Binny's Diwali is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
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SUMMARY
"Binny's Diwali" by Thrity Umrigar is a heartwarming children's book that explores the joy of celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights. The story follows Binny, a young girl who is chosen to share about Diwali to her class because they are learning about different celebrations. Binny is excited to share her knowledge and experiences but once she gets infront of her class she gets shy and scared to talk. With encouragement and positive words from her teacher, Binny gains confidence and remembers all the wonderful things her mom taught her about the festival of lights. She shares stories, explains the special day, and even shares yummy Diwali treats! Through vibrant illustrations and a touching narrative, Umrigar's book showcases the power of love and community during Diwali, reminding readers of the significance of togetherness and embracing one's heritage.
 USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Have students practice their questioning skills as you read the book.
- Discuss the different characters in the story and analyze their thoughts and actions.
- Encourage students to use their summarizing and retelling strategies.
- Help students to analyze what the author’s purpose for writing the book might be.
- Find examples of antonyms in the book.
- Practice identifying the base of a word.
- Lead a class discussion on the importance of individuality.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30Â writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- Holi Hai! by Chitra Soundar
- Festival of Colors by Surishtha and Sehhgal
- The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
- The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates
- Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
