Celebrate Kwanzaa with your entire class! With these engaging activities, students will create a mini-book, and have a class celebration to help explain the ideas behind this important holiday.

"Kwanzaa activities contains a literature-based teaching unit together with creative art projects and activities that educate and inspire students as they learn more about" the Kwanzaa holiday.

A girl describes how she and her family celebrate the seven days of Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa is Kayla’s favorite time of year. But this year, it looks as if a heavy snowstorm will keep her big brother, Khari, from getting home in time for the festivities! Will Khari miss the celebration completely? Or will Kayla and her brother somehow find a way to be together for Kwanzaa? A perfect introduction to Kwanzaa, this book will teach children all about the traditions and practices that make it a special winter holiday.

In this spirited introduction to Kwanzaa, Andrea Davis Pinkney explains the meaning of the week-long African-American winter holiday and the special way each day is celebrated. The text is simple and straightforward, and pronunciation guides are provided for the Swahili words sprinkled throughout. Filled with facts about the festival, this is a perfect selection for anyone interested in learning more about this unique holiday." A congenial combination of text and pictures that can be used by older children as well as picture book readers."-- Booklist, starred review

It’s Kwanzaa-time! Light the candles on the kinara! Fly the bendera, and tell stories from Africa! The festival of Kwanzaa was originated by Dr. Maulana Karenga to honor the customs and history of African Americans. The seven principles of Kwanzaa, called the Nguzo Saba, serve to remind African Americans of the struggles of the past, and also focus on present-day achievements and goals for the future. Activities at the end of the book include making your own cow-tail switch and baking benne cakes.

Teach children all about the ancient holiday from Africa!