-inspired artwork. Students also enjoyed watching Diya’s First Diwali and discussing different ways families celebrate special occasions.
For Bonfire Night, students explored the history of Guy Fawkes and the events behind the Gunpowder Plot through reading activities, discussions and comprehension tasks. They learned about firework safety and used their research skills in ICT to gather information and create informative Firework Safety posters. Creative activities included firework pattern work, bonfire maths challenges, painting firework scenes using marbles, digital artwork on iPads, and designing bonfire-themed posters.
Students also took part in a Diwali dance and developed their understanding of both celebrations through engaging, cross-curricular learning experiences. It has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm, creativity and growing knowledge as they explored the history, traditions and significance of these important cultural events.
