Presentation

  1. 1

    Show on the globe where a celebration happens: 'Many people in India and around the world celebrate Diwali.'

  2. 2

    Show real photographs of people celebrating.

  3. 3

    Show one object, such as a diya (clay lamp), and let the child hold it.

  4. 4

    Tell what people do: light lamps, wear new clothes, eat sweets with family.

  5. 5

    Ask: 'How is this like a celebration in your family?'

  6. 6

    Mark the celebration on the class calendar.

  7. 7

    Invite a family who celebrates it to share, if they wish.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

  1. Make a simple craft or taste a food connected to the celebration
  2. Learn a song or greeting in another language
  3. Compare two celebrations of light from different cultures
  4. Make a class celebrations book

Control of error

Photographs and objects are labeled on the back with the celebration name and country; the continent box shows where it takes place.

Ready to move on when the child…

  • Names a celebration and the place where it happens
  • Describes how people celebrate
  • Says one way it is similar to their own family's celebration

Guide note

Describe a celebration as 'people who celebrate ___ do ___', not 'all people from ___'. Present as cultural study, not religious instruction. Do not center any single tradition, and invite families to share.

Try “pink tower”, “tummy”, “diaper”, “grace and courtesy”, or “October”.