Binny's Diwali
What’s inside...
Binny wakes up both happy and nervous as it is her day to share about Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with her class. Although initially struggling to find the words, Binny courageously describes the fireworks that resemble stars in the night sky and shares delicious traditional sweets like pedas and jalebis. She also shows her classmates clay lamps called diyas, captivating everyone with their beauty. The story, written by Thrity Umrigar and illustrated by Nidhi Chanani, provides an intimate look into the Hindu festival and its significance, making it a delightful read for the holiday season.
Age
4-8
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Binny
Discussion points
How do you think Binny felt when she was sharing her Diwali traditions with her classmates?
Why is it important to share and learn about different cultures and traditions?
What was your favorite part of the Diwali celebration in the book and why?
How did the illustrations help you understand the story and the celebration of Diwali?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they already know about Diwali to gauge their prior knowledge and build on it.
As you read, point out the expressions on characters’ faces and ask your child how they think the characters are feeling at various points in the story.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite Diwali scene from the book, describing why they chose it.
Discuss the importance of cultural diversity and how learning about others' traditions can enrich our own lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: Binny's excitement about sharing her culture during a class presentation on Diwali educates her peers about the festival. The book beautifully illustrates the rituals, customs, and spirit of Diwali, fostering respect and understanding for cultural diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate the rich tapestry of global cultures, nurturing empathy and inclusivity from a young age.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Shyness
Explanation: Initially, Binny feels nervous about presenting her Diwali story in front of her classmates, showing children that it’s okay to feel anxious about public speaking. Throughout the book, Binny’s confidence grows, demonstrating resilience and personal growth.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their fears of public speaking and share their unique stories, reinforcing self-confidence and communication skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of Traditions
Explanation: The story highlights the significance of Diwali traditions such as lighting lamps, creating rangolis, and telling stories, which Binny shares with her classmates. This teaches the importance of preserving and respecting one's traditions and heritage.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of maintaining their family traditions and the role they play in identity and bonding within their community.
Example Lesson: Joy of Sharing
Explanation: Binny's joy in sharing her culture and traditions with her friends is a central theme. It shows how sharing one's culture can lead to greater understanding and friendship among diverse groups.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in recognizing that sharing personal experiences and customs can forge friendships and build bridges between diverse communities.
Example Lesson: Learning from Stories
Explanation: Through Binny’s story of Diwali, her classmates learn not just about the festival, but about bravery, good triumphing over evil, and the start of a new year. The narrative power of stories to educate and inspire is clearly showcased.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to delve into stories from various cultures as a means of learning new concepts and values, enhancing their knowledge and understanding of the world.