BestStart Weymouth marked Diwali with a week of vibrant experiences, including making sweets, crafting diyas, and exploring rangoli art. Tamariki and whānau came together to celebrate culture, creativity, and the joy of learning in our community.
At BestStart Weymouth, we spent a whole week exploring the vibrant traditions of Diwali, leading up to a joyful community celebration. Our tamariki and whānau joined us on a journey full of light, colour, and cultural learning.
Throughout the week, children helped bake mithai and barfi, traditional sweets that are an important part of Diwali celebrations. This hands-on activity supported their understanding of measurement, following steps, and sensory exploration.
We created and decorated diyas, small oil lamps that represent light overcoming darkness. Each child made their own unique diya, developing fine motor skills and learning about cultural symbols.
Our tamariki also explored rangoli art—beautiful, colourful patterns made during Diwali—using paint and puzzles to design their own creations while building creativity, pattern recognition, and teamwork.
To finish the week, we made firework-inspired art, capturing the sparkle and excitement of Diwali fireworks while encouraging self-expression and an appreciation of different cultures.
Through this celebration, our children are learning about the richness of other cultures and fostering respect and curiosity. We love celebrating these special moments together, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
Thank you to all our whānau for being part of this special celebration. It was a wonderful way to connect, learn, and shine together.