Throughout the past week, the children in School-age 1 classroom have been exploring and learning about the Diwali holiday. During circle time, they engaged in conversations about what Diwali means and how it is celebrated by families. Some children shared that they celebrate Diwali at home, while others were excited to learn about a new tradition. Together, we discussed how every family has its own unique celebrations and how learning about different holidays helps us understand and appreciate one another. To deepen their understanding, we read the story “My Diwali Light” by Raakhee Mirchandanie, which introduced the children to the meaning of Diwali as the festival of lights. We then extended our learning by designing colourful Rangoli patterns and creating oil lamps using paper plates. When asked questions such as, “Why do people light lamps during Diwali?” and “How does your family celebrate Diwali?” their responses include: “My mommy puts light all around the house!” “We put up lights for Christmas.” These activities and discussions together helped build social and emotional skills while promoting respect, diversity, and inclusion. Overall, a deep sense of belonging and joy was evident throughout our Diwali exploration. This experience reminded us that celebrating and learning about different cultures helps create a welcoming environment where every child feels valued, include, and participate of the community.
