Over the past two weeks, our preschool classroom has been filled with creativity, colour, and meaningful conversations as we explored the celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Through a thoughtful, hands-on project, the children learned about the cultural significance of Diyas, small oil lamps that are traditionally lit during Diwali to symbolize light triumphing over darkness and the victory of good over evil. Our journey began with a sensory-rich experience: making salt dough Diyas. The children eagerly participated in mixing the ingredients, kneading the dough, and shaping it into small lamps using their hands and tools. This process not only supported fine motor skills and sensory exploration but also sparked early discussions about Diwali and what these beautiful little lamps represent. Once the Diyas were formed, we baked them carefully, transforming the soft dough into firm, ready-to-decorate pieces, a wonderful way for the children to observe change and cause-and-effect in action. This week, the excitement continued as the children returned to their hardened Diyas to begin decorating. Each child was given the freedom to choose from four vibrant paint colors; green, pink, blue, and yellow. This open-ended choice encouraged independence and self-expression, as each child made their own unique selections and applied their paint with creativity and care. After painting, they completed their decorations by choosing from two types of glitter, adding sparkle and a final festive touch to their creations. The joy and pride on their faces as they admired their finished Diyas was heartwarming. A particularly sweet moment came when one of our children, named Diya, realized that her name is also the word for the little lamps we were making. Her excitement and giggles added a lovely personal connection to our learning, and the whole class shared in the fun of this discovery. To conclude the activity, we gathered as a group to talk about the meaning of Diwali. We discussed how it is celebrated in many parts of the world, with families lighting Diyas, decorating their homes, sharing sweets, and coming together in joy and love. The children were curious and engaged, asking questions and making thoughtful connections to their own family traditions and ideas of light and celebration. This Diwali project beautifully combined art, sensory play, choice-based learning, and cultural education. Most importantly, it allowed the children to feel a sense of accomplishment and belonging, while opening their hearts and minds to the traditions of others. We are proud of the creativity and enthusiasm the children brought to this experience, and we wish all our families a bright, joyful, and peaceful Diwali.
