Our Celebrations topic for Reception covers celebratory events from your own community and the wider world. Discover the special dates in Autumn Term that you can make extra-special and educational for your class!
This varied and diverse topic is designed to run through the school year, encouraging us to learn about similarities and differences between people and communities whilst covering early learning goals from across art & design, dance, drama, English, RE and maths, all through immersive learning experiences.
Autumn Term
Many autumn holidays focus on the moon or other sources of light, or on harvest themes. Reflect on the symbolism of light whilst learning about the traditions of different faiths.
Tsukimi: Japanese Full Moon Festival - 15th of the 8th lunar month
21 September 2021 Learn about traditional Japanese foods and try Taro, a Japanese bread. Learn about the Japanese harvest festival and sketch still-life drawings with charcoal.
Sukkot - begins on the 15th of Tishrei (late September or October)
Starts 20 September 2021
The Jewish harvest festival celebrates the fruits of the land which are enjoyed in a temporary outdoor shelter.
Harvest Festival - Sunday nearest the full moon closest to 22 September
23 September 2021
Hear about the harvest experiences of Puddles the cat, and use potatoes and leaves to make harvest prints. Celebrate with a harvest vegetable soup.
Rosh Hashanah - Jewish new year on 1st of Tishrei (September)
Starts 6 September 2021
Eat apples and honey to symbolise the sweetness of the Jewish new year, and read all about Sammy's first Rosh Hashanah.
Diwali - new moon in Kartika (mid-October to mid-November)
Starts 4 November 2021
Learn the Hindu story of Rama and Sita through the song 'There was a Princess Long Ago'. Make Rangoli patterns and create beautiful Diva lights.
Guru Nanak's Birthday - full Moon of Katik (around November)
19 November 2021
Discover who Guru Nanak is and why he is special for Sikhs. Jump into a Gurdwara and find out what happens there.
New York Thanksgiving Parade - fourth Thursday of November
25 November 2021
Look across the ocean to the New York Thanksgiving Parade, highlight of the harvest festival in the USA. Create a marching dance and enjoy a spectacular class parade!
Hanukkah - starts on the 25th day of Kislev (late November or December)
Starts 28 November 2021
Listen to the Jewish story of Hanukkah, make and eat potato latkes and investigate ritual objects.
Christmas
25th December 2021
Talk about the birth of Jesus, special to all Christians, create Nativity scenes, retell the Christmas story and share messages of peace.
