Celebrating Diwali – Photos of Activities and Learning Spaces

The following setups and experiences are designed to foster fine motor skills, pattern recognition, and joyful engagement with the traditions of the Festival of Lights. Each activity offers opportunities for children to express themselves, explore symbolism, and co-create meaning in inclusive and developmentally appropriate ways.

Pom-Pom Diya Sorting Tray

Implementation: Provide Diya cutouts with coloured dots and matching pom-poms. Children use tweezers to sort and place pom-poms, supporting fine motor skills and color recognition.

EYLF Links:

Outcome 3.2: Children develop fine motor control and coordination.
Outcome 4.1: Children develop dispositions for learning, such as curiosity and concentration.
Practice: Learning through play; intentional teaching.

Rangoli Rice Tray

Implementation: Set up a tray with colored rice and printed Rangoli patterns. Invite children to trace or recreate designs using pencils or fingers. Encourage mark-making, pattern recognition, and storytelling around the symbols.

EYLF Links:

Outcome 1.3: Children develop knowledgeable and confident self-identities through cultural exploration.
Outcome 4.3: Children transfer and adapt learning from one context to another (e.g., visual patterns to tactile creation).
Practice: Responsiveness to children; cultural competence.

Cityscape Fireworks Craft

Implementation: Draw a city skyline on a tray and offer pom-poms, pipe cleaners, and beads. Children decorate the sky with “fireworks,” combining spatial awareness with festive storytelling.

EYLF Links:

Outcome 5.2: Children engage with a range of texts and gain meaning.
Outcome 4.2: Children experiment with materials and design.
Practice: Learning environments; intentional teaching.

Fireworks Sand Tray

Implementation: Provide colored sand and firework photos. Children use brushes and tools to mimic firework shapes, exploring texture, movement, and visual storytelling.

EYLF Links:

Outcome 5.5: Children use information and communication technologies to access images and express ideas.
Outcome 4.1: Children develop creativity and imagination.
Practice: Learning through play; responsiveness to children.

Rangoli & Diya Setup Table

Implementation: Set up cork circles labeled “Rangoli” and “Diya” with sequins, beads, and printed designs. Children decorate using open-ended materials, exploring traditional motifs and spatial awareness.

EYLF Links:

Outcome 4.4: Children resource their own learning through connecting with materials and processes.
Outcome 2.2: Children respond to diversity with respect.
Practice: Learning environments, high expectations, and equity.

Mehndi Pattern Tray

Implementation: Provide paper hands, markers, and Mehndi photo references. Children design their own henna patterns, exploring shapes, lines, and cultural art.

EYLF Links:

Outcome 5.1: Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes.
Outcome 4.2: Children develop a range of skills and processes, such as problem-solving and experimentation.
Practice: Cultural competence; intentional teaching.

Decorative Tealight Display

Implementation: Offer tealights and mandala bases with beads and sequins. Children decorate and arrange them, exploring symmetry, light, and cultural celebration.

EYLF Links:

Outcome 2.1: Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities.
Outcome 4.1: Children develop dispositions for learning, such as creativity and persistence.
Principle: Respect for diversity.

Torn Paper Flower Craft

Implementation: Provide petal outlines and torn colored paper. Children fill in the petals using collage techniques. This supports fine motor development and creative expression while linking to Diwali’s floral symbolism.

EYLF Links:

Outcome 3.2: Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical well-being (fine motor control).
Outcome 5.3: Children express ideas through art and design.
Practice: Learning through play; intentional teaching.