May 23 Seduwatte: Design a Thorana (Vesak Pandol)

Assigned teachers: May 23, Seduwatte: Suren, Piyumika

Duration: 2 hours

Team Formation: 2-3 big groups of 6-10 kids

Introduction

When we see Thorana’s (Vesak Pandol) we are reminded of how creative and joyful people can be! Today we’re designing our own thorna. You’ll be working in LARGE groups, sharing one paper. There’s no right or wrong way to draw—just add shapes, and patterns, and maybe even a story. You can talk, share, and build on what your group is doing. for inspiration, look at some Thorana pictures that have been there before. How would yours be as exciting?

When you look at these photos, what do you notice about the shapes and colors? (symmetry)

Drawing Guidelines:

Everyone gathers closely around the paper.

  1. fold the paper in half

  2. The teacher begins by drawing one shape on the paper with a paintbrush.

  3. One by one, each student adds one shape anywhere on the paper with paint

  4. shapes can cross, overlap, curve, or stretch across the page

  5. After each student has had a turn, fold it in half so the paint is printed on other half. How you have a symmetrical Thorana

  6. Use scissors and cut the edges

  7. Color it in together. Focus on:

    • Bright, contrasting colors (ex. orange+blue, Purple+yellow, Red+green…colors opposite the color wheel)

    • Patterns

  8. If there’s time, use crumpled paper, recycled items and ‘lata pata’ to decorate and make 3D.

Drawing time: PLAY MUSIC

Suggestion:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zmk5G6h-qo&list=RD3Zmk5G6h-qo&start_radio=1

Conclusion & Reflection

Discuss: Why is Vesak such a beloved weekend for all people in Sri Lanka, regardless of religion?