Kwanzaa Lesson Plans

Students describe the general characteristics of Kwanzaa after reading "Seven Candles of Kwanzaa." In this Kwanzaa lesson, students understand the principles of the Kwanzaa holiday and interpret the principles through music and dance. Students construct a kinara and study the origins of the holiday.

In this lesson students explore and study the celebration of Kwanzaa in which African-Americans remember their heritage and remind people of the importance of sharing with family and friends. They participate in a chant about the seven continents and identify Africa on the globe.

Students discover how the holiday of Kwanzaa began. In this Kwanzaa lesson, students study African culture and learn the origins of Kwanzaa and identify and understand the values and meanings of the seven principles of Kwanzaa to create a plaque.

Students simulate the tradition of Kwanzaa. In this cultural celebration lesson plan, students play a traditional Kwanzaa game, read traditional stories, and summarize their learning on a celebration chart. 

Students research the African family holiday of Kwanzaa and find the symbols for the seven principles of Kwanzaa. After conducting research, they analyze the symbols and how they may relate to their own lives. Students create an original art following the designs of Adinkra weaving patterns used on Kente cloth and include the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Students research Kwanzaa, focusing on the seven principles used in celebration and meant to be an integral part of African American life. In this Kwanzaa lesson, students design their own window books, demonstrating in words and pictures their understanding of the principles and symbols of Kwanzaa.

Students develop an understanding of how some African-Americans remember and celebrate their African heritage.  In this celebrating Kwanzaa lesson, students explore each day, traditions, and language used during the holiday. Students also create a class Kinara.

In this lesson students study about Kwanzaa, an African-American celebration established in 1966 by Dr. Maulana, and also participate in some traditional activities.

7th graders use the Internet to research the holiday of Kwanzaa. Using the information, they create a brochure to promote the holiday to others. They email the information to a friend to end the lesson.

This lesson has students recognize that families can be strengthened as a result of a holiday. They identify things about holidays that have strengthened their families. They explain some of the symbols of Kwanzaa. They draw one of the purposes of Kwanzaa.