Diwali At Daisykins

Celebrating Diwali at Daisykins Nursery

At Daisykins Day Nursery in Rugby, we strive to support the children's learning of a variety of cultures, festivals and traditions. Last week the children learnt about Diwali, the festival of light, and how it is celebrated. The children engaged in a range of activities including making diva lamps, Rangoli patterns, Hennas, Indian food tasting and Indian dancing.The children in Baby and Toddler Room engaged in a tuff tray activity that was set up with Diwali inspired resources including foil blankets, sparkly cloths and materials and musical instruments. They explored the different noises they could make with each instrument, playing their own songs inspired by the Indian music they had listened to. The children also made their own Diwali pictures, choosing which resources they wanted to use, sticking them onto their paper in the style of a Rangoli pattern.[ngg src="galleries" ids="263" display="basic_slideshow"]The children in Pre-School Minors and Pre-School engaged in a food tasting activity, trying a selection of Indian foods. The children had a sample of Chicken Tikka Masala, Pilau Rice, Vegetable Samosas, Onion Bhajis, Poppadums, Mango Chutney and Garlic and Coriander Naan Bread. Some of the words used to describe the food included 'yummy", "delicious", "nice", "sweet" and "tasty".Pre-School Minors visited the dancefloor and learnt some Indian dance moves, returning to their room to have their own Diwali celebration and show off their new dance routine. The children listened to Indian music and began making their own band, using musical instruments to imitate the songs they had heard. [ngg src="galleries" ids="264" display="basic_slideshow"]Pre-School's role-play area was transformed into a Diwali home corner and featured saris, fairy lights and Indian pretend play foods. The children had great fun, hosting their own Diwali celebrations, pretending to cook for their friends and showing off their Indian outfits. It was fantastic to hear so many of the children talking about diva lamps, Rangoli patterns and about the festival of light when playing.Pre-School also made their own unique diva lamps using CDs, gems, glitter, pens and candles. The children chose what they wanted to write on their diva lamp, the majority choosing to write their name or 'Diwali'. Name cards were placed in front of each child and they were encouraged to find the correct letters and stick them in the correct order on their CDs. They were so proud of their creations and couldn't wait to show their parents/carers at pick up time.[ngg src="galleries" ids="266" display="basic_slideshow"]The children were very engrossed and engaged in the Diwali activities and appeared very eager to learn all about the festival of light.