Lesson Plan Level II
Diwali - Festival of Lights India
History/Social Science Standard #3 The student knows that there is cultural diversity
History/Social Science Benchmark - Student knows the basic elements of culture
Objective:-Students will recognize that countries and religions have celebrations unique to their culture, beliefs and values.
Background
Deepavali or Diwali
is a Festival of Lights celebrated in India, Thailand, Burma and other
parts of the world where there is a population of Indian origin.
Diwali is celebrated all over India and follows many different myths
and legends relative to that part of the country. The main symbolism
of the festival is the victory of righteousness and the banishment of
spiritual darkness. According to mythology Diwali commemorates Rama’s
return to his kingdom after 14 years of exile and the defeat of the
evil Ravaana. The lights signify the victory of good over evil. It also
honors Lakshmi, the “goddess of wealth” and a renewal of life
as the new sowing season begins.
People wear new clothes and they exchange gifts and sweets. Every home
all over the country is decorated with tiny clay oil lamps, but in cities
tiny electric lights festoon homes. A big part of the celebration is
the lighting of fireworks
Materials Needed:
- Globe or world map
- Multicultural Video
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For this lesson Intellipics software and overlay were used. Intellipics software and overlay will need to be downloaded.
Teaching Strategies
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Show the students on a globe or map where India is located.
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Show video on multicultural celebrations.
- Discuss "Diwali" festival have students compare with Christmas.
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Have students do the Intellipics activity
- Have students verbalize about Diwali celebrations.
Instructions for using Intellipics activities.
If using the Intellikeys alternative keyboard, the Intellipics activity
should be open and active on the screen and the keyboard connected.
Check to see that the activity works before beginning, If it does not,
make sure the overlay has been sent by selecting the File menu and clicking
on "Send Overlay". For best results start by using the mouse
to move the cursor to the first picture item in the column (moon ) click
to see the story. When students activate the activity, it will begin
with the first picture in the sequence. If not using the adaptive keyboard,
you may access this activity using the mouse, however, the cursor will
need to be moved to each picture item individually in turn in order
to read the story in order. After student reads the story have him or
her do the accompanying worksheet to see if the student has comprehended
the material.