Academics

Kindergarten: Diwali 2008

Tuesday, Oct. 28th  was Diwali, also known as the “Festival of Lights.” Diwali is the biggest Hindu festival of the year, and Kindergarteners had the good fortune of having Mrs. Mundra, one of their own teachers, as well as Mrs. Patel and Mrs. Alladi, parents of their classmates, on hand to explain the holiday’s significance, share some of their culture’s accoutrements and snacks, and lead them in an arts and crafts project appropriate to the occasion. One of their classmates also came dressed in traditional clothes.

Mrs. Mundra explained that Diwali is an ancient holiday that is celebrated by lighting small candles, called diyas, visiting relatives, feasting, and shooting off fireworks.

Mrs. Mundra, Mrs. Patel, and Mrs. Alladi also spoke about their traditional clothing and the geometric patterns used to adorn homes during Diwali. Using glue, glitter and brightly colored sand, the children created their own designs on paper plates.

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