During Kwanzaa, candles are placed in a special candleholder called the kinara.

There are seven candles used, each representing one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Using blocks, craft sticks, and tea light candles, we constructed our own kinaras!

We learned new words associated with the seven principles, and applied our understanding of their meanings throughout the week during circle time.

 Every day we would hands and chant “umoja” as we discussed preschool-friendly words (friendly, caring, helping) associated with the Kwanzaa principles of unity, self-determination, and collective responsibility.

We incorporated these principles through singing, games, chanting, and musical demonstrations for one another. These activities helped your little ones understand how different people might celebrate the holidays during the same time as they do, but in a different way.