Kwanzaa Window Book
Display the 7 principles of Kwanzaa in a one-of-a-kind accordion window book.
1. Find out about the celebration of Kwanzaa in African American communities. Invite guests to share family rituals and the history of Kwanzaa. Define and discuss the seven principles of Kwanzaa: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work & responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity), and imani (faith).
2. Identify the significance of these and other symbols of Kwanzaa: mkeka (woven mat), kinara (candle holder), mshumaa (7 candles), muhindi (ear of corn), kikcombe cha umoja (cup of unity), zawadi (gifts), and karamu (feast).
3. Fold a large white paper in half so the shorter edges meet. Fold in half again, joining shorter edges. Fold in half once more, joining shorter edges. Open folded paper to reveal eight rectangular sections.
4. Use Crayola® Scissors to cut into the long lengthwise fold from one edge into the paper until you reach the third intersection of folds. Leave the final two rectangles connected.
5. Cut diamond, oval, or square windows into each of the unconnected rectangles, making each window smaller as you get closer to the connected rectangles. Leave connected rectangles whole.
6. Accordion-fold pages in from the outside so the unconnected rectangles are in the back.
7. Use Crayola® Colored Pencils to design each window frame with the name of a principle. The first frame can be designed with the name of Kwanzaa and its meaning. Include small symbol drawings on each page. Shade finished pages by holding colored pencils so the tip is on its side.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.
- TIP: To make each window shape symmetrical, fold each rectangle in half. Cut one half of the shape into the fold.
- TIP: To make windows telescope in from front to back, cut into the top rectangle first, then place over the second rectangle. Cut into the second rectangle through the cut-out in the first, making the shape smaller so the larger shape will frame the smaller.
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