DIWALI ART

Pippa
October 22, 2014
art / Diwali / outdoor play
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Today is Diwali. I thought it would be fun to introduce the children to the story of Rama and Sita. I told the children a simple version of the story while the were working on the Rangoli pattern pictured below. We used a little Diwali board book to familiarise ourselves with key Diwali images.

I bought this stencil from a charity shop earlier in the summer with Diwali in mind. The idea is to use a quarter section,turn it and then redo the same section. This will make a symmetrical pattern. We cheated though and just used it as one pattern.
Little “L” did this blue design all by herself after helping make the joint pattern!

This wa the Rangoli that everyone worked on together!

We spent some time at the park as well today and took the mandala maker and chalks so that we could draw some patterns outside in the sun!

Everyone took a turn and after watching the pthers, even little “M” worked out where she needed to draw!

LEARNING INTENTIONS AND IDEAS FOR EXTENDING LEARNING:

To introduce the children to a cultural festival that is celebrated in India. To help them learn about life and traditions outside of their own community and experience some of the traditional activities and stories.

NEXT STEPS:

The Rangoli patterns were very much enjoyed. I would like to continue this style of art by offering similar activities. Maybe collage style using dried lentils and beans on a paper plate. I will look for some mandala patterns to print out and place in the drawing caddy.
Explore symmetrical patterns using mirrors with the children.
Offer “M” some play with mirrors so that she can start to experience reflection and repeating patterns.

CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE LEARNING:

The children had a great time working together to make one large piece of art. They shared the pencils, asked to swap pencils, talked about colours they were using. They were actively learning and showed high levels of concentration and engagement. By telling the the story to the children as they coloured, it helped the children to listen. Many children learn well when they are actively doing. So by working on this pattern they found it much easier to listen to the story of Rama and Sita and take in the details.

They were so happy to see their large Rangoli patterns cut out and displayed in the playroom and excited to share the colour and beauty in the park as they created them on the tarmac. They were proud of themselves and the others who had worked with them to create the finished art!

Today’s play, meets the following EYFS Prime and specific areas: