Seven Candles for Kwanzaa
A Cultural Experience for Third grade
BrieAnne Rowley and Sherry Thompson Ð Pacific Universities MAT program
Context: This is a lesson that focuses on the traditions and overall symbolic nature of the Kwanzaa holiday. This lesson would be most applicable to a month long theme that focused on celebrations around the world. This lesson should also emphasize the importance in knowing and celebrating ones own culture whether or not you are of African American decent. This lesson is a one-time lesson that would most likely take about two and a half to three hours depending upon the amount of time you allow students to work on their final expressive arts activity.
Objectives:
Social Studies: By the end of this lesson SWBATDTU of the ways in which African American people celebrate their heritage during Kwanzaa by listening and responding to questions and responses from students regarding the seven principles of Kwanzaa and the story of the Seven Candles for Kwanzaa.
Social Studies: By the end of this lesson SWBATDTU of the basic traditions and symbols that are associated with the Kwanzaa holiday by seeing, touching, and discussing the meaning of each of the symbols including the unity cup, candle holder and candles, bowl of fruits and vegetables, place mat, ears of corn, and the gifts of Kwanzaa.
Social Studies: By the end of this lesson SWBATDTU of the seven principles of Kwanzaa by writing and drawing about what they would do on each of the days representing a principle of Kwanzaa and how this would relate to the students own family and/or cultural heritage.
Art: By the end of this lesson SWBATDTU of the meaning of the Kwanzaa Mkeka (place mat) by creating a Mkeka and writing on it the meaning of the three colors included in the Mkeka (red, green, and black), as well as writing about what the Mkeka symbolizes during the Kwanzaa celebration.
Art: By the end of this lesson SWBATDTU of the seven principles of Kwanzaa by drawing or painting pictures of what they might do on each of the seven days of Kwanzaa that each represent a different principle of Kwanzaa including the spirit of unity, the importance of being yourself, helping one another and ones own community, sharing our blessings, the role of making goals for ourselves, creativity, and the belief in ones own self.
Writing: By the end of this lesson SWBATDTU of the seven principles of Kwanzaa and the importance in embracing not only our own culture, but the culture of others by writing about what they might do to represent each of the seven principles of Kwanzaa using appropriate grammar, punctuation, and capitalization.
Reading Comprehension and Listening Skills: By the end of this lesson SWBATDTU of the Seven Candles for Kwanzaa story by answering questions and relating their own experience to the experience of the family members in the story during the discussion time following the story that would be guided using questions from the instructor.
Public Speaking: By the end of this lesson SWBATDTU of the seven principles of Kwanzaa by taking the principles and tying them to things pertinent to their own lives, experiences, interests, culture, and heritage, and sharing these thoughts with their peers in a way that effectively communicates what they are trying to get across during their sharing time.
Inter/Intrapersonal: By the end of this lesson SWBATDTU of the differences and similarities between cultures by listening to other students share their own meanings of the seven principles of Kwanzaa and comparing and contrasting the differences between their own culture and the culture of both the family represented in the story of the Seven Candles of Kwanzaa and the culture of each person in the classroom.
Math: By the end of this lesson SWBATDTU of measurement by using measurements given by the teacher and measuring pieces of red and green paper and cutting them out.
Benchmarks:
English Literature/ Reading Comprehension: The ability to answer questions completely and with appropriate elaboration.
Reading/Listening: Demonstrate listening comprehension of text through discussion
English Literature/Writing: Understand the usage of grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and good handwriting.
Art: Describe an idea or feeling connected with viewing or hearing a work of art
Art: Create, present, and/or perform a single form of art using experiences imagination, artistic methods and composition to achieve a desired effect.
Public Speaking: Use clear and specific vocabulary to communicate and with assistance establish tone.
Social Sciences: Identify ways that people can participate in their communities and the responsibilities of participation
Social Sciences: Identify rights and responsibilities that people have in their community
Social: Demonstrate the ability to compare and contrast different points of view
Math: Understand measurable attributes of objects and the units, systems, and processes of measurement.
