This week Nursery and Reception have been super busy learning about Diwali. In our provision we have made firework pictures with paint using toilet roll tubes and have had a go at creating Mehndi patterns in the tuff tray. We have also practised making Rangoli patterns inside and outside our classroom with different media including sand and chalk. In playdough we had fun making our own Diya lamps using beads, buttons and sequins to decorate them. Nursery also got the chance to make their own Diya lamps using salt dough, which we painted and decorated once they had set. Early Years were also very lucky to get a special visitor from a Hindu temple within the community, who spoke and explained to us all about this important celebration. Nursery and Reception were told the fascinating story about Rama and Sita, which is why Diwali is celebrated and called the festival of light. Rama, who was a great warrior, had to save his princess Sita from a horrible king. Rama had help from his animal friends and using the Diya lamps, they lit candles to help Rama and Sita to return home. Nursery and Reception also got to try some saris, tunics and turbins on, which they wear in India where Diwali is celebrated. Early years have really enjoyed learning about Diwali and now understand why it’s such a special celebration.
