This month, we embraced the spirit of inclusivity by exploring three significant celebrations: Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Diwali. Our journey began with a thoughtful discussion on Thanksgiving, where the children shared how they celebrate, the traditions they follow, and the special meals they enjoy. This encouraged rich conversations around gratitude, food, and family traditions. As Halloween approaches, excitement filled the air! We invited the children to create unique skeletons using skull cut-outs and a box of cotton swabs. The results were amazing - skeletons jumping, skipping, and even peeking in different poses, showing their creative flair. When Diwali came around, we celebrated by making DIYA (traditional oil lamps). The children carefully crafted their DIYAs from paper plates, decorating them with bright colors, sparkly gems, and flame cut-outs to symbolize the festival of light. We also talked about how Diwali is celebrated back in India and the children were curious about the henna on my hands. They expressed how much they liked it and asked lots of questions about the intricate designs. This gave us an opportunity to discuss the significance of henna during celebrations. Through these activities, the children not only learned about different cultures but also expressed their creativity, reinforcing the importance of diversity, inclusion, and community in our shared world.