Preparation:
Materials: A white board and a green, red, and black Expo marker, Red, green, and black paint, 30 or more pieces of black, red, and green construction paper cut into 8*10 squares, Seven Candles for Kwanzaa book, a unity cup, seven piece candle holder, a bowl of fruit and vegetables, a Mkeka (place mat), three ears of corn, three green candles, three red candles, and one black candle and a few gifts wrapped. Students will need glue sticks, scissors, a pencil, and a ruler.
Preparation: The unity cup, candleholder, ears of corn, gifts, and bowl of fruit should be placed on the Mkeka. The candles should be placed as follows: the one black candle goes in the middle of the candle holder, the three red candles go on one side of the black candle and the three green candles go on the other side of the black candle. Have all items set up on a table for students to view while reading the story Seven Candles for Kwanzaa. When finished reading and discussing the story talk to students about the symbols of Kwanzaa and what each of them means. Make sure to allow students time to touch and see each of the symbols first hand. Have the white board and markers next to you while talking about the seven principles of Kwanzaa and set up the paint on a table in another corner of the room. Have the construction paper supplies as well as a pair of scissors, ruler, glue stick, and pencil set up front for you the teacher to use while modeling the activity in front of the class.
Lesson Introduction:
(5 minutes)
Ask students if they are familiar with the holiday Kwanzaa and if so ask students what they already know about the holiday. Also, be sure to ask students if any celebrate the holiday or know someone that does celebrate it.
Sharing Objectives: (2
minutes)
As we read and learn about the Kwanzaa holiday I am hoping you will realize the importance and meaning of this culturally centered holiday. I am also hoping that although this holiday is designed to be celebrated by African Americans that you realize anyone can take these holidays principles and apply them to their own lives. Listen as we read and discuss this holidays many traditions the similarities and differences they have from your own traditions and culture.
Learning Activities:
(30 minutes)
Introduction to the history and seven symbols of
Kwanzaa (15 minutes)
RE: Make sure to point to each of the symbols placed on
the table for display when talking about the meaning of each one, when finished
talking about the symbols allow students time to touch and explore the symbols.
i. The candles must be lit one day at a time beginning on the first day of Kwanzaa, December 26th. The black candle is placed in the middle of the candleholder and is the first to be lit. The three red candles are placed on the right side of the candle holder and the three green candles are to be placed on the left side of the candleholder. On the second day of Kwanzaa a red candle is lit, followed by a green candle on the third day. Make sure to tell students that it is important that the candles are lit by switching from red to green to symbolize the struggle that must come first before rewards are given.
Nguzo Saba (en-goo-zoh-sah-bah)
RE: It might be beneficial to write each of the seven principles on a white board or chalkboard so students can go back to them to reference them throughout the lesson.
A.
Can
anyone think why the holiday has principles and what they are used for during
this celebration time? These principles are called the Nguzo Saba. This means
that each of the principles is a
rule or an important truth that people try to live up to and follow. Each day
of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the seven principles. Get it, seven
principles and seven days, one for each day.
a.
Unoja (oo-moh-jah) means unity. People on this day focus on being together with
family and their own community. As an example a child might try and avoid
arguing or fighting with a member of their family such as a sibling. At this
time ask students what they might do to honor this principle.
b.
Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-lee-yah) means self-determination. This
represents that you can chose who you want to be and who you will become and no
one can tell you differently. Many people on this day learn a new skill such as
braiding hair or learning a new dance. Many African American people also look
to their great leaders such as Martin Luther King. Again, at this time allow
students time to think of something they might do to honor this principle, such
as trying something new or learning about someone they look up to.
c.
Ujima (oo-gee-mah) means collective work or responsibility. This principle
reminds us that everyone should work together to make a stronger community.
