Islamic Prayer (up to 40 children)

With Salat/Salah (Prayer) being one of the five pillars of Islam, this workshop provides a fantastic opportunity to explore prayer within the faith. Children will have the opportunity to explore clothing used in prayer, prayer objects and artefacts. They will also explore the meaning and actions behind performing Wudu (ritual wash). Younger children will have the opportunity to design their own prayer mat whilst older children will explore reasons why people may pray and will find out more about the different Surahs in Islam.

Hajj (up to 40 children)

The Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca (Haj) is an incredibly special journey for Muslims to embark upon. In our Hajj workshop children learn about all the stages of the pilgrimage including, flights, food, prayer, artefacts and people. All of our staff that deliver the Hajj workshop have in depth knowledge of the pilgrimage and many can give a first-hand experience of this life changing journey for Muslims around the world.

Islamic Festivals (up to 40 children)

Who doesn’t love a celebration? In this exciting workshop children will have the opportunity to dress up in traditional clothing, taste some of the foods that may be served during these special times and create their own decorations that they could display in their classrooms. Younger children will learn more about Eid ul Fitr, Eid ul Adha and Ramadan, whilst older children will explore Eid, Ramadan and Muharram (New Year). Our staff will also be able to share their own experiences of these celebrations, giving the workshops that personal touch. *Food Allergy information required prior to the workshop.

Ramadan (up to 40 children)

A specifically designed workshop to explore the holiest month in the Islamic year. Children will learn all about fasting and hear first hand experiences from Muslims who fast. All children will have the chance to dress up in some traditional clothing. Children will also hear a story about Ramadan and reflect on its message. Younger children will practise their Arabic skills and create their own Ramadan cards, whilst older children will think about good deeds to make a ‘good deed’ calendar that can be used when back at school.

Who is a Muslim? (KS1) up to 35 children

An exploration for Key Stage 1 children to learn about ‘Who is a Muslim and what do they believe?’ In this session the children will learn about basic Islamic beliefs, explore Islamic artefacts, try on some traditional Islamic dress and have the opportunity to try some food.

Being a Muslim in the U.K. (KS2) up to 35 children

This workshop provides the perfect insight into what it is like to be a Muslim living in the U.K. today. What are the benefits? What are the challenges? In this session, children will challenge their perceptions of who is a Muslim, discover more about the population of Muslims in the U.K followed by activities exploring religious dress, dietary requirements and opportunities to ask our Muslim staff member about their experiences living as a Muslim in the U.K.

Vaisakhi (up to 40 children)

This exciting workshop explores one of the most well known Sikh festivals. In this session children will get to hear about the story of Vaisakhi, explore the 5 Ks, learn more about the purpose of the Nishan Sahib as well as making some beautiful decorations that could then be displayed at their own school.

Sikh Experience (up to 40 children) 1 hour 15 minutes minimum required

The Sikh Gurdwara is one of the central parts of a Sikh person’s life. A visit to the Gurdwara is always popular with groups but when you can’t visit the Gurdwara, we can bring the Gurdwara to you. In this fascinating workshop, learn all about the Gurdwara, brush up on your turban tying skills and taste the delicious home prepared curry – just like you were visiting the Langar Hall! *Food allergy information required prior to the workshop.

Hindu Clay Divas (Up to 30 children)

The Hindu festival of Diwali celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. One way in which many people across world choose to celebrate the festival is to decorate their homes with lamps and candles, often known as ‘divas’. Our workshop gives children the opportunity to make and decorate their own clay divas, as well as learn about this exciting and colourful festival.

Diwali (up to 35 children)

This vibrate workshop encompasses every element of the Diwali festival. For younger children they will hear the story of Diwali, how it is celebrated and will take part in some Indian dancing. They will explore traditional Indian clothes worn during the festival and even have the opportunity to try some on! Finally they will get to taste the sweet delights of the festival through tasting a range of foods as part of this workshop. For older children, instead of discussing the story of Diwali, they will learn about some of the rituals the festival includes particularly the Puja tray.

 Hindu Beliefs (KS1/KS2) Up to 30 children

Step inside the fascinating world of Hindu beliefs with this exciting new workshop. Explore the key beliefs in Hinduism, with a closer look at artefacts used as part of worship and prayer. For Key stage 1 children they will go onto learn about Prasaad along with some food tasting. Whilst Key Stage 2 children will learn about how the senses are ignited during worship following onto learning a little more about cultural dress in Hinduism.

