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Umoja Mat

One of the seven principles of Kwanzaa is "umoja" or unity. Students will explore this concept and collaboratively create a decorative placemat that celebrates unity.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

Steps

  • Step 1

    Kwanzaa is a Pan-African holiday created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga and the Organization Us that celebrates family, community, and culture. It was created for several reasons, including to reaffirm and restore connection to African culture and traditions and to introduce and reinforce the Nguzo Saba, (the seven principles), a communitarian African value system. One of the principles is "Umoja" ("unity"). It means striving for and maintaining unity in the family, community, nation, and worldwide African community. Have students discuss this concept. What are some ways they promote unity in their lives, both at home and in the community? What else can be done locally and worldwide?

  • Step 2

    Have students form teams to create decorative Umoja mats using the colors associated with Kwanzaa: black, red, and green. They can begin with a black piece of construction paper. Ask them to fold it in half lengthwise and then make cuts every inch or so from the fold to almost the edge of the paper. Next they can cut 1" strips out of red and green construction paper, then weave them over and under the black paper strips and alternating the colors. 

  • Step 3

    While some team members are weaving the mat others can trace their hands on paper, then cut them out and color them in using various shades of Colors of the World markers. Have them glue the hands to the short sides of the mat.

  • Step 4

    Display the mats throughout the classroom and discuss the many reasons teamwork is important and why it is important to promote unity locally and globally. 

Standards

SS: Culture: Create, learn, share, and adapt to culture.

SS: Individual Development and Identity: Describe factors important to the development of personal identity and the context of identity within families, peer or affinity groups, schools, communities, and nationalities. 

Adaptations

Have students learn about the other six principles of Kwanzaa in addition to Umoja: Ujima (collective work), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia ( purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). Ask them to describe ways they can apply each of these concepts in daily life.

Have students ponder the phrase "United we stand, divided we fall" which emphasizes the importance of unity and collaboration. Ask students to discuss why working together can make us stronger and produce better results.