I thought it would be fun to create some holiday sets for holidays that I don't personally celebrate. (I was right--it WAS fun, and wow, I learned a lot while doing research for these sets.) I'm so happy to be able to share these, as I think it's so important to expose kids to various cultures, and to share in celebrations with the kids who DO celebrate holidays outside of my own experience :)
I focus holiday sets on the parts of holidays that kids understand, so the concepts are about simple traditions vs. religious themes.
I also want them to be usable both as storytime sets-- where the adult is using the set pieces as props to support a rhyme, song or story--and as play sets for the kids--where the kids are re-enacting traditions, songs, and stories that they've learned about.
So up first is Diwali. I made up some super simple songs to go with the set--Diwali vocabulary and concepts are sprinkled within, and the tunes are familiar so everyone will have an easy time joining in.
It’s Diwali! ©Wendy Gerbi
to the tune of Frere Jacques
It’s Diwali, it’s Diwali,
The Festival of Lights, the Festival of Lights!
Light the paper lanterns, light the paper lanterns,
They shine so bright, they shine so bright!
It’s Diwali, it’s Diwali,
The Festival of Lights, the Festival of Lights!
Decorate with flowers, decorate with flowers,
Colorful and bright, colorful and bright!
It’s Diwali, it’s Diwali,
The Festival of Lights, the Festival of Lights!
Make rangoli patterns, make rangoli patterns,
Such a lovely sight, such a lovely sight!
It’s Diwali, it’s Diwali,
The Festival of Lights, the Festival of Lights!
Watch the pretty fireworks, watch the pretty fireworks,
So bright at night, so bright at night!
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