How to Make a Kwanzaa Workbook for Children

Teach your child the seven principles of Kwanzaa with this fun craft project, and create a lasting keepsake in the process.

Things You'll Need

• 12-in. Length Of Red And Green Ribbons
• Glue Sticks
• Old Magazines
• 3 Sheets Black Construction Paper
• Hole Punchers
• red, green and black felt-tip pens

Instructions

1. Gather three sheets each of black, green and red construction paper, and two sheets of white construction paper.

2. Cut 2 inches from the width of the white pieces of construction paper and 1 inch from the height. Glue the two remaining pieces of paper onto two black pieces of construction paper, about 1/2 inch in from the top, right and bottom. (This will leave space on the left side of the sheet for binding.)

3. Design the cover for your workbook on the white portion of one sheet, using the Kwanzaa colors of red, green and black. You may choose to draw a picture of the kinara, the Kwanzaa candleholder.

4. Write "Umoja" (unity) on the white portion of the second black piece of construction paper. This page will represent the first of the seven Kwanzaa principles, also represented by the black candle in the kinara. Illustrate the page with drawings, photos or magazine cutouts that symbolize unity. At the bottom of the page, describe how you have practiced this principle throughout the year.

5. Write "Kujichagulia" (self-determination) at the top of a red sheet of construction paper and decorate with illustrations that symbolize this principle. At the bottom of the sheet, describe how you have practiced this principle throughout the year. (Remember to keep a 1-inch margin on the left side free for binding.)

6. Repeat this process on a green sheet of construction paper for the principle of Ujima (collective work and responsibility).

7. Use a red sheet for Ujamaa (cooperative economics).

8. Create a green sheet for Nia (purpose).

9. Use a red sheet for Kuumba (creativity).

10. Create a green sheet for Imani (faith).

11. Stack the sheets in the correct order and put the third black sheet on the bottom of the pile for the back cover.

12. Punch four holes on the left side of the sheets and bind with red and green ribbons.

Tips & Warnings

• Do this project with your child a few days before Kwanzaa. This will keep the principles fresh in his or her mind as the celebration begins.

• Explain to your child how the colors of the candles relate to the colors of construction paper used for the workbook.

• You may choose to make a more permanent workbook with felt pages and designs. Fabric paint and fabric cutouts can be used to decorate a felt book. Sew the felt pages together rather than using ribbons to bind.