Activities for Kids on Gandhi Jayanti: Crafts, Stories, and Games

October 02, 2024 11263

1. Craft Activities for Gandhi Jayanti

Crafts are a great way to get kids involved in the celebrations of Gandhi Jayanti while also encouraging their creativity. Here are some fun and easy Gandhi Jayanti crafts for kids to try at home or in school:

a. Charkha Craft

The charkha (spinning wheel) is a symbol of Gandhi’s Swadeshi Movement. You can help kids create a simple charkha using craft sticks, cardboard, and string. This activity helps them understand Gandhi’s emphasis on self-reliance and simplicity.

How to Make:

Take two craft sticks and cross them to form an "X" shape.
Use a small circle cut out from cardboard as the wheel.
Attach string to mimic the thread of the spinning wheel.
Explain the importance of the charkha in Mahatma Gandhi’s life and the freedom struggle.

b. Gandhi Glasses Craft

Gandhi’s round glasses are iconic. Kids can make a pair of Gandhi glasses using pipe cleaners or wire.

How to Make:

Shape two loops with pipe cleaners to form the lenses.
Attach a pipe cleaner across the top to connect them.
Add a small bridge for the nose.
This simple craft not only sparks creativity but also reminds kids of Gandhi’s humble lifestyle.

c. Gandhi Stick Puppet

Creating a Gandhi stick puppet allows kids to craft their version of Mahatma Gandhi. All they need are popsicle sticks, paper, markers, and glue.

How to Make:

Cut out a small round face for Gandhi.
Draw his features, including his signature round glasses.
Attach the paper face to the popsicle stick, and add a simple cloth robe to resemble Gandhi’s attire.
Use this puppet for storytelling or role-play.

2. Storytelling on Gandhi Jayanti

Storytelling is one of the most impactful ways to introduce children to Mahatma Gandhi’s values of peace, truth, and non-violence. Sharing inspirational stories about Gandhi’s life helps kids understand the significance of Gandhi Jayanti.

a. The Story of the Salt March

The Salt March or Dandi March is one of the most famous movements led by Mahatma Gandhi. Share the story of how Gandhi walked 240 miles to protest against British-imposed taxes on salt, inspiring thousands of people to join the freedom movement.

After telling the story, ask kids:

How do they think Gandhi’s peaceful protest made a difference?
What would they have done if they were part of the march?

b. Gandhi’s Childhood Story

Children love hearing stories about their heroes’ childhood. Share how young Gandhi was once afraid of the dark but overcame his fears through determination and courage. This can encourage kids to face their own fears with bravery and persistence.

c. Gandhi’s Three Monkeys

The story of Gandhi’s three monkeys teaches valuable lessons: “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.” After telling this story, kids can discuss what these principles mean in their daily lives.

You can follow up these stories with role-playing activities where kids can act out the events or create their own skits based on Gandhi’s teachings.

3. Gandhi Jayanti Games for Kids

Games are a great way to reinforce learning while keeping kids entertained. Here are some interactive and educational games for Gandhi Jayanti celebrations:

a. Gandhi Quiz

Organize a simple Gandhi quiz for kids. You can ask questions like:

Who was Mahatma Gandhi?
What is the meaning of non-violence (ahimsa)?
What was the Salt March?

The quiz can be a fun way for kids to test their knowledge about Gandhi’s life and the Indian freedom struggle.

b. Truth and Non-Violence Game

Create a game where kids earn points for demonstrating acts of truthfulness and non-violence throughout the day. For example, kids can receive points for helping others, speaking kindly, or resolving conflicts peacefully. The one who accumulates the most points wins.

This game helps children practice the principles of truth (satya) and non-violence (ahimsa) in their daily lives, just like Gandhi.

c. Gandhi's Footsteps

In this game, kids walk in a straight line with their eyes closed, pretending to follow in Gandhi’s footsteps. Another player can give them gentle guidance (like Gandhi guiding the nation) to help them stay on the path. This game teaches kids about leadership, trust, and the importance of following the right path.

4. Songs and Poems for Gandhi Jayanti

Music and poetry are beautiful ways to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti. You can teach kids simple songs like “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram,” one of Gandhi’s favorite bhajans (devotional songs), or recite poems about Mahatma Gandhi.

a. Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram

Teach the children this peaceful song and explain its significance to Gandhi’s life and his devotion to simplicity and non-violence.

b. Gandhi Jayanti Poems

Children can either write their own poems or recite famous ones dedicated to Gandhi. This can be a fun and creative way for them to express their thoughts on Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy.

Conclusion

Gandhi Jayanti activities for kids are not only fun but also educational, allowing children to learn about the values of truth, non-violence, and simplicity that Mahatma Gandhi stood for. From crafting charkhas and round glasses to engaging in storytelling and games, these activities will keep kids entertained while instilling important life lessons.

This Gandhi Jayanti, encourage children to celebrate the day by participating in these creative and meaningful activities. By doing so, they will gain a deeper understanding of Mahatma Gandhi’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle and his timeless values that continue to inspire generations.