Principles of Kwanzaa Plaque

Celebrate traditional African values-including family, community, and self-improvement. Display the nguzo saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

• 1.

  Find out how the relatively new holiday of Kwanzaa began. How does it draw on cultural traditions and values from African countries? What are the seven principles of Kwanzaa (<I>nguzo saba</I>), and what does each one mean? <I>Mazao</I>, meaning fruits and vegetables, represents the fruit of all work. Combine these ideas to create a Kwanzaa plaque.

• 2.

  With Crayola® Colored Pencils, draw a rectangle on posterboard to make the base for your plaque. Cut out the plaque with Crayola Scissors. Color the background with Crayola Washable Markers. Air dry.

• 3.

  In the center of the plaque, write the nguzo saba using Crayola Fine Tip Markers.

• 4.

  On white paper, draw lots of colorful fruits and vegetables. Cut them out. Overlap them around the edges of your plaque in a visually pleasing manner. Attach with Crayola School Glue. If you like, add a chenille stick or yarn hanger. Air dry.

• 5.

  Display your plaque as a reminder about why this 7-day holiday is celebrated.

Benefits

• Students study African culture and learn the origins of Kwanzaa.
• Students recognize that <I>Kwanzaa</I> is Swahili for "first fruits of the harvest."
• Students identify and understand the values and meanings of the nguzo saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
• Students create a Kwanzaa plaque displaying the nguzo saba surrounded by harvest fruits.

Adaptations

• Create a Kwanzaa harvest banner on roll paper. Illustrate each of the seven principles.
• During the celebration of Kwanzaa, corn represents the number of children in a family. Create a necklace with an ear of corn for each child in your family.
• Interview older children to learn how they celebrate Kwanzaa in their families. Compile a book of ways people in your community celebrate Kwanzaa.