Kwanzaa Window Book

Display the 7 principles of Kwanzaa in a one-of-a-kind accordion window book.

• 1.

  Find out about the celebration of Kwanzaa in African American communities. Invite guests to share family rituals and the history of Kwanzaa. Define and discuss the seven principles of Kwanzaa: <i>umoja</i> (unity), <i>kujichagulia</i> (self-determination), <i>ujima</i> (collective work & responsibility), <i>ujamaa</i> (cooperative economics), <i>nia</i> (purpose), <i>kuumba</i> (creativity), and <i>imani</i> (faith).

• 2.

  Identify the significance of these and other symbols of Kwanzaa: <i>mkeka</i> (woven mat), <i>kinara</i> (candle holder), <i>mshumaa</i> (7 candles), <i>muhindi</i> (ear of corn), <i>kikcombe cha umoja</i> (cup of unity), <i>zawadi</i> (gifts), and <i>karamu</i> (feast).

• 3.

  Fold a large white paper in half so the shorter edges meet. Fold in half again, joining shorter edges. Fold in half once more, joining shorter edges. Open folded paper to reveal eight rectangular sections.

• 4.

  Use Crayola® Scissors to cut into the long lengthwise fold from one edge into the paper until you reach the third intersection of folds. Leave the final two rectangles connected.

• 5.

  Cut diamond, oval, or square windows into each of the unconnected rectangles, making each window smaller as you get closer to the connected rectangles. Leave connected rectangles whole.

• 6.

  Accordion-fold pages in from the outside so the unconnected rectangles are in the back.

• 7.

  Use Crayola® Colored Pencils to design each window frame with the name of a principle. The first frame can be designed with the name of Kwanzaa and its meaning. Include small symbol drawings on each page. Shade finished pages by holding colored pencils so

Benefits

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

Adaptations

• TIP: To make each window shape symmetrical, fold each rectangle in half. Cut one half of the shape into the fold.
• TIP: To make windows telescope in from front to back, cut into the top rectangle first, then place over the second rectangle. Cut into the second rectangle through the cut-out in the first, making the shape smaller so the larger shape will frame the smal