Iowa Public Television

Event sponsored by the African American Museum of Iowa

Kwanzaa yenu iwe na heri! (Happy Kwanzaa) from the African American Museum of Iowa. Kwanzaa is not a substitution for Christmas, Hanukah or any other religious holiday. Kwanzaa, which takes place from Dec. 26-Jan. 1, is an African American celebration of family and heritage, which can be observed in addition to other holidays. This is a great way to teach all children to appreciate where they come from and to think about their future.

Each 50 minute session explains the history and symbolism of this African American holiday observed in the U.S. Celebrate African American culture, learn the significance of the ceremony, customs and terms of Kwanzaa, and expose students to perspectives in American history that may not be addressed in a standard classroom’s curriculum. Additional materials in the Classroom Resources section include crafts, puzzles, activity ideas and a recipe. The ICN program also makes a great wind-down activity before winter break!

Objectives:

Session Related Web sites:

• African American Museum of Iowa(www.blackiowa.org) Preserving our past to enlighten our future
• Kid's Domain (www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/kwanzaa/) Kwanzaa Activities
• How Kwanzaa Works (people.howstuffworks.com/kwanzaa2.htm) The History of Kwanzaa
• Apples for the Teacher(www.apples4theteacher.com/coloring-pages/kwanzaa/corn.html) Kwanzaa Coloring Pages

• The Children's Book of Kwanzaa by Dolores Johnson
• Happy Happy Kwanzaa by Synthia Saint James & Bunny Hull

Related Lesson Plans and Units:

Do a Thinkfinity Search (www.marcopolosearch.org):

1. Search for: Kwanzaa
2. Limit Subjects to: all
3. Limit search to appropriate grade level.
4. Click on the 'Search' button to view results.

PBS Teachers (http://www.pbs.org/teachers/) - PBS Teachers offers free lesson plans, professional development and more for preK-12 educators.

Are you new to the ICN experience? If so, take a moment to view the IPTV K-12 Connections Frequently Asked Questions and Keys to a Successful Session.

Classroom Resources:

The following related programs are available on IPTV's broadcast or from the AEAs: (Check the K-12 Classroom Television (www.iptv.org/k12catalog) Web site for broadcast dates and times.)

• WALK THIS WAY: EXPLORING TOLERANCE, DIVERSITY AND DIFFERENCE (Grade Level: 3-8)

Check out the Classroom Resources for additional materials prepared and compiled by IPTV K-12 Connections staff.

Only six interactive sites are scheduled for each session. Videotaping is NOT available.

Sessions are provided at no cost to PK-12 students and the adults working with or on behalf of PK-12 students in Iowa.