10 Free Kwanzaa Coloring Pages
Kwanzaa coloring pages are a wonderful way to introduce children to the rich traditions of this meaningful cultural celebration.
These creative activities spark interest and curiosity, helping kids explore the values that Kwanzaa represents.
By using holiday printables featuring symbols like the Kinara and Muhindi, children can engage with the essence of Kwanzaa, making their learning experience both enjoyable and memorable.
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Kwanzaa worksheets
Explore our collection of 10 free kids’ Kwanzaa worksheets designed to celebrate the rich traditions of this meaningful holiday.
These engaging activities not only promote creativity and fun but also help children understand the values and principles that Kwanzaa embodies.
From free kids coloring pages to interactive games, each worksheet offers a unique way for kids to connect with Kwanzaa’s cultural significance. Here’s what’s included:
What is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday created in the United States in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of African studies.
It serves as a way to celebrate and promote African heritage and culture.
Observed from December 26th to January 1st, Kwanzaa lasts for seven days and is embraced primarily by people of African descent in the United States and the African diaspora.
The name “Kwanzaa” derives from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning “first fruits of the harvest.”
This holiday is a time for reflection, community building, and reconnecting with African roots.
Kwanzaa seven principles
Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba, which represent important values in African and African American culture:
- Umoja (Unity): Striving to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
- Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): Defining and naming ourselves, as well as creating and speaking for ourselves.
- Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): Building and maintaining our community together and addressing our shared challenges.
- Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): Supporting and profiting from our businesses and stores together.
- Nia (Purpose): Committing to the development of our community to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
- Kuumba (Creativity): Striving to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
- Imani (Faith): Believing in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness of our struggle.
Kinara
During Kwanzaa, families gather to light a Kinara, a candle holder with seven candles (three red, three green, and one black).
Each candle symbolizes one of the principles and is lit in a specific order throughout the week.
Mkeka
The Mkeka is a colorful mat, traditionally made from straw or fabric, that serves as a foundational symbol of Kwanzaa.
It represents the historical roots and cultural heritage of the African American community.
Mazao
“Mazao,” one of the seven symbols or “Mishumaa Saba” of Kwanzaa, signifies the fruits, nuts, and crops harvested during the holiday season.
It embodies the bountiful harvest and the rewards of hard work achieved throughout the year.
Muhindi
Muhindi, meaning corn or maize in Swahili, is another important symbol of Kwanzaa.
It highlights the significance of this staple crop in African culture and agriculture. The Muhindi is often displayed as a single ear of corn on the Kwanzaa table.
Kikombe cha Umoja
Kikombe cha Umoja translates to “Unity Cup” in English.
This special cup is used during Kwanzaa celebrations to emphasize the principle of Umoja, which focuses on unity.
Zawadi
Zawadi means “gifts” in Swahili, symbolizing the tradition of giving meaningful and educational presents to family members, especially children, during the holiday.
Kwanzaa word match
These fun and educational Kwanzaa activities combine creativity with learning about Kwanzaa symbols.
Children can color festive images of symbols like the Kinara, Bendera (flag), and Muhindi, while enjoying the challenge of matching words to the correct symbols, reinforcing their understanding of this significant holiday.
Kinara worksheet
This interactive worksheet features a picture of the Kinara, the traditional candle holder used during Kwanzaa.
Each candle is numbered, with corresponding spaces below for the dates and Kwanzaa principles.
Children will enjoy matching the candle numbers to the correct dates and principles, making for a fun and educational activity.
Books about Kwanzaa for kids
Explore the colorful celebrations of Kwanzaa with these engaging books for kids:
Together for Kwanzaa. Join Kayla and her family as they prepare for and celebrate Kwanzaa, highlighting the values of unity and community in this heartwarming children’s book.
The Story of Kwanzaa. Explore the rich history and cultural significance of Kwanzaa in this informative and beautifully illustrated book that takes young readers on a journey through its origins and traditions.
My Family Celebrates Kwanzaa. Through the eyes of a young girl named Adia, discover the unique and personal ways her family celebrates Kwanzaa, emphasizing the importance of family bonds and heritage in the holiday season.
More Kwanzaa printable activities
- Kwanzaa color by number from Rock Your Homeschool: This fun and engaging activity combines art and learning by allowing children to color in Kwanzaa-themed images based on a number key. It’s a great way for kids to develop their fine motor skills while reinforcing their knowledge of Kwanzaa symbols.
- Kwanzaa symbols matching freebie from Teachers Pay Teachers: This interactive matching game helps children connect Kwanzaa symbols with their meanings. It’s a perfect resource for classrooms or home learning, promoting cultural understanding in a playful manner.
- Fingerprint corn on the cob from Artsy Craftsy Mom: This creative craft encourages kids to use their fingerprints to create a colorful representation of corn on the cob, symbolizing the importance of corn (Muhindi) in Kwanzaa celebrations. This hands-on activity not only fosters creativity but also allows children to learn about the significance of corn in African culture.
- How to make a Kwanzaa unity cup from HGTV: This DIY project guides families through the steps of creating a beautiful Unity Cup (Kikombe cha Umoja) for Kwanzaa celebrations. Making the cup together can serve as a meaningful bonding experience while teaching kids about the principles of unity and togetherness that Kwanzaa embodies.
Need to print later? Add this to your Pinterest board or share it on Facebook. You’ll have it handy whenever you’re ready to use it!
Download the free Kwanzaa activity sheets
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How do you celebrate Kwanzaa in your family? Let me know in the comments.
Last Updated on 4 November 2024 by Clare Brown