Our Reception children have been exploring a vibrant and exciting cultural festival called Diwali, and it's been an absolute blast!
Diwali is often called the Festival of Lights, celebrated by millions of people around the world. It’s a time of great joy, sparkling lights, delicious food, and wonderful music. We wanted our little learners to experience this joy, not just by seeing pictures, but by feeling the music and moving their bodies!
We started by listening to some beautiful and lively Indian music. It was so different from some of the songs we usually sing – with new instruments and exciting rhythms! The children described it as "bouncy," "happy," and even "making me want to jump!" This is such an important part of learning about other cultures – understanding that music sounds different all over the world, and each style has its own special feeling. To help us connect with the music and express ourselves, we brought out a magical basket of scarves and ribbons! These weren't just any scarves; they were bright, colourful, and so silky to touch.
The children absolutely loved using them to dance. We talked about how the lights of Diwali flicker and dance, and how fireworks sparkle and explode in the sky. Then, we tried to make our scarves and ribbons do the same thing!