Diwali activities for EYFS
This comprehensive resource offers a choice of engaging Diwali-themed activities for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), including storytelling, art projects, cultural experiences and printable worksheets.
What's included
Available to download as a free printable PDF or a subscriber-only editable Word doc, this resource includes:
- Four Diwali activity cards complete with instructions and materials list
- Accompanying worksheets to reinforce learning.
How to use these Diwali activities for EYFS
- Diwali story time: Begin your Diwali celebration by gathering children for a culturally rich storytelling session. Choose from the suggested Diwali-themed books or video versions to introduce the festival. Use the provided discussion questions to encourage comprehension and cultural awareness. This activity sets the foundation for understanding Diwali's significance.
- Rangoli art activity: Follow up with a hands-on art project where children create their own Rangoli patterns. Show examples of traditional designs before distributing templates and coloured sand or rice. This activity develops fine motor skills and creativity while teaching about an important Diwali tradition.
- Diwali lights craft: Engage pupils in making their own Diwali lamps (diyas). Whether using clay pots or paper templates, children can decorate their diyas with paint and sequins. Use this opportunity to explain the symbolism of light in Diwali celebrations, enhancing cultural understanding.
- Diwali sweets tasting: Conclude with a sensory experience by offering a variety of traditional Diwali sweets for tasting. Discuss the types of sweets and their significance in Diwali celebrations. This activity promotes sensory awareness and vocabulary development while introducing children to new flavours.
- Diwali worksheets: Use the provided worksheets and templates to reinforce learning and assess understanding.
These activities can be spread across several days leading up to Diwali or condensed into a single, immersive Diwali-themed day. Adapt the activities as needed to suit your classroom's needs and resources. Remember to be inclusive and sensitive to cultural differences, using these activities as an opportunity to celebrate diversity and promote understanding amongst your EYFS pupils.
