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Today is the first day of Kwanzaa. Since Kwanzaa falls when most public schools are on winter break, I’m wondering how or if teachers address this celebration in their classrooms.
Are you able to include a Kwanzaa project before winter break? Do you plan a Kwanzaa activity for January? Or does the timing of the observance along with time-related constraints in the classroom prevent you from including this thoughtful celebration in your lesson plans? Thanks for sharing! |
I usually address it early in December and mark it on our class calendar. We’ve made placemats and done a writing piece to hang on the walls. I try to introduce many different celebrations. This year I had a boy whose family celebrated Yule.
Here in Michigan it always falls during our break. I do not use it as in preschool the kids will not get it since it is so close to Christmas. It would be a neat holiday to observe though.
I do address Kwanzaa before we leave for the holiday break. We read various books and passages about Kwanzaa. My students then create a mkeka mat. They love the weaving process. We also discuss the colors of Kwanzaa and the meaning behind them. If time permits, we create a fruit salad, which is one of the foods used in the Kwanzaa celebration. My students love hearing about how different holidays are celebrated. I have never thought about discussing Kwanzaa in January. I think it would be too difficult due to time constraints and required benchmark testing.
We observe as many Winter Holidays as possible in my classroom. Unfortunately, there isn’t much diversity in my classroom; so, this a great way to introduce diverse cultures to the children. I read Kwanzaa books. My First Kwanzaa by Deborah Chocolate is a wonderful introduction. I also include Kwanzaa artifacts in dramtatic play for the children to explore. Also, during the holiday season, when I observe the children making artwork for parents, I remind them that Kwanzaa places an emphasis on handmade gifts — in hopes of underscorng one message of the Kwanzaa celebration.
I always put out “feelers” for a guest speaker to come in and share with us about authentic Kwanzaa experiences; but, in 17 years of teaching young children I have never been successful in this search. Yet every year in Novemeber, I always hope that this year will be different. So, in November 2013, I will search for a guest again.
I most definitely cover it. It is covered before we leave. This holiday is one that can transform communities!
We celebrated Happy Christmahanukwanzadan. Totally inclusive and non offensive, except to those within the Jehovah’s witness or atheist inclination, in which case the students do independent study.