Grade 2 Students Create Diwali Diyas in the Upper School Art Studio

The Grade 2 students had an exciting opportunity to visit the Upper School Art Studio to make clay diyas—traditional oil lamps used during the Hindu festival of Diwali. Guided by SJK's Upper School Visual Arts Teacher, Ms. Paleczny, and with the help of two Upper School students, Nyle and Coco, students learned how to shape and design their own diyas using clay and textured wooden sculpting tools.

This hands-on experience connected perfectly to the Grade 2 inquiry unit Who We Are, where students are exploring traditions and celebrations from around the world. As they created their diyas, students learned that Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights, a time for families to celebrate new beginnings, light lamps to symbolize hope, and share kindness and joy.

The visit not only encouraged creativity and fine motor skills but also deepened students’ understanding of how people express their beliefs and values through cultural traditions. The Grade 2s were so proud of their diyas and are looking forward to taking them home once they get fired in the kiln, as a reminder of the beauty of learning through shared experiences.