Iowa Public Television

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

This ICN program, brought to you by the African American Museum of Iowa, is a great way to wind-down before winter break!

Vocabulary

• Kwanzaa
• Swahili
• Culture
• Syumbolism
• Celebration

Following this ICN session, confirmed registrants receive the complimentary books Seven Spools of Thread and Kwanzaa or alternate titles.

Additional Teacher Resources:

1. Kwanzaa Traveling Trunk. Free to borrow. Must be picked up and dropped off at the African American Museum of Iowa.
2. Africa Traveling Trunk. Free to borrow. Must be picked up and dropped off at the African American Museum of Iowa.
3. History Channel: Kwanzaa
4. **Children's Online Activity** Billy Bear: Kwanzaa.

PBS LearningMedia, a dynamic platform offering the best of public media content and produced specifically for PreK-16 teachers. With free access to over 14,000 high-quality resources tied to national standards, teachers can download, save and share exactly what they need for an inspired classroom experience. Sign up is free and easy! Learn more about PBS LearningMedia.

PBS Teachers - PBS Teachers offers free lesson plans, professional development and more for preK-12 educators.

Social Studies: Behavior Sciences:

• Understand the changing nature of society. Understand how personality and socialization impact the individual.
• Understand the process of how humans develop, learn, adapt to their environment, and internalize their culture.

Social Studies: History:

• Understand the role of culture and cultural diffusion on the development and maintenance of societies.

Sessions are provided at no cost by Iowa Public Television in collaboration with the Iowa Communications Network to PK-12 students and the adults working with or on behalf of PK-12 students in Iowa. If you are not employed by a school district or an AEA please register at library sites only.

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