Guy Fawkes Night

crayola supplies

household supplies

Why?

Find out how Bonfire Night is celebrated in England today then use Crayola® Gel Markers to make your own bonfire and fireworks scene.

Steps

  1. 1. Research information about Guy Fawkes Day, a British holiday. Why is it observed? Festive night parties, with blazing bonfires, are common during this November 5 holiday celebration. Fireworks flash overhead to symbolize dynamite that could have exploded in 1605 when conspirators set out to destroy the British Parliament.
  2. 2. To create a contemporary Guy Fawkes Night street scene, cut a yellow, orange, and red construction paper bonfire with Crayola Scissors. Cut logs for the bonfire, too. Glue the bonfire to black construction paper with Crayola Glue Sticks. Use Crayola Glitter Glue to add sparks. Dry.
  3. 3. Draw a crowd of people bundled in winter clothes and huddled around the fire using Crayola Gel Markers.
  4. 4. Fill the sky overhead with a colorful fireworks display using your gel markers, and glitter glue.

adaptations

On Guy Fawkes Day, the British remember the Gunpowder Plot, which could have been a disaster. In 1605, Guy Fawkes and a group of conspirators set out to destroy King James I and Parliament. Research the historic House of Lords and British Parliament. Why would someone want to destroy it? What role did religion play in this event? How is Great Britain's government different and similar 400 years after this event?

Guy Fawkes was found with three possessions: a darkened lantern, a tinder box, and three matches. Why did he have these items? What was he missing?

Compare this holiday to other holidays that are national days of remembrance or thanksgiving. How else is this holiday celebrated in England?

benefits

Children research the history of the British holiday Guy Fawkes Day, or Bonfire Night, celebrated on November

Students find out how Bonfire Night is observed in England today.

Students create a night-time bonfire and fireworks scene similar to those found in Great Britain for this celebration.

grades

Grades 1 to 3
Grades 4 to 6

subjects

Social Studies
Visual Arts

time

Less than 1/2 hour
30 to 60 minutes
Multiple Sessions

curriculum standards links

US: Research U.S. Standards
UK: Research UK Standards
Canada: Research Canada Standards

safety guidelines

Glitter Glue— WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Not for use on skin.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

© 2000 - 2007 Crayola, LLC