As the festival of lights approaches, it's time to illuminate our classrooms with the vibrant spirit of Diwali. Here's a collection of engaging activities that will not only educate but also excite children across EYFS, KS1, and KS2 about this beautiful celebration. Let's explore 20 Diwali-themed activities that will spark curiosity, creativity and cultural understanding in your pupils.
EYFS Diwali activities
- Diwali story time. Introduce the festival with a simple, animated retelling of the Rama and Sita story. Use colourful props or puppets to bring the tale to life. This activity enhances listening skills and cultural awareness. Suitable for all EYFS ages. Materials: Story props or puppets.
- Rangoli art activity. Let children create colourful Rangoli patterns using coloured rice, sand, or chalk. This develops fine motor skills and introduces traditional art forms. Suitable for ages 3-5. Materials: Coloured rice/sand/chalk, Rangoli templates.
- Diwali lights craft. Create simple paper lanterns or decorate battery-operated tea lights. This activity improves crafting skills and teaches about the significance of light in Diwali. Suitable for ages 4-5. Materials: Coloured paper, scissors, glue, battery-operated tea lights.
- Diwali sweets tasting. Introduce traditional Diwali sweets for a sensory experience. Discuss tastes, textures, and the importance of food in celebrations. Suitable for all EYFS ages. Materials: Selection of Diwali sweets (ensure no allergies).
For ready-to-use Diwali activities and templates, check out this comprehensive Diwali activities for EYFS resource.
KS1 Diwali activities
- Diwali reading comprehension. Use the The festival of Diwali reading comprehension resource to improve reading skills while learning about Diwali. Suitable for Year 1-2. Materials: Printed worksheets.
- Diya painting. Decorate clay diyas with bright colours and glitter. This activity teaches about traditional Diwali decorations while developing artistic skills. Suitable for Year 1-2. Materials: Clay diyas, acrylic paints, brushes, glitter.
- Diwali dance workshop. Learn simple Bollywood-style dance moves to celebrate Diwali. This activity promotes physical development and cultural appreciation. Suitable for Year 1-2. Materials: Indian music, space for dancing.
- Lotus flower craft. Create paper lotus flowers, symbolising purity and new beginnings in Hindu culture. This craft enhances fine motor skills and teaches cultural symbolism. Suitable for Year 1-2. Materials: Coloured paper, scissors, glue.
For more KS1 art activities, explore this Diwali art activities resource.
KS2 Diwali activities
- Prince of fire comprehension. Use the Prince of Fire: A Story of Diwali reading comprehension resource to develop advanced reading and writing skills. Suitable for Year 3-6. Materials: Printed worksheets.
- Rama and Sita group poster. Implement the Rama and Sita group poster project to encourage teamwork and creative presentation of the Diwali story. Suitable for Year 3-6. Materials: Large paper, art supplies, prompt cards.
- Diwali list poem. Create Diwali-themed list poems using the Making lists resource. This activity combines creative writing with festival knowledge. Suitable for Year 3-6. Materials: Writing paper, pens.
- Diwali food cooking class. Prepare simple Diwali sweets or snacks. This hands-on activity teaches about traditional foods and basic cooking skills. Suitable for Year 5-6. Materials: Ingredients, cooking equipment, adult supervision.
- Diwali around the world research. Investigate how Diwali is celebrated in different countries. This project develops research skills and global awareness. Suitable for Year 4-6. Materials: Internet access, books on Diwali.
- Rangoli math patterns. Create Rangoli designs while learning about symmetry and geometric shapes. This cross-curricular activity combines art and math. Suitable for Year 3-6. Materials: Coloured sand/chalk, graph paper.
- Diwali drama performance. Act out the story of Rama and Sita. This activity improves public speaking skills and deepens understanding of the Diwali narrative. Suitable for Year 3-6. Materials: Simple costumes, props.
Diwali activities for all ages
- Diwali assembly preparation. Work together to create a Diwali-themed assembly. This collaborative project involves various skills and can be adapted for different age groups. Suitable for EYFS-KS2. Materials: Various, depending on the planned activities.
- Diwali card making. Design and create Diwali greeting cards. This craft can be simplified or made more complex depending on the age group. Suitable for EYFS-KS2. Materials: Card, decorative materials, glue, scissors.
- Diwali music session. Learn and perform simple Diwali songs or explore traditional Indian instruments. This musical activity can be adapted for different abilities. Suitable for EYFS-KS2. Materials: Musical instruments, song lyrics.
- Diwali-themed PE games. Incorporate Diwali themes into PE lessons, such as a "light the diya" relay race. This combines physical activity with festival knowledge. Suitable for EYFS-KS2. Materials: PE equipment, potentially adapted with Diwali themes.
- Community Diwali celebration. Organise a school-wide Diwali event, inviting parents and community members to participate. This large-scale activity promotes community engagement and cultural celebration. Suitable for EYFS-KS2. Materials: Various, depending on planned activities.
These activities offer a rich, varied approach to teaching about Diwali, catering to different learning styles and age groups. By incorporating these ideas into your lessons, you'll create a vibrant, memorable Diwali celebration that educates and inspires your pupils. Remember to adapt activities as needed for your specific classroom context and enjoy the festival of lights!
