KWANZAA MINI-UNIT
Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration. It was established in 1966 by Dr. Maulana “Ron” Karenga, a scholar and social activist.
Kwanzaa celebrates African harvest and is based on beliefs and values of traditional African customs. Kwanzaa is an annual celebration that begins on December 26 and lasts for seven days. Kwanzaa means “first fruits” in Swahili, the chosen language of Kwanzaa. The extra ‘a’ was added to give the name seven letters, on for each of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa is the only original African-American holiday. It helps African-Americans look back at their roots. Kwanzaa is based on principles of African harvest rituals. Dr. Karenga adopted principles that were critical to building strong families and communities.
More about this lesson plan:
Materials Needed: My First Kwanzaa (k-1 grade)
-colored paper-red, black and green
-parent interview letter/invitation (Appendix)
-tape of African music or drums
-chart paper and marker-KWL
-OPT.-If possible, obtain real items: kinara, mat, unity cup, hat, ears of corn, other vegetables and table
-potatoes and knife
-large poster paper
-paper for mural-also paint and brushes
-audio tape for story book (make a tape of the book selected
have available at a listening center)
-recipes for Kwanzaa food (Appendix)NOTE: If you want help
preparing the food, ask a parent ahead of time.
Author: Tracy Cady
Source: © teacherlink.ed.usu.edu
Related lessons:
- About Kwanzaa
- Kwanzaa Window Book
- Principles of Kwanzaa Plaque
- Celebrate Kwanzaa in the United States
- HANUKKAH: A Mini-Unit