Celebrating Nowruz

Overview

This 45-minute lesson introduces kindergarten students to the cultural celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which coincides with the first day of spring. Through a story and hands-on collaborative activity, students will develop respect for cultural traditions and practise teamwork, aligning with Ontario Kindergarten Learning Expectations for Belonging and Contributing and Problem Solving and Innovating.

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Curriculum Connections

Ontario Kindergarten Curriculum:

• Belonging and Contributing: Appreciate and respect cultural traditions. (Belonging and Contributing – Social Development)
• Problem Solving and Innovating: Collaborate to create a display that represents diverse cultures. (Problem Solving and Innovating – Cognitive Development)

Educational Approaches:

• Play-based learning with hands-on crafts
• Social-emotional learning through discussing traditions
• Cooperative learning to build community and inclusivity

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Learning Goals

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Understand that Nowruz marks the start of spring and is celebrated as the Persian New Year.
• Recognise key symbols of Nowruz through the Haftseen table display.
• Show respect for diversity by learning about a culture different from their own.
• Collaborate effectively in small groups to create a craft-based representation.

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Materials Needed

• Book: Soraya’s Nowruz Dance (teacher reads aloud)
• Picture cards or printed images of Haftseen items (e.g., sabzeh, seer, samanu, senjed, etc.)
• Craft supplies: coloured paper, glue sticks, scissors (child-safe), pipe cleaners, beads, cotton balls, markers, glitter
• Large cardboard or poster board for collective Haftseen table display
• Small whiteboard or chart paper with simple symbols and words for Nowruz
• Name tags

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Lesson Structure

1. Welcome and Introduction (5 minutes)

• Gather students in a circle on the carpet.
• Introduce the word Nowruz (pronounce “No-rooz”). Explain that it is the Persian New Year and happens at the start of spring.
• Ask if students know about any spring celebrations in their own families or communities to activate prior knowledge. Emphasise respect and curiosity.

2. Story Time: Soraya’s Nowruz Dance (10 minutes)

• Read the story expressively, showing illustrations clearly. Pause to ask comprehension questions:
  • Who is Soraya?
  • What special day is she celebrating?
  • What kinds of traditions or activities does the story show?
• Highlight Nowruz traditions from the story, focusing on the Haftseen table and dancing.

3. Interactive Discussion: Haftseen Symbols (5 minutes)

• Use picture cards to introduce the seven traditional items placed on the Haftseen table. Simplify explanations for age-appropriateness:
  • For example: Sabzeh means green grass (symbol of growth), Seer means garlic (symbol of health), etc.
• Invite volunteers to match pictures to names and discuss what each symbol might mean for wishing a good year ahead.

4. Collaborative Haftseen Table Craft (20 minutes)

• Divide students into 5 groups of 5 children. Assign each group 1-2 Haftseen items to create using craft materials.
• Offer guidance but encourage students to decide together how to make their items. For example:
  • Sabzeh: green pipe cleaner grass
  • Samanu: brown cotton balls shaped like a pudding
  • Goldfish: use orange paper and googly eyes
• Groups bring their creations to the large poster board to assemble the Haftseen table.
• Teachers and ECEs facilitate sharing and problem-solving when needed.

5. Closing Circle and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Gather students around the completed Haftseen display.
• Recap key ideas: Nowruz celebrates new beginnings and spring. Different people celebrate in different ways, and that’s special.
• Encourage each group to share one thing they liked making or learning about today.
• Conclude with a simple “Nowruz Mubarak” greeting (means Happy Nowruz) and discuss the excitement of spring.

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Assessment and Documentation

• Observe student participation during story discussion for cultural understanding and respect.
• Note collaboration skills during craft activity: sharing materials, listening to peers, and working cooperatively.
• Collect photographs of the Haftseen table display as a visual record.
• Encourage students to share the display with families to extend learning beyond the class.

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Extensions and Home Connections

• Send a simple note home explaining Nowruz and inviting families to share springtime cultural celebrations.
• Suggest children bring in an object or photo related to their family’s spring traditions for a sharing circle.
• Use the Haftseen table display as part of a spring-themed classroom centre for further exploration.

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Notes for Teachers

• Be mindful of diverse cultural backgrounds in the classroom; approach all traditions with sensitivity and openness.
• Support English Language Learners by pairing verbal explanations with visuals and gestures.
• Encourage students to use descriptive language as they explain their craft items to build vocabulary.

This lesson cultivates empathy, curiosity, and creativity through a meaningful springtime cultural celebration, all within an attainable play-based framework suited for young learners in Ontario.