Kwanzaa

Objectives:

• Students will be able to explain the history of Kwanzaa and why it is celebrated.

• Students will be able to describe the principles of Kwanzaa.

• Students will be able to explain how Kwanzaa is celebrated.

Suggested Grades:

3rd Grade - 4th Grade - 5th Grade - 6th Grade

Lesson Procedure:

Print the reading comprehension passage and questions (see below).

Students should read the passage silently, then answer the questions. Teachers may also use the text as part of a classroom lesson plan.

Lesson Excerpt:

Kwanzaa is a winter holiday that has been celebrated by African Americans since 1966. It is celebrated each year from December 26 until January 1. Kwanzaa was started by a college professor from California State University. The Civil Rights Movement was in progress in the 1960's, and Kwanzaa was developed as a way for African Americans to celebrate their culture, community and families.

The name Kwanzaa comes from an African phrase that means "first fruits."

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