Many classrooms had presentations about Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, which is celebrated every autumn in the northern hemisphere. The festival gets its name from the clay lamps that are lit to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.
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The children explored new sites, sounds and tastes, while learning about this important holiday. They listened to stories about Diwali, saw the beautiful clothing worn for this special day and enjoyed special crafts and treats. It was a wonderful way of appreciating and learning about India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year.
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Toddler children listened to a story about Diwali and then decorated their own diya, an earthenware tea light.
Primary students in the Tulip room made Rangoli patterns outside their classroom using colored sand. Rangolis are used to decorate the entrance of the house during Diwali. In the Pansy room they enjoyed a special treat for the holiday and many students dressed in beautiful, traditional outfits.
“The senses, being explorers of the world, open the way to knowledge. Our apparatus for educating the senses offers the child a key to guide his explorations of the world…“
Dr Maria Montessori