They should share their worries with others and allow others to share their
worries with them. This is a day where many people honor the principle by
helping someone in their community. An example would be helping an elderly
neighbor in the garden or donating food to a homeless shelter. Again, offer
students a chance to think of what they might do on this day
d. Ujamaa (oo-jah-mah) means cooperative economics. African Americans are reminded to help support other African American businesses by purchasing goods and services from them to help keep their community strong. Many families honor this day by paying for their childrenÕs college tuition or attending an African market where African Americans sell traditional African clothing and other goods for people to purchase. Again ask students what they might do to represent this principle.
e. Nia (nee-yah) means purpose of life. On this day people think about their actions and the consequences of their actions. They believe that everything they do should be done for a reason. This is a day where many African Americans study important African American leaders or make goals for themselves such as doing one nice thing a week for a friend or family member. Again allow students time to share what they might do on this day.
f. Kuumba (koo-oom-bah) means creativity. This principle encourages all African American people to use their talents while studying or working at their job. Many times people use their creativity to create new dances, songs, and traditional African clothing. Again ask students what they would do to honor this principle.
g. Imani (ee-mah-nee) means faith. People can have faith in themselves, in their parents, in their teachers, and in their race. African Americans focus on their African heritage as something very important and valuable on this day and they believe that the other six days of Kwanzaa would be empty without faith.
i. However, on the very last day of
Kwanzaa, December 31st African American people celebrate Karamu.
Karamu is where families gather together to have a huge dinner. Karamu
means feast. Many families
spend weeks and months preparing for this celebration. They typically eat
traditional African foods, dress in traditional African clothing, sing songs,
and participate and sometimes watch traditional African dances. It is also common
for African Americans to read stories and poems during the celebration that
relate to their African heritage and culture.
Book
Experience: (30 minutes)
Seven Candles
For Kwanzaa
A.
Before reading the story tell students
that this is a story about a young girl who is celebrating Kwanzaa with her
family. Tell students to look for each of the seven symbols and principles of
Kwanzaa in the story.
B.
After the story has been read have
students sit together in a circle and talk about what they have learned over the
course of this lesson. Also ask students to remind you of the seven principles
and what they mean to each of the students. Ask students to give specific
examples of how they might honor the principles on the day of kwanzaa and
during the whole year. After students have had a chance to answer questions
about the lesson, offer students a chance to talk with their peers about what
they have learned, what they did or did not like about the lesson and whether
or not they are interested in celebrating or learning more about the holiday of
Kwanzaa. At this time it would be good for the teacher to roam around the room
and take note of students responses.
Craft
Activity: (20 minutes)
Weave a Kwanzaa Mkeka (Place mat)
A.
Step
One: Ask students to go to their desks and take out pencils, glue sticks,
scissors, and a ruler from their desk. Tell students that today we are going to
create a Mkeka using red, green, and black construction paper. Tell students
that they will be using their newly acquired measurement skills to measure
their strips of paper to be woven into their mat.
B.
Step
Two: Handout to each student a piece of 8 * 10 black construction paper, and a
piece of red and green paper large enough for students to cut out four strips
red and three strips of green. Have students cut seven lines across their
paper, leaving one inch of room on each side of the paper. During this activity
the teacher will want to first model how you go about using the ruler to make
sure you get the lines the perfect size to fit all of your colored pieces of
paper.
C.
Step
Three: Cut four red and three green strips of construction paper that is 1 inch
wide and 8 inches long. Again, the teacher should model how you can use the
ruler to first measure each end of the paper, mark the cut points with the
ruler and then proceed to cut the pieces out.
D. Step Four: Once students have all
their pieces cut out have students start in the left hand corner of their paper
weaving a red strip and then a green strip of paper, alternating back and forth
until using all of there seven strips. At this time it would be good to remind
students that this is similar to the lighting of the candles in that we light
the red candle first and then the green to symbolize that struggle comes first,
then comes rewards.
E.
Step
Five: When students have finished weaving their colored pieces of paper have
them secure each of the ends of the red and green strips with glue to make sure
they stay in place.
F.
Step
Six: When finishing the lesson ask students if they remember what the Mkeka
symbolizes (Tradition of the past, heritage, culture, and the Bandera or
African flag) and what each of the three colors symbolizes (the black candle
symbolizes the color of the people, the three red candles symbolize their
struggle, and the three green candles symbolize the future). Write each of
these things on the board, pass out a 5 * 7 piece of lined white paper for
students to write on and have students go back to their desks to write what the
Mkeka symbolizes and what each of the three colors symbolizes to glue onto the
back of their mat. When students are done have them place their mats to dry and
bring them back together as a group to talk about their next activity.
