About the celebration
Kwanzaa runs from December 26 to January 1 and honours African American culture and heritage. Dr. Maulana Karenga created it in 1966, taking its name from a Swahili phrase meaning "first fruits of the harvest". Each day focuses on one of seven principles, and a candle is lit in the kinara.
Words in the puzzle
All seven principles are here, along with words linked to the celebration:
- Umoja means unity, and Ujima means collective work and responsibility.
- Ujamaa means cooperative economics, and Nia means purpose.
- Kuumba means creativity, and Imani, the last day's principle, means faith.
- Kujichagulia means self-determination.
- Karamu is the feast, and zawadi are the gifts, which are often handmade.
Using it to learn
Because these words may be new, go through them together first and have students say each one aloud. Afterwards, ask each child to choose a principle and write about how they could practise it at school this week.
Adjust it
For younger children, cut the list to shorter words such as Nia, Imani, unity and seven, and pick Easy. Older students who enjoy a challenge can try Hard, which hides words backwards. At 12 letters, Kujichagulia is the toughest to spot.