KS2 Diwali Maths & Rangoli Unit

Bring Diwali-themed maths into KS2 with this complete Maths & Rangoli unit of work, combining symmetry, repeating patterns, 2D shape, coordinates, fractions and mathematical problem-solving with creative rangoli-inspired design.

This substantial, ready-to-teach resource develops genuine mathematical understanding rather than simply adding a Diwali theme to unrelated calculations. Pupils identify mathematical features, investigate patterns, reason about shapes and fractions, work with coordinates, solve increasingly challenging problems and ultimately create a rangoli-inspired mathematical design that they must explain and justify.

The pack includes:

12-slide teaching PowerPoint introducing rangoli context, maths spotting, symmetry, repeating patterns, shape, coordinates, fractions, problem-solving and the final design challenge.
24-page pupil workbook with progressive activities covering symmetry, pattern reasoning, 2D shape, coordinates, fractions, investigations, problem-solving and the final four-page design project.
8-page teacher guide containing curriculum overview, PowerPoint teaching scripts, modelled responses, common misconceptions, differentiation, assessment guidance and cultural guidance.
Differentiation through SUPPORT • DEVELOP • CHALLENGE, allowing pupils to access the same mathematical ideas at different levels of independence and depth.
Opportunities for pupils to identify, apply, explain, reason and create, rather than simply completing decorative activities.
A substantial final project in which pupils set mathematical constraints, plan a design, create it and explain the mathematics behind their choices.

Maths covered:
• Symmetry
• Reflection
• Repeating patterns
• Units of repeat
• 2D shapes and properties
• Coordinates
• First and four quadrants
• Fractions
• Equivalent fractions
• Mathematical reasoning
• Problem-solving
• Generalisation
• Investigation

The resource also takes a culturally careful approach to rangoli. Teachers are encouraged to explain that rangoli is a living artistic tradition with significant regional, family and individual variation. Where pupils are primarily demonstrating mathematical ideas, the pack uses language such as “rangoli-inspired mathematical design” rather than suggesting that every classroom geometric design is an authentic or definitive rangoli.

Suitable for: KS2 / Years 3–6
Subject: Mathematics
Theme: Diwali / Rangoli
Resource type: Unit of Work / Mini-Unit
Use: Teach the complete sequence or select individual strands for standalone maths lessons.