Classroom Happenings: Diwali

Junior kindergarteners know that each school day is filled with activities that encourage innovation, play, and exploration. With guidance from teachers Robbin Hataway, Katy Koppanyi, and Amy Harris, our youngest Spartans learn, grow, make friends … and have a lot of fun! They especially love it when invited speakers visit the classroom. 

Janani Ramachandran (mother of Kiaan Freeman ’38) and Neha Shah (mother of Maya Desai ’38) visited the JK classroom recently to talk about Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. This five-day holiday, which falls between October and November, marks the start of the Hindu New Year with lights, special foods, music, and dancing.

Ms. Shah explained that Diwali is “a way to start fresh … and stay positive.” As the children settled in and got cozy on a gray carpet embellished with bold circles, Ms. Shah read “Binny’s Diwali,” a colorfully illustrated book that tells the story of young Binny, who is excited to talk to her classmates about her favorite holiday. As the shy Binny struggles to find the right words to explain Diwali, her teacher reassures her, giving her the confidence to continue. The book explores themes of sharing, acceptance, and cultural differences — themes that Spartans of all ages are encouraged to embrace.  

Diwali, said Ms. Shah, “is a magical time for children. We light dias – little oil lamps – to chase away the darkness … and we eat sweets!”

After Ms. Shah read “Binny’s Diwali,” Ms. Ramachandran explained that music and dancing are some of her favorite ways to celebrate Diwali. “Who’s ready for a dance party?” she asked excitedly. The junior kindergarteners jumped up and began to wiggle and dance to the music Ms. Ramachandran played on a portable speaker she’d brought along.  

Whew! After dancing, the JKers were ready to try a traditional Diwali treat: squares of ground almonds mixed with golden honey. It was a delicious way to end a sweet morning.