What Is Kwanzaa?
Explore the seven principles of Kwanzaa, a celebration of African American heritage and community. Children will learn about its origins, meaning, and values, then apply these principles to their own family life by customizing a Kinara.
The lesson goal is learners will understand the history and purpose behind Kwanzaa, including the meaning of its seven core principles. They will be able to explain these principles and apply them to their own family life by creating a personalized Kinara.
What You Need
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Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Introduction5 Min
- Ask: What is Kwanzaa, and why does it last seven days?
- Move on when Child shares initial thoughts or questions about Kwanzaa.
Photo by Olha Ruskykh on Pexels - 2
Explore & Plan8 Min
- Gather the Kinara worksheet and coloring supplies.
- Ask: What kind of ideas do you think a seven-day celebration might focus on?
- Move on when Child has the materials ready and has made predictions about Kwanzaa's focus or values.
Photo by Askar Abayev on Pexels - 3
Discussion6 Min
- Explain Kwanzaa's origin, purpose, and the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles).
- Ask: Why is celebrating 'first fruits' a good way to remember culture?
- Ask: How is celebrating values different from celebrating with gifts?
- Move on when Child understands Kwanzaa's origin and purpose, and what Nguzo Saba means.
Photo by Askar Abayev on Pexels - 4
Activity9 Min
- Color the first candle, discuss Umoja (Unity), and write a family action.
- Color the next candle, discuss Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), and write a family action.
- Color the next candle, discuss Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), and write a family action.
- Color the next candle, discuss Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), and write a family action.
- Color the next candle, discuss Nia (Purpose), and write a family action.
- Color the next candle, discuss Kuumba (Creativity), and write a family action.
- Color the last candle, discuss Imani (Faith), and write a family action.
- Move on when Child has colored the Kinara and brainstormed at least one family action for each of the seven principles on the worksheet.
Photo by Askar Abayev on Pexels - 5
Summary2 Min
- Ask: How do these values make a family stronger? Which was your favorite principle?
- Move on when Child shares one key takeaway or favorite principle from Kwanzaa and how it could make a family stronger.
Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels
Personalize The Spark
Add a twist your child will love, and we'll email you a printable guide made just for them. New to Mai? We'll set you up with a free 30-day guest pass so you can open it in the app.