Tibetan Prayer Flags (up to 30 children)

Tibetan Buddhists make beautiful sets of prayer flags that are caught on the wind, sending positive wishes throughout their communities. After looking at the symbolism of these unique artefacts, groups will produce their own string of flags containing positive wishes to be shared with your school community.

Wesak Lanterns (up to 30 children)

Explore the Buddhist festival of Wesak with a presentation and engaging craft activity. The children will make their own lanterns and explore Buddhist symbolism.

Meditation (up to 40 children)

This workshop introduces the Buddhist practice of meditation with some short secular mindfulness meditation, leading to producing some group art. Children will explore the well-being aspects of this practice and it contains no religious content.

Asian Marriage Workshops (Up to 40 children)

Across all cultures, weddings are an important time for families to come together and celebrate. It is therefore unsurprising that the occasion is filled with tradition and custom. In our marriage workshop we compare the (often) familiar traditions of a Western wedding, with that of an Asian wedding. Throughout the workshop, your children will get the chance to learn about food, clothes, guests, music and the ceremony, which culminates in the marriage of two children. During the ‘wedding’ ceremony all children will have the opportunity to try on a range of different outfits (Asian marriage workshops only).

Mehndi Patterns (Part of the Asian Marriage Workshop – Please obtain parental consent for this prior to visit)

For thousands of years mehndi, and the beautiful patterns it is used to create, has formed an important part of the cultural rituals and ceremonies throughout South Asia. Our mehndi activity offers a chance to learn about the significance of mehndi in South Asian culture, and to have a mehndi pattern of your own on your hands.

Asian Cookery (Up to 30 children)

Our cookery workshop is a great chance to try your hand at Asian cookery, making Puri (Fried Chapattis) with delicious chick pea curry (Contains: vegetable or sunflower oil, onions, tomatoes, chickpeas, spice mix, coriander and tomato puree). Our recipe has been passed down through the generations and bears little resemblance to any curry you might order at a takeaway restaurant! As well as hands on experience, there is also information provided about the different diets that South Asian communities have, and the special occasions when they might eat certain foods. (Please check when booking if it will be suitable for children with particular food allergies as we may be able to amend the recipe).

Asian Food Tasting (Up to 40 children)

For children who would like a taste of Asian cuisine then this workshop is for you. Children will get to try a variety of delicious, traditional foods such as; Bombay Mix, Mishree (Sugar Crystals), Makhaney (Sugar balls), Sakar Para (Sweet Pastry), Jeera Para (Salted pastry), Tea Rusk (Bread), Saunf (Sugar coated fennel) and Cake Rusk (Shortbread) as well as delicious fruit like Jackfruit, Lychees and Guava. In addition to this, children will learn all about the Asian diet. (Please check when booking if it will be suitable for children with particular food allergies as we may be able to amend the foods).

Cultural Dress (up to 40 children)

A fantastic opportunity to dress up in lots of different cultural clothing. Explore the bejewelled salwar kameezes, sarees and embroidered jubbahs that are part of traditional dress in the South lands of Asia. Along with the different head dresses people may wear including topis, hijabs and turbans. Learn about which religious communities may wear these items and why. This session provides a fantastic opportunity to take a group photo or selfie that can be shared with others after! After all who doesn’t love dressing up?

Exploring Questions about Life After Death (up to 30 children) – KS2

Questions about what happens after death are particularly challenging. This workshop, designed for upper KS2, explores the responses of Humanism, the Abrahamic faiths (with emphasis on Christianity and Islam), and Hindu traditions. Children will use silent debate, a discussion exercise, and Mokhsa Chitram, commonly known as ‘Snakes and Ladders’ these complex perspectives. Please let us know in advance if any children have experienced a loss and are grieving.

Tour of Normanton – Orienteering Activity (up to 40 children)

If your group have not visited all our places of worship during their time at the Open Centre or want to learn more about our local area – this activity is best for you! The children will be split into smaller groups and will each be given an Orienteering sheet. They will then be guided by one of our staff members around the area where children will have the opportunity to tick off things they have seen on the way, ask questions and see who has the keenest eye sight to spot everything on their sheet. *Please note we do not enter any place of worship during this activity so it is not a substitute for a faith trail.

Celebrating Special Times – KS2 only (Up to 40 children)

In this vibrant workshop, children will explore three different special times celebrated by three different faith traditions. The workshop covers celebrating Diwali (Hinduism), Vaisakhi (Sikhi) and Ramadan/Eid ul Fitr (Islam). Opportunities to dress up, taste some delicious food as well as hearing traditional stories along with exploring religious artefacts all form part of this exciting workshop!