Diwali Discussion Prompts and Pause Points

Before the Movie

How does religion influence holidays or festivals? (Tap prior knowledge; Predict)

What do you hope to learn about Diwali? (Set goals)

During the Movie (Pause Points)

Stop at the following times in the movie and ask questions or prompt a discussion to keep students focused and to assess their understanding before moving on:

Timecode 2:02: What does Diwali mean for Hindus? (Recall)

Timecode 2:52: What is the story of King Rama? Why is it important to Diwali? (Summarize; Make connections)

Timecode 3:44: What are some traditions and customs of Diwali? (Recall; Identify details)

After the Movie

Look at the four related movies at the bottom of the page. Explain how each is connected to the Diwali topic. (Make connections)

Why are customs and traditions different for groups of people on the same holiday? (Apply new knowledge; Reflect)

BrainPOP recommends reading  the movie description that appears on the Diwali Topic Page to your class or have students read independently. Then have them watch the movie once through without pausing. Then, watch it again as class, this time using the discussion prompts.

*BrainPOP’s Discussion Questions and Prompts align to CCSS Speaking and Listening Standards.