A
Writing and illustrating Activity: (45 minutes)
Writing and illustrating one of the seven Kwanzaa
Principles
A.
Have
students come together as a group to review the seven principles and to be
given instructions on their next activity.
B.
Explain
to students that they will need to think of one of the principles and one way
to honor that principle by writing about what they might do to honor one of the
seven principles of Kwanzaa.
a.
At
this time go over the seven principles of Kwanzaa and have students brainstorm
ideas for how they could go about honoring each of the principles. Also, explain
to students that it is important for students to think of their own ideas to
honor a Kwanzaa principle.
C.
When
students have had time to think of different things that they could do to
celebrate each of the principles provide students with a piece of paper that
has a centered line for the name of the principle at the top and a full page of
lines for students to write their Kwanzaa principle on.
D. Tell students that they will need
to select one principle to write about. They can write about what they would do
to honor the principle and why. Tell students that they will need to write in
their very best handwriting
E.
Remind
students that they will also need to use proper grammar, punctuation, and
capitalization skills as they are writing about their Kwanzaa principle.
F.
When
students have been given a chance to write about one of the Kwanzaa principles
although them time to create a picture or illustration using either paint,
chalk, or coloring utensils that depicts the student honoring the Kwanzaa
principle that they chose to write about.
G. When students have finished
creating their illustration and writing have them meet as a group to share with
their peers about what they wrote and illustrated.
Extension
á
Teach
students a Kwanzaa song; the following web site has many great Kwanzaa songs
such as the Seven Days of Kwanzaa to the tune of the Twelve Days of Christmas.
o
http:www.umkc.edu/imc/kwanzaa.htm
á
Provide
students with resources to view to learn more abut Kwanzaa, such as the library
or Internet.
á
Leave
the Kwanzaa symbols out for students to explore further
Closure:
Have
all the students come back together to discuss what they have learned and what
they did and didnÕt like about the Kwanzaa lesson?
á
What
did you learn today about the Kwanzaa holiday?
á
What
did you enjoy most about the lesson?
á
Was
there anything you especially liked or didnÕt like?
á
Do
you think you will want to learn more about Kwanzaa or maybe even celebrate it?
Student
Evaluation:
Students
will be assessed based on their responses and overall interaction with the
lesson. The objectives and class discussions will ultimately show students
understanding of the seven symbols and principles of Kwanzaa. Students will
also have a chance to demonstrate their understanding of one of the Kwanzaa
principles by writing and illustrating their comprehension and application of
the principle and its significance to their lives.
Teacher
Self-Reflection:
When
setting up the Kwanzaa symbols for students to view, it will be necessary to
make sure they are laid out in the correct position and order on the table. It
would also be good to have a visual representation of the seven principles for
students who learn more visually. This may include creating a poster or several
visuals that incorporate the meaning and beliefs associated with each of the
seven principles.
Our purposes for this
lesson:
Social Studies: To learn about a different
culture and celebration, principles, and symbolic traditions of Kwanzaa, and
about the history of Kwanzaa.
Math: Measurement using a ruler
Reading: listening, comprehension,
Writing: grammar, punctuation,
capitalization, handwriting, voice, creativity
Art: creativity, drawing, painting,
Other Goals:
á
StudentÕs
enjoyment in learning something new and different from his or her own culture.
á
Having
an opportunity to think of others as being both different and similar
á
Having
a chance to think of the important principles for life that Kwanzaa provides.
á
Giving
students a chance to express themselves through writing and illustrating their
understanding and interest in a Kwanzaa principle.
á
To
teach myself as well as my students one more way of being culturally competent.
Resources:
á
Kwanzaa
songs and information: http://www.umkc.edu/imc/kwanzaa.htm
á
Mkeka
activity resource: http:www.cstone.net/~bry-back/holidayfun/matt.html
á
Seven
Candles for Kwanzaa by Andrea Davis
Pinkney, Brian Pinkney,
and J. Brian Pinkney
á
Kwanzaa
by Martin Hintz and Kate Hintz
á
The
ChildrenÕs Book of Kwanzaa by Dolores Johnson
á
Seven
Spools of Thread, A Kwanzaa Story by Angela Shelf Medearis
á
Celebrating
Kwanzaa by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith