At our centre, Holi brought joy, laughter, and a splash of colour as we embraced this vibrant festival with water play and cultural learning experiences that connected tamariki through fun and shared celebration.
The vibrant festival of Holi approached, bringing with it an explosion of colour, joy, and the promise of spring. This joyous occasion, celebrated primarily in India, marks the arrival of the new season and is a time for communities to come together, let loose, and celebrate the triumph of good.
One way we engaged tamariki during Holi was through water play. This playful element of the celebration not only added excitement and fun but also offered a wide range of developmental benefits for our young learners.
Sensory exploration was at the forefront—tamariki delighted in the feeling of water on their skin, the splashes, and the use of different tools like cups and water balloons. These experiences provided opportunities for tactile learning and motor skill development.
When combined with colourful, safe dyes, children were able to explore and experiment with colour in a unique and engaging way. The hands-on nature of Holi allowed tamariki to fully immerse themselves in creativity and joyful expression.
Holi also offered opportunities for cultural learning, social interaction, and building confidence. By contributing to group experiences, tamariki practised working together and developed their social and communication skills.
Most importantly, celebrating Holi supported a strong sense of belonging. Tamariki who recognised this part of their culture felt seen and valued, while others learned to appreciate and respect different traditions. This strengthened identity, inclusion, and connectedness within our centre community.