We had so much fun in our last unit about France, but we were ready to move on to new activities with our India unit!
A few of the highlights from our France unit included creating our own 3D Eiffel Tower, playing a France matching game, make water lilies, and eating crepes (yum!).
And now we’re off to India!
These India crafts and activities are perfect for providing preschool or elementary age students with an introduction to this diverse and beautiful country. My boys couldn’t wait to begin!
Introduction to India
Find it on the map
First off, we found India on the map. We used this world map that I found on Amazon. It’s placemat sized and laminated, so it is perfect for teaching children about countries of the world.
India Preschool Activities
Up first are some fun activities from our India Activity Bundle. Included in the bundle is an India Matching Game, an India I Spy, and an India flag craft.
Matching Game
As a way to introduce some of the national symbols of the country, we played an India matching game.
Not only did my son have a blast matching all of the cards, but we were able to have a great discussion about the images on the card and their significance in India.
Right now you can get the India matching game as a freebie, so be sure to grab your copy!
India I Spy
This India I Spy game is another fun way for kids to learn to about India as they count how many times they can find each picture.
The printable comes with two versions, an easier version (using numbers 1 through 5) and a harder version (using numbers 6 through 10).
Make the flag of India
Next, your child can make their own miniature version of the flag of India!
Just print out our India flag printable, let you child color it, cut it out, and glue it around a popsicle stick or bamboo skewer (sharp tip removed).
Then your child can enjoy their own cute little flag!
Crafts
Mandala watercolor glue art craft for kids
If you’re looking for a fun activity for a crafty kid, look no further than this mandala glue-resist watercolor craft!
Mandalas hold cultural and spiritual significance in India, often used as intricate geometric designs to represent wholeness, unity, and balance.
They serve as tools for meditation, self-discovery, and spiritual expression, with their symmetrical patterns reflecting the harmony and interconnectedness of life in various Indian traditions.
Tissue paper peacock craft
Given that the peacock is the national bird of India, it seemed fitting to include a peacock craft.
This tissue paper peacock turns out absolutely adorable and it’s so fun for kids to make!
Just download our free printable and use tissue paper to decorate your peacock.
Lotus Flower Craft
This lotus flower craft is a beautiful and simple project that kids will love.
The lotus flower is the national flower of India and holds special significance in Indian culture, symbolizing purity and beauty.
Using a free printable template and a paper plate for the leaf, children can create their own lotus flower while learning about its importance in India.
It’s a perfect addition to any India-themed craft and activity collection!
Tiger Paper Plate Craft
And while we’re talking about national symbols, the Bengal tiger is the national animal of India. And with this craft, you can make your own adorable paper plate tiger!
The tiger is a revered symbol in Indian culture, often associated with strength, power, and resilience.
Salt Dough Diya Lamps
As a fun, hands-on craft we decided to make salt dough diya lamps. These are super easy to make and lots of fun for little kiddos to shape and paint!
This is an activity from Learning and Exploring Through Play and you can find the instructions here.
Traditionally diyas, small earthen lanterns, are lit during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. The five-day festival celebrates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.
These lamps couldn’t be simpler to make. All you need to make the dough is flour, salt, and water.
My three year old had a lot of fun playing with the dough and forming it into the lanterns (with a little help from me to get the shape right).
Once they were the shape we wanted, we put them on a cookie sheet and popped them in the oven!
Once they were out of the oven, we set them aside to let them cool. The next day my son had fun painting his lamps!
Kids Books About India
Binny’s Diwali– Binny’s Diwali is a delightful children’s book that follows Binny as she prepares for and celebrates the Festival of Lights, Diwali. This book not only captures the excitement of the festive season but also introduces young readers to the cultural significance and traditions associated with Diwali.
Same, Same, But Different– This is heartwarming children’s book that explores the concept of friendship and cultural differences through the correspondence between two pen pals, one in India and one in the US. With charming illustrations and a relatable narrative, the book emphasizes that, despite their unique backgrounds, the two friends discover many similarities that connect them.
Festival of Colors– Festival of Colors is a vibrant and culturally rich children’s book that immerses young readers in the joyous celebration of Holi, the Hindu festival of colors. Through lively illustrations and engaging storytelling, the book captures the spirit of this colorful festival, fostering an appreciation for diversity and cultural traditions.
Food
For our India-inspired preschool snack, we made Almond Coconut Laddoo, which is a sweet that originates from India. We used this recipe to make our treats. They were easy to make and I had all the ingredients on hand! My boys loved them, especially my 18-month-old.
Wrap Up
It was so fun to have these various activities to help us learn more about India. We ended our India preschool unit by putting our flag sticker into the passport as the passport stamp!
Other cultural preschool units:
Philippines Crafts and Activities for Kids
France Crafts and Activities for Kids
USA Crafts and Activities for Kids (Perfect for Fourth of July!)
England Crafts and Activities for Kids
Japan Crafts and Activities for Kids
Uganda Cultural Activities for Young Kids- Crafts, Games, and More!
Mexico Crafts and Activities for Kids
Ireland Crafts and Activities for Kids (Awesome St. Patrick’s Day Activities!)
Wonderful ideas just what I was looking for. Need to keep my kid busy in lockdown!
I know what you mean, the struggle is real! Hopefully some of these activities will help. 🙂