Kwanzaa is a meaningful pan-African holiday celebrated by many African American families during the holiday season, and it offers a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about African American heritage, community values, and cultural traditions in a thoughtful and age-appropriate way. Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is rooted in African history and focuses on unity, purpose, and the developing of our community through shared values. Whether you are celebrating at home, in a classroom, or in a community center, these Kwanzaa lessons are designed as a fun way to explore Kwanzaa’s profound values with children of different ages and abilities.
This thoughtfully designed resource uses visual arts, graphic arts, simple reading, and hands-on activity ideas to help children understand the seven principles of Kwanzaa, also known as the Nguzo Saba. It works well across social studies, cultural activities, and even interdisciplinary lesson plans for 1st grade, middle school, high school, special education, and family activities at home. The activities are flexible and can be adapted for a child’s learning needs, making it a truly inclusive educational tool.
7 Principles of Kwanzaa
The seven principles of Kwanzaa guide the week of Kwanzaa, with one principle of that day reflected on each night, beginning on the first night of Kwanzaa. These principles are represented by the mishumaa saba, the seven candles placed in the Kwanzaa kinara candle holder, with the black candle in the center, red candles on one side, and green candles on the other.
Umoja (Unity)
Umoja is the first principle of Kwanzaa and focuses on unity within the family, community, nation, and race. This principle encourages family members to work together and support one another. During Kwanzaa tradition, families often gather around the kinara and the unity cup, known as the kikombe cha umoja, to reflect on togetherness and shared responsibility.
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Kujichagulia means self-determination and reminds children of the importance of defining themselves, naming themselves, and speaking for themselves. It ties closely to civil rights, African American culture, and the writings of great Black thinkers who emphasized voice, identity, and empowerment throughout history.
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
Ujima focuses on collective work and responsibility, teaching children that helping solve problems together benefits everyone. This principle highlights collective vocation, cooperation, and the idea that we all play a role in supporting our communities, from schools to neighborhoods to community centers.
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
Ujamaa emphasizes cooperative economics and economic empowerment. Children learn that supporting own stores, local businesses, and community efforts helps everyone thrive. This principle connects naturally to social studies, math discussions, and real-world conversations about cooperative economics and shared success.
Nia (Purpose)
Nia encourages having purpose and contributing to the greater good. It ties into African culture, African American heritage, and the overarching Kwanzaa theme of building and strengthening our communities for future generations in a meaningful way.
Kuumba (Creativity)
Kuumba celebrates creativity in all forms, including visual arts, vocal music, graphic arts, original poetry, and African drumming. This principle encourages children to leave their community more beautiful than they found it, making it a perfect fit for art projects, physical education movement activities, and cross-curricular learning.
Imani (Faith)
Imani is the final principle of Kwanzaa and focuses on faith in ourselves, our families, and our communities. It reflects trust in shared values, cultural traditions, and the joy of Kwanzaa as families look toward the future with hope and confidence.
7 Principles of Kwanzaa Printable Pack
This printable pack brings the seven principles of Kwanzaa to life through various activities that support hands-on learning, reflection, and creativity. It is designed to be used as part of Kwanzaa lessons, bulletin board displays, interactive notebooks, or Kwanzaa principles activities & bulletin setups.
Below is a look at what’s included in the pack and how each page can be used.
Full Color 7 Principles of Kwanzaa Poster
This full-color poster shows the principles of holiday Kwanzaa clearly and visually, making it perfect for classroom walls, a principles of Kwanzaa bulletin board, or family learning spaces. It works well as a reference during the day of Kwanzaa discussions and honors the basic symbols of the holiday.
Habari Gani is a Swahili greeting used during the week of Kwanzaa that means “What’s the news?” Each day, the response reflects the principle of that day, helping families and children talk about the seven principles of Kwanzaa in a simple and meaningful way.
Our printable pack goes beyond just a kwaanza principals posters set though as we also have interactive worksheet pages, cut and paste craft and coloring for kids to enjoy too.
Black and White Kinara Coloring Page with Labeled Candles
This simple coloring page features the Kwanzaa kinara with clearly labeled candles, helping children learn the names and meanings of the seven principles while coloring. It reinforces the correct placement of the black candle, red candles, and green candles in the candle holder.
Fill-In-the-Principles Kinara Worksheet
This page invites children to write in the names of each principle themselves. The included writing spaces support spelling, recall, and comprehension, making it suitable for middle school, high school, and differentiated instruction.
Cut and Paste 7 Principles of Kwanzaa Activity
This paste activity craft encourages hands-on learning as children match the principle names to the kinara. It works well as a Kwanza kinara craft cut activity and supports fine motor skills, occupational therapy goals, and interactive kinara craft lessons.
Kwanzaa Festival Word Art Page
This bright Kwanzaa festival word art page features the seven principles written in bold, painterly lettering, making it a great visual reference for children as they learn the Kwanzaa language.
You can cut these out to make your own poster or it also works well as a discussion starter, or classroom display, helping kids connect the written names of the seven principles of Kwanzaa with their meanings in a fun and approachable way.
Kwanzaa Coloring Pages
Our printable pack also includes some kwanza coloring pages for the kids to enjoy as a relaxing activity
Family Lighting the Kinara Coloring Page
This page shows family members celebrating Kwanzaa together, reinforcing the importance of unity, family traditions, and African American culture. It’s a gentle way to discuss the first fruits, shared meals, and togetherness during the holiday.
Child Lighting the Kinara Page
This coloring page focuses on a single child participating in the Kwanzaa tradition, helping children see themselves reflected in cultural traditions and making the lesson more personal.
Child Holding the Kwanzaa Flag Page
This page introduces children to cultural pride and African American heritage in a simple, age-appropriate way. It pairs well with discussions about African history, Native Americans, and American African heritage.
African Drumming Coloring Page
African drumming is an important part of African culture and Kwanzaa celebrations. This page connects music, rhythm, and cultural expression, making it useful for vocal music lessons, physical education movement, and cultural activities.
This final page encourages creativity and visual arts through a detailed drum illustration. It ties directly to Kuumba and supports artistic expression across different skill levels.
Mkeka (Kwanzaa Mat) Coloring Page
This coloring page shows a child holding a mkeka, the traditional woven mat used during Kwanzaa celebrations. The mkeka represents the foundation of African culture and values, making this page a meaningful way for children to learn about the cultural traditions and symbols of Kwanzaa while coloring.
Download 7 Principles of Kwanzaa Printable Pack PDF
This printable pack is a perfect addition to your Kwanzaa lessons, whether you’re teaching at home, in a classroom, or in community centers. It’s a thoughtfully designed resource that supports hands-on activity, cultural learning, and meaningful discussion. Simply download the PDF and print the pages you want to use.
Terms of use: These kwanzaa printables are free for personal use and classroom use
Kwanzaa offers children a chance to learn about values that extend far beyond the holiday itself. Through unity, collective work, cooperative economics, and creativity, the seven principles of Kwanzaa help children understand the importance of community, purpose, and faith in a fun and accessible way. This pack supports celebrate Kwanzaa activities that are educational, inclusive, and engaging across age groups.
More Kwanzaa for Kids
If you’re looking for more Kwanzaa kinara craft activities, Kwanzaa mats, or creative ways to explore African American culture with kids, be sure to explore our other Kwanzaa resources.
If you found this printable helpful, please consider sharing this blog post with other parents, teachers, or educators who are looking for meaningful Kwanzaa lessons and cultural activities to use during the holiday season.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.