Celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights
The Celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights resource invites students to explore the cultural significance and values of Diwali, one of the most celebrated festivals in Hindu culture. Through engaging prompts and reflection activities, students learn about the themes of light overcoming darkness, new beginnings, and spreading positivity. This resource supports social-emotional learning and helps students develop empathy and appreciation for diverse cultures.
Learning goals
- We are learning to understand the days and weeks celebrated or commemorated in Australia (including Australia Day, Anzac Day and National Sorry Day) and the importance of symbols and emblems, e.g. flags.
- We are learning to recognise ways to promote health, safety and wellbeing.
- We are learning to identify and practise emotional responses.
Curriculum alignment
Recognise situations and opportunities to promote health, safety and wellbeing
ACPPS020 8.4Identify and practise emotional responses that account for own and others’ feelings
Australian Curriculum covers QLD / SA / WA / NT / TAS / ACT.
Differentiation
Modifications
• For Students Needing Support:
- Visual Aids: Provide images or videos of Diwali celebrations for better understanding.
- Guided Discussions: Use structured questions to help students articulate their reflections.
- Simplified Responses: Allow verbal answers instead of written reflections for students who need additional support.
• For Students Ready for a Challenge:
- Detailed Reflections: Ask students to connect Diwali’s themes with personal experiences and broader societal issues.
- Creative Projects: Have students create a poster or presentation explaining Diwali’s significance and how it is celebrated.
- Peer Teaching: Encourage students to research and share an interesting fact or story about Diwali with the class.
Extensions
• Community Connection: Discuss how other cultural celebrations share similar themes of light, hope, and renewal.
• Gratitude Activity: Include a journaling task where students list what they are grateful for and how it brings light into their lives.
• Classroom Display: Create a display showcasing students' reflections and artwork inspired by Diwali.
• Story Sharing: Have students write or share a story about overcoming challenges, inspired by the concept of light defeating darkness.