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35 Meaningful and Engaging Kwanzaa Activities

kwanzaa activities for kids

June 16, 2022 //  by Seda Unlucay

Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 to celebrate connection and community among African families. For each of the seven days of Kwanzaa, a candle is lit to commemorate one of the seven principles: unity, self-determination, responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

This collection of engaging resources features colorful crafts, educational lessons, and traditional stories designed to bring this meaningful holiday to life.

1. Weave a Kwanzaa Mkeka Mat

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A mkeka is a woven straw mat and is one of the seven symbols of Kwanzaa, signifying the importance of beginning all projects with a strong foundation.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Education

2. Make a Kwanzaa Kinara

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A kinara holds seven candles, each representing one of the values of Kwanzaa. All you need for this homemade version are recycled cardboard tubes, paint, and shimmering sequins.

Learn more: Crafting a Fun Life

3. Play Kwanzaa Bingo

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What better way to celebrate African culture than with a game of bingo? Students can learn about important Kwanzaa traditions while having lots of fun!

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Crayola

4. Read a Favorite Kwanzaa Story

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This beautifully illustrated book celebrates family roots and traditions all while teaching one of the core principles of Kwanzaa - coming together to help others.

Age Group: Preschool, Elementary

5. Make a Handmade Card

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This colorful worksheet teaches students a traditional Kwanzaa greeting (Habari Gani) as well as the seven principles of this winter harvest festival. The sections can be cut out and turned into a beautiful card for gifting.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Education

6. Make a Custom Unity Cup 

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Making a handcrafted unity cup is a wonderful opportunity to share with children the importance of coming together as a family and community.

Age Group: Elementary, Middle School

Learn more: HGTV

7. Sing a Kwanzaa Song

A festive song is a great way to teach children about the traditional colors of this holiday celebration and the ritual of lighting candles for each of the seven days. Why not let kids choose some fun dance moves to accompany their singing?

Learn more: The Kiboomers - Kids Music Channel

8. Make a Kinara with Construction Paper

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Writing each of the Nguzo Saba or seven principles of Kwanzaa on these construction paper candles is a terrific way to reinforce student learning about this cultural holiday.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Crayola

9. Make a Paper Chain Craft

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Using red, green, and black construction paper and a little ingenuity, this festive garland craft makes a lovely homemade gift during this weeklong celebration.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Free Kids Craft

10. Make an Ear of Corn Wreath

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This beautiful wreath is a great opportunity to teach students about the symbology of the ears of corn, each of which represents children and their future potential.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: 1 Pure Heart

11. Learn About Maulana Karenga

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This Kwanzaa coloring page features Dr. Maulana Karenga, the creator of Kwanzaa, and is a great opportunity to teach kids about African history and ancestry.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Teacher Vision

12. Make a Kwanzaa Necklace Craft

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Kids are sure to love transforming dried pasta into these gorgeous Kwanzaa necklaces.

Age Group: Preschool, Elementary

Learn more: Crafting a Fun Life

13. Make a Kwanzaa Gift Pouch 

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This Kwanzaa pouch can hold gift cards or any special token of your choice.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Free Kids Crafts

14. Watch an Educational Video

This engaging video teaches students about the origins of Kwanzaa and how it's celebrated. It's a great opportunity to discuss the symbols, values, and significance of this African-American holiday.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Learn Bright

15. Make Homemade Candles 

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These red, black, and green candles, made from beeswax make a wonderful hands-on addition to the Kinara or traditional candle holder.

Age Group: Elementary, Middle School

Learn more: Elfster

16. Make a Kwanzaa Candle Stick Craft

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This simple craft, made from acrylic paint, gives kids plenty of room to add their own creative twist.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Craft Project Ideas

17. Learn About Kwanzaa Symbols

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By drawing and writing about a chosen Kwanzaa symbol, students can strengthen their cultural understanding while developing their art and language skills.

Age Group: Elementary, Middle School

Learn more: Jumpstart

18. Make a Kwanzaa Felt Board Craft

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This felt board craft is a great sensory activity and incorporates all the core symbols of Kwanzaa, including the ear of corn, fruit basket, and unity cup.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Good Life Detroit

19. Watch The Black Candle

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Narrated by the famous poet, Maya Angelou, The Black Candle is an inspiring documentary, which uses the lens of Kwanzaa to discuss the triumphs and struggles of African American families.

Age Group: Middle School, High School

Learn more: MK Asante

20. Make a Kwanzaa Flag Celebration

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Creating these colorful African flags is a great opportunity to teach kids about the origins of this African harvest festival.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Fun Family Crafts

21. Make a Kwanzaa Calendar 

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This reusable Kwanzaa calendar allows students to keep track of different celebrations during this special time of year.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Family Education

22. Solve a Kwanzaa Word Search

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This expert-level Kwanzaa word search is a great opportunity to learn and discuss key holiday vocabulary. Why not add a time limit or prize to enhance students' motivation?

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Woo Jr.

23. Solve a Kwanzaa Crossword

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This Kwanzaa crossword can be used to assess learning at the end of a unit or as a fun brain break during a lesson on African culture.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Activity Village

24. Make Kwanzaa Benne Cakes

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Originally from West Africa, Benne cakes are made of sesame seeds and are an auspicious symbol of good fortune during Kwanzaa celebrations.

Age Group: Elementary, Middle School, Highschool

Learn more: CD Kitchen

25. Make a Kwanzaa Greeting Card

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This greeting card template features a variety of hand-drawn symbols of Kwanzaa that students can color to craft their own unique cards.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Twinkl

26. Read a Non-Fiction Book

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This educational book gives students an engaging overview of Kwanzaa history and traditions.

Age Group: Elementary

27. Study Kwanzaa with an Activities Unit

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This terrific and diverse collection of Kwanzaa activities includes crafts, emergent reader booklets, comprehension quizzes, vocabulary teaching cards, and directed drawing practice.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Teachers Pay Teachers

28. Learn About Kwanzaa With Information Cards

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Featuring detailed descriptions and vibrant illustrations, these Kwanzaa information cards are a wonderful launching point for a discussion about this meaningful holiday.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Twinkl

29. Watch A Slideshow Presentation

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Kids are sure to love learning about this important holiday by viewing this vibrant and informative slide show. Why not have them submit questions to answer as a group to enhance their learning?

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Slide Serve

30. Read a Flip Book 

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This educational reading passage is accompanied by comprehension questions and a true and false sorting activity to reinforce student understanding.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Teachers Pay Teachers

31. Try a Writing Exercise

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In this literacy-based activity, students reflect on a gift that they would like to give a friend or family member as a way to honor the Kwanzaa ritual of gift-giving.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Technology

32. Celebrate The Principle of Kuumba

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Kuumba is the Kwanzaa principle of creativity. This traditional African story demonstrates Anansis's creativity in adjusting her approach when things don't go according to plan.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Help Teaching

33. Read a Classic Story about Cooperation

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Seven Spools of Thread is the story of seven brothers who must cooperate to realize their late father's vision. It is a wonderful lesson in Ujima or the Kwanzaa principle of collective work and responsibility. This resource includes several literacy ideas for enhancing student learning.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn more: Teaching Books

34. Sing African Chants

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Students are sure to love learning these rhythmic chants and performing them in front of the class. Why not encourage them to incorporate dance moves or instruments to bring the music to life?

Age Group: Elementary, Middle School, High School

Learn more: Technology

35. Make 3D Candles

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These 3D candles require only toilet paper tubes, paint, and tissue paper to create a beautiful display ornament that can also be added to a kinara or traditional candleholder.

Age Group: Preschool, Elementary

Learn more: Pocket of Preschool

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