Year 3 were transported across the world to the rich and colourful country of India. They enjoyed learning Hindi, Bollywood dancing, and how to be a mehindi artist. They tasted the delightful morsels of some traditional food and drink and made their own ‘diya’ – a terracotta pot for a tea light.
The day began with a visit from Orion, a Year 6 pupil, who gave his teaching debut on how to count to 10 in Hindi. He was a hard act to follow but Poonam, his mother, gave an enlightening talk afterward all about Indian clothes worn in different parts of the country, clothes worn traditionally at weddings and festivals and the significance of jewellery and other accessories. Our form captains and deputies were delighted to have the opportunity to wear some beautiful Indian clothes and Poonam showed some of the incredible five and a half metre saris and beautiful outfits she had brought in.
Questions came fast and there was much energy and enthusiasm from the crowd.
Poonam said: "I have to say I loved their enthusiasm, their spot on behaviour and the respect I saw in their questions and the way they all spoke to me. It was an absolute honour to come and speak to the children."
There was a display table filled with fascinating artefacts and clothes brought in by many children, who each told us a little about their contributions, with a bit of extra help from our lovely Year 6 pupil Orion.
Soon after, everyone was on their feet learning a Bollywood dance routine, led by the Year 3 teachers. The children were surprised how tiring it was! Creative skills next as the children designed intricate mehindi patterns and even had their pen henna tattoo - a highlight for many!
Refreshed by a mango lassi, the children carved out their own diya in the art rooms, which is a small pot to hold a candle. Next week, they will paint them.
Mrs Pitman said: “It was a wonderful day with a such variety of rich learning opportunities”
