What Is Kwanzaa?

Grade Levels: 3 - 5

Objectives

• Students will use vocabulary related to Kwanzaa.
• Students will identify main ideas and details related to the celebration of Kwanzaa.
• Students will summarize information about Kwanzaa.

Materials

• Concept Map graphic organizer
• Kwanzaa Comparison Chart
• Kwanzaa website (http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/)

Procedures

1. Introduce key vocabulary: celebration, Kwanzaa, rejoicing, principles, symbols, unique.
2. Invite pairs of students to visit the Official Kwanzaa Website to learn more about this celebration.
3. Have students use the graphic organizer to organize main ideas and details about the holiday of Kwanzaa. Add circles to give details about each idea.
4. Encourage pairs to use their organizers to create Kwanzaa picture books for first and second graders. Remind them to give basic facts and to use simple sentences.
5. Set aside a time for groups to share their organizers and picture books.

Assessment

Use students' graphic organizers and simple picture books to evaluate their ability to synthesize information about the holiday of Kwanzaa. Ask students to complete the Kwanzaa Comparison Chart.

Extension Activities

• Explore the wealth of Kwanzaa lessons and activities on TeacherVision^®.

Standards Correlations

National Social Studies Standards
Students:

• read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States.
• apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts.

National Educational Technology Standards
Students:

• practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
• use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.