Celebrating Kwanzaa Lesson Plans
Find Printable Kwanzaa Worksheets and Kwanzaa Activities Online
Nov 14, 2008
With the Obamas in the White House, many Americans are inspired by the dramatic history of the African Americans, and Kwanzaa celebrations are sure to show a renewed passion and exuberance. Homeschooled families can study Kwanzaa to learn about human rights, racism and the characteristics that make a community.
History of Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa began in the 1960s when Maulana Karenga decided that African Americans needed to distance themselves from mainstream celebrations and honor their heritage and common ties by celebrating their own holiday, designed to promote unity and cooperation. He valued the tight-knit communities of the Africans and was dismayed to see modern African Americans suffering and disconnected.
Meaning of Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa derives its name from the Swahili word for “first fruit.” The phrase has multiple meanings, though, that can't be translated literally. Kwanzaa celebrates the Seven Principles, which are traditional values that keep a community functioning efficiently, like unity, faith, self-worth, collective responsibilities, cooperative economics, shared purpose and creativity. Kwanzaa helps those with African heritage all over the world to preserve their heritage a worldwide culture.
Kwanzaa Lesson Plans
For younger children, simply learning about the animals in Africa, the regions and the people, is enough to give an appreciation and understanding of African American heritage. Try lighting Kinari candles, learning a traditional African song, dance, or prayer and looking at pictures of Africa online.
For older kids, try wrapping a traditional African headscarf. Design your own African patterns for painting or weaving. Learn about the political and social climate for African Americans during the 1960s and compare that to the current culture. Learn the history of Kwanzaa and discuss with older children the importance of sharing a holiday and the value that Kwanzaa has for African Americans, most of whom have never been to Africa. Does a holiday like Kwanzaa help people with an African heritage feel more connected to one another?
Free Printable Kwanzaa Worksheets
Kwanza coloring sheets and worksheets area available at all of the popular websites for free printable. In addition, you can find line drawing replicas of popular African fabric prints, candles, and fresh fruits. Learn about the seven principles of Kwanzaa and find worksheets that help kids learn about these qualities and values. Discuss the importance of the seven principles. How can you use them in your life. What would the world be like if no one practiced these principles.
Kwanzaa Activities
Kuumba, one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, stands for creativity and has its emphasis on the importance of always leaving the world more beautiful than one found it. An activity to celebrate Kwanzaa might be to paint a picture and present it as a gift to an African American business owner or community leader. See if there are community based Kwanzaa activities that you can participate in. Participating in a culture's celebratory activities is a great way to learn the heart of a people.
Celebrating Kwanzaa
If there isn't a community based Kwanzaa celebration, organize a little mini-observation at home. Learn about the symbols of Kwanzaa and the rites and rituals associated with this holiday. Find recipes for traditional African foods for Kwanzaa. Decorate with African patterns and colors, and learn about the major regions in Africa. It's not all a safari!
Learning about Kwanzaa is a great way for children of any culture to learn a little more about the heritage of the African people. Overcoming the burdens their people have suffered over the past 100 years is an inspiration that gives hope to the entire world. Surely, with Barack Obama as President of the United States, a worldwide increase in the popularity of Kwanzaa will give many people cause to celebrate.
