Every December, I teach one of my favorite cross-curricular units, Holidays Around the World. During our world tour, we learn all about the unique customs and traditions of Kwanzaa. Here are four of my favorite Kwanzaa read alouds to help bring this celebration to life for your students.
What is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is the celebration of African-American history and culture that is primarily celebrated in the United States. Both the name and celebration were created in 1966 by an American professor, Dr. Maulana Karenga. Kwanzaa is a celebration of peace and unity.
Kwanzaa Read Alouds for the Classroom
1. The Story of Kwanzaa
by Donna L. Washington
This detailed book dives into all the customs and traditions of the vibrant holiday of Kwanzaa. You’ll find yourself referencing the text and illustrations throughout your whole unit.
I especially enjoy the hands-on ideas the book gives at the end. You would win extra bonus points by your students if you bake the benne cakes for all to try.
2. Together for Kwanzaa
by Juwanda G. Ford
This engaging story is always a fan-favorite during our Kwanzaa lesson.
In the story, Kayla is upset her brother cannot make it home for the celebration. But, admidst the disappointment, she still learns the true meaning of Kwanzaa.
3. Celebrate Kwanzaa
by Carolyn Otto
Celebrate Kwanzaa is a part of National Geographic’s Holidays Around the World Collection. This non-fiction text does a fabulous job sharing facts and real photographs to help bring some of the customs to life.
It’s a must in your Kwanzaa book collection!
4. The Night Before Kwanzaa
by Natasha Wing
The Night Before Kwanzaa follows a young boy and his family as they prepare for Kwanzaa. I love this story as it introduces students to different traditions that are tied to this holiday.
From the food eaten to the dates celebrated there are so many fun tid-bits discussed in this easy-to-read book.
5. Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa
by Donna L. Washington
This fun story follows the adventures of Li’l Rabbit as he tries to save his family’s Kwanzaa celebration. While he searches for a special treat for Karamu, Li’l Rabbit learns the true meeting of the holiday.
In addition to the story, you’ll also find the two detailed pages at the end of the story with The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.
6. Seven Spools of Thread
In an African village live seven brothers who make family life miserable with their constant fighting. When their father dies, he leaves an unusual will: by sundown, the brothers must make gold out of seven spools of thread. Using the Nguzo Saba, or “seven principles” of Kwanzaa, the author has created an unforgettable story that shows how family members can pull together, for their own good and the good of the entire community.
Kwanzaa Activities for the Classroom
Visit this post for Kwanzaa activities, teaching ideas, Kwanzaa crafts, lesson plans, videos and more! See the entire winter holidays around the world blog series for activities to teach holiday traditions and unique customs in 12 different countries around the world.
Holiday Around the World Resources
If your students love learning and reading about Kwanzaa, they will be thrilled to travel around the world in this Holidays Around the World Unit. Your students will travel to 18 countries on a magical journey to learn unique customs and see holiday traditions all around the world.
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Holidays Around the World & Christmas Holidays Unit
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Included in this cross-curricular resource, you’ll find a captivating PowerPoint plus Google Slides version, detailed lesson plans, assessments, reading passages, passports, holidays around the world suitcase folder, and 18 simple souvenir writing crafts.
I hope you’ve found some Kwanzaa read alouds to use in your classroom!
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