** NGN News Network
As Diwali approaches, children look forward to a break from school, while parents prepare for the familiar bundle of holiday assignments. Worksheets and projects can quickly occupy days meant for celebration and family time. Can Diwali vacation itself become a child’s most meaningful homework?
Schools have a role. Within a limited school day, teachers balance academics, sports, , reading, writing and other needs with discipline and punctuality.They build knowledge, skills, habits and opportunities for children to work together. Yet a school cannot be expected to shape every aspect of a child’s values. Education is a shared responsibility, and learning begins long before a child enters a classroom.
The family is a child’s first learning environment. In the early years, children absorb language, behaviour, care and ways of relating by watching the people around them. As they grow, family guidance remains important. During adolescence, when identity, emotions and independence are changing, a supportive home environment becomes particularly valuable. Schools support children through these stages, but families and schools need to reinforce one another, not compete for credit or blame.
Diwali offers an opportunity for this partnership. Beyond new clothes, sweets and decorations, children can discover why families celebrate: the stories behind the festival, the significance of light, the triumph of good over evil and the hope of renewal. They can speak with grandparents about changing customs and learn to listen across generations. Such conversations build communication, respect and belonging.
Home can become a living classroom. Involve children in preparing a festival meal or simple recipe. Let them read instructions, measure ingredients, understand proportions and help safely with preparation and cleaning. Cooking is not a task for girls alone; boys and girls alike should learn these life skills. Planning a shopping list and budget brings mathematics into daily life. Reusing decorations and sorting waste encourage environmental responsibility.
Give children a share in family life. They can help younger siblings, assist grandparents, set the table, share household tasks and care for guests. These experiences teach teamwork, consideration and the dignity of every contribution. Respect is practised through listening, speaking kindly and valuing others. Children learn that helping, sharing and caring are responsibilities, not rewards.
For working parents, Diwali vacation can be an opportunity for quality time. It need not mean expensive outings. Cooking together, telling family stories, visiting relatives, playing a board game or talking without screens can create memories. Let children experience the reason for celebration through togetherness, gratitude, generosity and consideration. Protect time for rest, play, reading and doing nothing, too. A holiday should not become another timetable.
Children should take ownership of these experiences. Encourage them to observe, ask questions, try tasks, make mistakes and reflect on what they learnt. Parents can guide without taking over. Schools can offer a few open-ended choices rather than lengthy compulsory worksheets.
When school reopens, teachers can hold a communication circle where children share an experience, discovery or contribution. Teachers can notice cooperation, initiative, respect and responsibility, not to label or rank children, but to encourage growth. These observations can strengthen the classroom as a team. When classmates support children who find academic work difficult, celebrate progress and make room for questions and mistakes, the classroom becomes a safer place to learn. Academic support and emotional security can grow together.
The real test of holiday homework is not what a child submits after vacation, but what the child carries back into school and everyday life.
Education is not simply about what a child knows. It is also about how a child thinks, behaves, respects others and contributes to the world around them. This Diwali, let homework reach beyond the notebook. The satisfaction of discovering an answer is far more valuable than copying ten answers from a textbook.
Durga Deepak
Lead educational consultant
Edubridge consulting
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