KS2 RE Diwali 7 Lesson Unit

Introducing our Year 3/4 Religious Education unit on Diwali! Over the course of six enlightening lessons, your students will explore the key elements of this Hindu festival and its role in fostering a sense of belonging among its observers.

The primary learning objective is: How does the celebration of Diwali contribute to the sense of belonging in the Hindu community?

Our areas of inquiry include AT1 Strands A, B, C, and AT2 Strands D, E, F, with a particular emphasis on the theme of ‘Belonging’.

The teaching and learning activities are divided into two steps:

Step 1: Engagement (2 lessons) - AT2 §
We start by engaging students in a group challenge. Each group will form an identity around a belief they unite on, such as ensuring all dogs have good homes. They’ll create a group name, identity, logo, and the three most important actions for their cause. Through this activity, we aim to help students understand the concept of belonging driven by shared beliefs and missions. We’ll discuss questions like: How do shared missions foster a sense of belonging? How would you celebrate your achievements? What feelings arise from contributing positively to the world?

Step 2: Investigation (3 lessons) - AT1
We dive deeper into the story of Rama and Sita, highlighting the theme of Good vs Evil. We’ll explain how this victory of good over evil is celebrated during Diwali, reflecting Hindus’ commitment to spreading goodness. Students will watch a DVD extract or online clip showcasing Diwali celebrations, including the worship of the goddess Lakshmi for prosperity.

We’ll explore how celebrations like Diwali enhance the sense of belonging among participants. Students will understand the significance of various Diwali practices through hands-on activities like creating Rangoli patterns, diva lamps, making sweets, and more.

We’ll discuss how these activities, often carried out with family and community members, foster a sense of belonging. We’ll also consider inviting a Hindu guest to provide first-hand insight into the religious significance of these practices.

Our aim is to help students grasp how shared activities and beliefs during Diwali contribute to a strong sense of belonging in the Hindu community.