Happy Diwali!

Today in art, Amanda showed us our "fired" animal sculptures. Unlike the last time we were here, the clay sculptures were not squishy. This time our clay animals were dry and hard, and friends could not remold them since they were fired in the kiln. 

Amanda explained that we would painting our animals with glaze. First, friends painted the main color of their animals. Then, using smaller brushes, friends painted the details of their animals. To help friends remember to not use a lot of paint, especially for the details, Amanda taught us the saying "Dab, a dab, a doodle." Amanda also reminded the Sparrows to press their brushes gently into the cracks and grooves on their sculptures to fill it all in.

After the brief demo, friends went to their assigned tables and got to work. Amanda set out brushes and specific paint colors for each Sparrow, along with the picture of their animal.

We had several visitors to our classroom late this morning. Asha's grandmother, Krishna, mom, Neha, dad, Ritesh, and little sister, Savi. Asha's family joined us to share a family holiday tradition that they celebrate, Diwali.

Krishna began with sharing the story of Diwali and how the festival came about. Below is a brief synopsis of what she shared.

A long, long time ago in India there were kings. There was a king who was not very kind. One day, another king came who was kind and wanted everybody to be happy. The kind king prevailed and people made lamps to celebrate. When it was evening time, people would light the lamps, which would help to light the night. The queen said whoever has the lamps in their house, she will bring food and money to. So, everybody made and lit their lamps! Now, every year, everybody joins in the celebration of Diwali to honor the tradition and happy festival.

When Krishna was little and growing up in India, they would make a drawing outside their house, and put some powder on it and light it up. People would go around visiting other peoples homes to see their designs. To wish someone well during this time, you can say "Happy Diwali." The day after Diwali is New Years. Neha taught us how to wish someone a happy new year by saying "Saal Mubaarak."

Following the discussion, friends had the chance to make their own diya. Using gold plates, blue and orange paper, glitter glue, glue sticks and scissors, the Sparrows took part in the tradition and fun. Friends also worked on coloring pages. 

Make sure to pick up your Sparrows diya! It is on top of their cubby!

Ask your Sparrow was a diya is.

Thank you so much to Krishna, Neha, Ritesh, Savi and Asha. We had a wonderful time hearing about Diwali, learning about the festival, taking part in the craft, and getting to spend time together.

Happy Diwali!