Overview of resources in the Diwali Assembly Pack (4-7)
This R.E. pack contains materials for younger children that are based on the traditions and practices of the Diwali celebration, together
with the story of the ‘first Diwali’. The book also mentions the Sikh festival of Bandi Chhor Diwas (‘Prisoner Release Day’ or ‘Liberation
Day’) - which takes place at the same time as Diwali. The festivals are held for different reasons, although ‘light’ is a focus for both
celebrations. (A further document tells the story of the Sikh celebration of Bandi Chhor Diwas.)
The lead interactive is an information book on Diwali and Bandi Chhor, with a simple text and full audio support – ‘Reading Level A’
(suitable for younger children). The information is also provided in a printable document format, with a comprehension quiz.
We’ve also added a tool to create Rangoli patterns – which can then be printed off and coloured in. Alternatively there are grid templates
for pupils to create their own Diwali Rangoli patterns away from the computer.
Narrative: An interactive storybook and sequencing activities are supported by a range of printables that can be used to further pupils'
knowledge and understanding. The story of Rama and Sita is an ancient tale that explains some of the traditions of Diwali – we have
provided a colourful interactive storybook, with a simple text and full audio support – suitable for younger children (Level A).
Related interactives, such as the Sequencer, Character Spotlight and Scene Maker activities, enable pupils to retell the story in their own
words and focus on certain characters or scenes. A writing frame (with images) and vocabulary mat are also included.
Non-fiction resources:
About Diwali and Bandi Chhor (Reading Level A) – Information Book (IWB)
This interactive book provides pupils with basic information about the festivals of Diwali and Bandi
Chhor, including origins, the importance of light, customs and traditions. The book’s text is simplywritten, ideal for KS1, lower KS2 or SEN pupils. Press the speaker icon on each page for audio
support.
About Diwali and Bandi Chhor – Text, Images and Quiz (Word doc)
This document includes text from the interactive book (above) as an alternative format for pupils. At
the end of each document is a comprehension quiz to assess pupils’ understanding, with one
question for each page.
Diwali and Bandi Chhor – Assembly Script and Images (Word doc and PPT)
A complete presentation for a primary assembly on Diwali, with images, script and questions.
Bandi Chhor Diwas (Word doc)
This document has more detailed information about the origins of the Sikh festival, held at the same
time as Diwali, that honours the Sixth Guru, Har Gobind.
Diwali and Bandi Chhor - Interactive Writing Template (IWB)
After reading the information books, pupils could carry out further research on a chosen aspect of the
Indian festivals. This template is ideal for producing an information text – choose layout, headings,
images and captions. Add labels to highlight parts of the text. Pupils’ work can be printed off (or
saved and edited at a later date – NB re-open existing files from within the program).
Overview of resources in the Diwali Assembly Pack (4-7)
Diwali and Bandi Chhor – Images and Captions (Word doc)
This document includes images from the Diwali book, with captions to match to each picture, plus a
simple writing template.
Diwali Vocabulary Mat (PDF)
Key words relating to Diwali to help children write about the festival.
Narrative resources:
The Story of Rama and Sita – Reading Level A (IWB)
The ancient story of Rama and Sita is pivotal to Diwali celebrations – here we retell the story simply,
with beautiful illustrations, in a digital format suitable for sharing at the IWB. Each page has full audio
support. Supporting materials (below) are available to extend learning and understanding.
Rama and Sita - Text and Comprehension Quiz (Word Doc)
The full story, in a document format, with illustrations. At the end is an optional comprehension quiz
to test pupils’ understanding of the story events.
Also available is the Rama and Sita Writing Frame (Word Doc) - with images only, plus space for
pupils to write their own story versions.
Rama and Sita - Sequence and Retell (IWB)
This interactive sequencer has scenes from the story of Rama and Sita, with captions (text and
audio). Ask pupils to put them into order on the timeline to check their understanding of the story.
Once in place, pupils can write their own text next to each scene, to retell the tale in their own words.
Ideal to work with the whole class as a quick recap of the events, or for pairs of pupils working
together at the computer.
Rama and Sita - Sequence Scenes (Word Doc)
A word document to support the above IWB activity. Use flexibly for sequencing, matching, caption
writing; or for a ‘retell in your own words’ writing task.
Rama and Sita – Story Scenes (IWB)
With this activity, pupils can focus on particular scenes from the story, choosing background,
characters and props. Retell the story or print off as part of a Diwali display. Please note: we are
currently improving and republishing some of our resources. This activity has images that are not
exactly the same as in our interactive book – but the story remains the same!
Overview of resources in the Diwali Assembly Pack (4-7)
Rama and Sita – Character Focus (IWB)
Deepen pupils’ understanding of the story behind Diwali by focusing on the characters involved in the
story. Please note: we are currently republishing some of our resources. This activity has images that
are not exactly the same as in our interactive book – but the story remains the same!
Rama and Sita – Characters and Vocabulary (Word doc)
To help younger or SEN children and to encourage role play and retelling, this document has images
of the four main characters in the Diwali Story: Rama, Sita, Hanuman and Ravana. Also included are
a golden deer and four monkeys. The last page has vocabulary from the story as a reference for
pupils. Cut out the characters (and attach to sticks) to make puppets for shows or small world play;
or to visually support writing tasks. Please note: we are currently republishing some of our resources.
This activity has images that are not exactly the same as in our interactive book.
Rama and Sita Vocabulary Mat (PDF)
Key words from the story to help children write their own versions of the tale.
Other resources:
My Thoughts, Opinions and Knowledge (IWB)
This resource can be used when you would like pupils to state their thoughts or opinions on any
subject. Used in the context of this topic, it works well as a way to capture pupils’ current knowledge,
together with what they would like to find out. The text frames automatically shrink the font as a pupil
types more text - so the resource is suitable for simple statements or longer explanations. Text
frames can be presented as captions, speech bubbles or thought bubbles.
Symmetrical Patterns - Rangoli Tool (IWB)
Ideal for looking at reflective symmetry. Create part of a pattern within one section, then watch as the
other parts reflect the first section, creating the whole pattern. Design a pattern at the computer, then
print off for colouring-in as a symmetry exercise. [NB: this interactive was originally designed for
older children – but we thought it may be a useful tool for teachers to create patterns to print off for
pupils, or to use in a 1:1 situation with support for the pupil.]
Rangoli Grids (Word doc)
Rangoli decorations are important traditional features of Hindu celebrations. Introduced in the About
Diwali book, here pupils can explore these beautiful patterns by creating their own versions. Using
the interactive Rangoli Maker as a stimulus, ask pupils to create their own patterns (optionally
symmetrical). The dotted grid helps pupils draw repeated shapes and patterns, by drawing lines
between the dots. The second page has vertical and horizontal lines of symmetry drawn on as a
scaffold. The third page has a smaller grid for simpler patterns.