How to make Diwali paper lanterns with kids

Teaching children about Diwali becomes a bit tricky when you are living outside India. It comes around same time as Halloween. The heavy marketing by shops brings lot of excitement about Halloween. I was and am equally determined to make my child aware of Diwali.

Lanterns, lights, clay diyas, sparklers are all integral part of Diwali celebrations. Making paper lanterns needs colored paper preferably A4 sized and glue/stapler. I used the easiest design of paper lantern. It is the most basic one which gives ample of scissor practice for kids.We made these last year when little Mr. gifted  was 3 years old and scissor practice was much needed. Cutting and folding paper is good for development of fine motor skills.

We had colored A4 size paper so all we had to do was to fold it in the center. I asked my son to make cuts on the fold. The best way is to demonstrate how to make a lantern and then ask to repeat it. I made the first one to show how easy it was. After making slits in the middle, we opened it and made a cylinder shape by fixing the two sides together. The handles were made from strips of paper. He applied glue but it kept coming out. So later I reinforced it with stapler pins.

With the help of a jute string, we made a string of lanterns. One string had 5 lanterns of different colors. We made  such strings. Decorated windows and doors with them. I still have one hanging over his playroom door. 

First image is from Ao. Second picture is of my son taken by me. Please don't use it. 

Diwali decoration- Faux Marigold wreath

Last year sunny boy (3 years old) and I did a lot of Diwali projects together. The aim was to teach my boy about the festival. Festivals are a important part of any culture. I think it's my responsibility as a mom to make sure that he knows about atleast the major festivals in hindu culture, Diwali being on the top of the list. I made a list of activities which makes a child excited about a festival or event. I feel "getting them involved" makes it special. So I made a long list of Diwali projects and this is one of them. 

To make a faux marigold / diwali wreath, we used a plain wreath from a diy shop, orange and yellow colored wool and glue. The color matches the color of marigold flowers. I made the pom poms with this simple technique.

I made them while he was in school. Later in the afternoon, I gave him the pompoms, wreath and glue. I showed him how to glue them on the wreath. Rest he glued himself, I just made sure he covers all the area.

This is a pinterest inspired project.