Exploring Diwali Beliefs

Overview

A 60-minute lesson designed for Year 3 students (ages 7-8) to understand the main beliefs and customs of Diwali, aligned with the National Curriculum for England's Religious Education framework. The lesson incorporates interactive, sensory, and reflective activities to engage all learners and deepen understanding of this important Hindu festival.

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National Curriculum Links

Religious Education (Religious Education Program of Study):

• Key Stage 2, Year 3:

  • Pupils should be taught to:
    • "Describe and understand links between stories and other aspects of the communities in which they spring up."
    • "Recognise and understand the impact of religion on people’s lives, locally, nationally and globally."
    • "Ask significant questions about religion and beliefs."
    • "Retell and suggest meanings for religious stories, recognising that different people may interpret them in different ways."
    • "Identify some ways in which people show their beliefs, and begin to use specialist vocabulary."

• Understanding Christianity resource (example of exemplary RE curriculum resource):

  • Develops understanding of key festivals and their significance.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

1. Knowledge: Describe the main beliefs associated with Diwali, including its significance of good over evil and light over darkness.
2. Understanding: Explain key customs and practices observed during Diwali (lighting lamps, sharing sweets, wearing new clothes).
3. Skills: Use religious vocabulary such as Diwali, Lakshmi, puja, diya, and rangoli correctly.
4. Reflection: Express their own thoughts about the meaning of light and new beginnings.

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Resources

• Storybook or video summarising the Diwali story (The story of Rama and Sita or Goddess Lakshmi) – simplified for Year 3
• Images or real examples of Diwali symbols (diyas, rangoli patterns, sweets)
• Art materials: coloured sand, crayons, glue, paper for rangoli patterns
• Small LED tealight candles (battery operated) for safety
• Whiteboard and markers
• Worksheet for vocabulary matching and reflection questions

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter (10 minutes)

• Begin by asking: "Can anyone tell me what a festival is? Can you name any festivals you know?"
• Introduce Diwali as the festival of light celebrated by many Hindus. Show pictures of Diwali celebrations and ask: "What do you see in these pictures?"
• Introduce key vocabulary on the board: Diwali, light, good, evil, goddess Lakshmi, diya, rangoli, puja.

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2. Main Teaching (15 minutes)

• Storytelling: Read or show the simplified Diwali story (focus on Rama and Sita’s return or the worship of Lakshmi). Use expressive voices and images to capture attention.
• Emphasise the main beliefs:
  • Light over darkness
  • Good over evil
  • Importance of family, new beginnings and prosperity
• Discuss briefly why Hindus light diyas and decorate homes.

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3. Activity 1 – Exploration and Discussion (15 minutes)

• Handling and Observing: Pass around diya lamps, pictures of rangoli patterns, and sweets. Let children observe and describe what they see and feel.
• Think-Pair-Share: In pairs, pupils discuss why they think light is important in this festival and what it might symbolise for people. Share some responses with the class.

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4. Activity 2 – Rangoli Art (15 minutes)

• Pupils create their own rangoli patterns on paper using coloured sand, crayons or cut-out shapes, inspired by traditional designs.
• Encourage creativity and explain that rangoli is a way families welcome Lakshmi and celebrate.
• While working, revisit vocabulary by asking, "What is this pattern called? What does the light from the diyas mean?"

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5. Plenary and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Support pupils to complete a short worksheet with:
  • Matching Diwali vocabulary words to their meanings or pictures.
  • A simple reflection question: "What does the festival of Diwali teach us about light and goodness?"
• Invite 2-3 children to share their answers aloud.
• End by turning on the LED tealight candles on a table and invite pupils to silently think about celebrating light in their own lives.

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Assessment

• Formative: Observe participation in discussions and paired talk for understanding.
• Summative: Review the completed vocabulary and reflection worksheet to assess knowledge and personal engagement.
• Use questioning throughout to check understanding of key concepts and vocabulary.

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Differentiation

• Support: Provide vocabulary cards with pictures for children needing extra help. Work in small guided groups if needed during art activity.
• Challenge: Encourage more able pupils to explain the symbolic meanings of Diwali in their own words or research an additional custom from Diwali celebrations.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• Art: Rangoli design and creation practice pattern and symmetry.
• Literacy: Storytelling and new vocabulary acquisition.
• PSHE: Reflecting on good values and new beginnings.

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This lesson offers an immersive and thoughtful introduction to Diwali that meets the expectations of the National Curriculum for England, engages Year 3 learners creatively, and leaves them with both knowledge and empathy for another culture’s beliefs and customs.