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
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
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
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
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
Learn More: Amazon
5. Make a Handmade Card
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
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: YouTube
8. Make a Kinara with Construction Paper
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
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
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
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
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
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: YouTube
15. Make Homemade Candles
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
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
Learning about Kwanzaa symbols is a great way to strengthen your class’s understanding of the cultural significance of this holiday. Invite them to peruse through these colorful information cards that explain the meaning behind different symbols, such as the Kinara or Mkeka.
Learn More: Share My Lesson
18. Make a Kwanzaa Felt Board Craft
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
This educational book gives students an engaging overview of Kwanzaa history and traditions.
Age Group: Elementary
Learn More: Amazon
27. Study Kwanzaa with an Activities Unit
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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