Celebrating the holidays as a family and passing on traditions is an important part of every culture. While your students have likely grown up with traditions of their own, winter is a great time of year to broaden their worldview and explore together the history, traditions, and special meaning behind the various winter holidays celebrated around the world!

Another way to explore Kwanzaa with your students is with a colorful Kwanzaa calendar like this one from TLC Family! The design features seven envelopes, one for each of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, that provide a glimpse into the traditions, culture, and cornerstones of the holiday. While you're likely to be on winter break when Kwanzaa is actually observed, we suggest opening one envelope each day before break - exploring each principle and pairing the discussion with tradional Kwanzaa snacks or craftivities {perhaps correlating with the seven symbols of Kwanzaa!}.  To help them remember and share what they've learned with their families, have your students craft the Mishumaa Saba (seven candles).

Kwanzaa Calendar

• Background: Black bulletin board paper.
• Title: "Celebrating Kwanzaa!", "The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa!", etc.
• Border: Complimentary solid color or patterned bulletin board trimmer.
• Decoration: Create envelopes from red, green, and yellow construction paper, scripting the seven principles of Kwanzaa onto white card stock {or using word processing software to print labels}, and attaching a label to each of the envelopes. Fill each envelope with information, pictures, and other learning materials. Explore an envelope each day as you and your students learn about Kwanzaa!