Encourage each child to use the clay to make a small bowl shape, the centre of which will need to be big enough to hold a tea light. For younger children, encourage them to roll the clay into a ball and then press a finger down into the middle. Pinch the clay with thumb and forefinger around the edge, gradually making a bowl shape.

Let the clay dry, then paint the outside, let that dry and then glue small colourful petals around the outside edge. Gently push petals into the wet clay, let that dry and then paint.

Finally place the tea light in the centre.

Encourage threading, one flower and then one piece of straw, or several flowers of different colours and then straws to separate every so often.

When complete tie a knot to make sure all flowers stay on the string.

Use long lengths of paper for the band which is the top of the banner.

Lay the paper on the floor and offer children a choice of resources to make a pattern along its length. If children are able, offer them the chance to cut out shield-shaped pieces of paper. Once these too are decorated they can then be stuck to the bottom of the bands already decorated.

Hang around your setting!

First, show children Rangoli patterns for inspiration and then encourage them to try for themselves on black paper. The grid is usually made from small dots at regular intervals over a specific shape and then these dots can be joined together to create a design.

Work outside on the playground or on paving slabs. Use white chalk to get an outline of the design and the coloured chalks to fill it in. Use a mixture of flour, water and food colouring to make a paste and create your Rangoli. (Note: It will be semi-permanent and might possibly not ever be fully removed so be careful where you work!)