Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is an exciting holiday to celebrate in the music room. This vibrant Indian festival, celebrated each fall, is steeped in rich traditions and customs that offer a fantastic backdrop for musical exploration.
In my classroom, I’ve always wanted to incorporate Diwali, especially because I have several Indian students. It’s essential to tailor your curriculum to your students and their cultural backgrounds. For years, I scoured resources, hoping to find lessons specific to Diwali. Fortunately, I’ve recently come across more valuable materials, including some that I’ve created myself. Today, I’m delighted to share these resources with you, just in case you’re like me and would like to celebrate Diwali with your students but aren’t sure where to start!
Dive into Diwali
A fantastic starting point is to explore the holiday itself. I’ve discovered a variety of books and videos that can help students learn more about this wonderful celebration. Websites like GetEpic.com offer a selection of books on Diwali. “Binny’s Diwali” is a particularly engaging one to share with your students!
Strike a Chord with Song
Consider incorporating songs into your Diwali lesson plans. Two great options for your primary students include:
- Sesame Street Diwali Song: This catchy tune from Sesame Street can add an extra layer of fun to your Diwali celebrations.
- Mira Royal Detective: This is another cute song and video from Nick Jr.
Get Moving with Dance
Dance is another exciting element to include in your Diwali festivities. I stumbled upon a video of students performing a captivating Diwali dance. You can borrow some of their choreographed moves to create a steady beat activity. Below is the video, along with the corresponding song.
Art and Music Combine
Diwali is known for its colorful Rangoli patterns, traditionally created on the floor or tabletop using materials like powder, rice, or sand. Drawing inspiration from this tradition, I’ve devised a craft activity with a musical twist.
In this activity, students are tasked with decorating their “diya” (an oil lamp used during Diwali) with a Rangoli design. The twist? They must incorporate musical symbols and notes into their design, adding a unique musical touch to their creations.
Learn from Fellow Educators
In addition to the resources I’ve shared, there are two fantastic educators who have also created Diwali lessons. I encourage you to check out their contributions to further enrich your Diwali lesson plans. Sharing knowledge and ideas is what makes our teaching community so special!
Lesson Ideas from O Fortuna Orff
By incorporating these elements into your Diwali lessons, you can create a meaningful and culturally enriched experience for your students. Embrace the festivities, explore the music and traditions, and have a wonderful time celebrating Diwali in your music room! 🪔🎵
