Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated on the 2nd of October every year, marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation in India. It is a day dedicated to honouring his life, his principles of non-violence, truth, and simplicity, and his invaluable contribution to India's struggle for independence. One beautiful way to commemorate this day is by engaging in crafts that symbolize Gandhi's philosophy. In this article, we'll explore how to create Gandhi's three monkeys using paper as a school activity, instilling these timeless values in young minds.
Gandhi's Three Monkeys
Gandhi's three monkeys—Mizaru, Kikazaru, and Iwazaru—represent the "See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil" proverb. Each monkey covers its eyes, ears, or mouth, signifying the importance of avoiding evil thoughts, words, and actions. Crafting these monkeys with paper provides an excellent opportunity to teach children about these values in a fun and creative way.
Materials You'll Need
- Coloured paper sheets in brown, white, pink, purple and black.
- Scissors.
- Glue.
- Pencil.
- Markers or crayons.
- Gandhi Jayanti quotes and information for discussion.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Monkey Bodies:
Start by choosing the colour for the monkey's body. Brown paper is ideal. Cut a rectangular piece, about 4 inches by 6 inches, and fold it in half lengthwise to make the body. Glue the two long sides together, leaving the top open.
2. Making the Monkey Faces:
For each monkey's face, cut a circle from the white paper. Draw the monkey's face on it, ensuring to capture its expression. Add eyes, a nose, and a smiling or closed mouth, depending on which monkey you're creating.
3. Crafting the Hands and Legs:
Cut out four small strips of brown paper for the hands and legs. These will be attached to the monkey's body. Fold each strip accordion-style to create joints, making it look like the monkey's limbs. Attach the hands to the sides of the body and the legs to the bottom.
4. The Gandhi Jayanti Message:
At the back of each monkey, write a short Gandhi Jayanti message or quote that emphasizes the value it represents. For example, "See No Evil" can be paired with a message about the importance of purity of thoughts.
5. Assembling the Monkeys:
Attach the monkey's face to the front of the body. Make sure it lines up with the monkey's "action." For instance, "See No Evil" should cover its eyes, "Hear No Evil" should cover its ears, and "Speak No Evil" should cover its mouth.
6. Display and Discussion:
Arrange the three monkeys side by side on a poster board or any suitable surface. Encourage students to discuss the significance of each monkey's action and how it relates to Gandhi's teachings.
Conclusion
Crafting Gandhi's three monkeys with paper is a delightful way to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti while imparting important life lessons to children. By engaging in this school activity, students not only create a memorable keepsake but also gain a deeper understanding of Mahatma Gandhi's principles of non-violence, truth, and simplicity. Through creativity, they learn that even small actions can symbolize profound values, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. Gandhi's legacy continues to inspire generations, and these paper monkeys serve as a reminder of the timeless wisdom he shared with the world.
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