Artistic Expression: Diva Lamps

Overview

In this 45-minute lesson, Year 4 students will deepen their understanding of Hinduism by exploring the symbolism of light during Diwali. Through practical art activities, they will create their own diva lamps using clay and paint, reflecting Hindu cultural and religious beliefs. Students will then share their designs and explain the meanings behind their creations, linking art and religious education.

National Curriculum References

Religious Education (KS2) – From the Locally Agreed Syllabus and Religious Education framework for England:

Pupils should be taught to:
- “Identify and explore the significance of symbols, stories and beliefs within Hinduism.”
- “Make connections between beliefs and behaviour and explain how religious ideas are expressed in different ways.”

Art and Design (KS2):

“Develop techniques, including painting and sculpting with clay.”
“Use a range of materials creatively to design and make products.”

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will:

Understand the significance of light and diva lamps in Hindu Diwali celebrations.
Develop skills in shaping and painting clay to create diva lamps.
Express meaning through art by explaining the symbolism represented in their designs.

Success Criteria

Students will:

Construct and decorate a clay diva lamp.
Use appropriate colours and designs inspired by Diwali themes.
Articulate the symbolic significance of light and diva lamps in Hindu tradition to a partner or group.

Resources

Air-dry clay (enough for 30 students)
Paints (reds, golds, yellows, blues – traditional Diwali colours)
Paintbrushes, water pots, aprons
Examples/images of traditional diva lamps
Word bank of key vocabulary (light, Diwali, symbol, goddess Lakshmi, festival, hope, good over evil)
Paper towels and plastic mats

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Recap (7 minutes)

Begin with a brief recap of the previous lesson on Hindu beliefs about Diwali and the significance of light.
Show images of diva lamps and ask: “What do you notice about these lamps? Why might light be so important during Diwali?”
Highlight how lamps symbolise hope, purity, and the victory of good over evil.
Key vocabulary introduced/reviewed: diva lamp, light, Diwali, goddess Lakshmi, symbol.

2. Demonstration (5 minutes)

Model how to take a small piece of clay, shape a simple shallow bowl with a pointed end to hold oil or a candle – a traditional diva lamp shape.
Demonstrate smoothing and shaping techniques.
Show basic painting techniques using traditional Diwali colours and patterns (dots, lines, symmetrical designs).
Encourage creativity but remind them to keep the symbolic meaning in mind.

3. Practical Activity – Create and Paint Diva Lamps (25 minutes)

Distribute clay and tools to students.
Circulate and support shaping, encouraging students to think carefully about the design and colours they choose.
Once shaped, students paint their lamps using the themed colours and patterns.
While painting, encourage discussions about what their design represents and how it connects to Diwali’s meaning.

4. Sharing and Reflection (7 minutes)

Students pair up or form small groups to discuss their finished diva lamps.
Using sentence starters (e.g. “My lamp uses… colours because…” / “The light from the diva means…”), pupils explain the symbolism in their design.
Select 3-4 students to share their reflections with the whole class.
Recap the symbolism of the diva lamp and its role in Hinduism, reinforcing the cultural and religious significance.

Assessment

Formative: Teacher observes practical work, noting ability to follow shaping and painting techniques and engagement in discussions about symbolism.
Summative: Students verbally express the meaning behind their diva lamp using key vocabulary, demonstrating understanding of the religious significance.

Differentiation

Support: Provide pre-shaped clay bases to students who need fine motor support; use visual symbols to assist verbal explanation.
Challenge: Encourage more detailed decoration or inclusion of elaborate Hindu symbols (like lotus or Om) for students who finish early or want to extend their learning.

Cross-Curricular Links

Art and Design: Develop fine motor skills in sculpting and painting; understand cultural motifs.
PSHE: Explore concepts of hope, light overcoming darkness, and respect for traditions.
English: Use of religious vocabulary in speaking and listening.

Thought-Provoking Extension Idea

Invite students to create a short, illustrated poem or acrostic around the word “LIGHT” that captures the symbolic meaning of the diva lamp and Diwali celebration, to accompany their clay artwork in the classroom display.

This lesson plan ensures alignment with the National Curriculum for Religious Education in England and encourages a rich, creative exploration of Hindu traditions through artistic expression.

Teaching Instructions