Kwanzaa: 2010 Teachers Curriculum- Purpose Principle
A Note to Teachers on How Kwanzaa Can Be Used for All Students to Improve Academic and School Performance
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 to introduce and reinforce 7 guiding principles which were viewed as essential to healthy personal, family, school, and neighborhood development. Observed with fidelity, Kwanzaa can be a value added holiday, encouraging and motivating students to work toward realizing their highest scholastic potential. This Kwanzaa Teacher Curriculum and Lesson Plan is an invitation for all teachers to join with African Americans in using the Kwanzaa celebration and holiday (December 26 through January 1) to honor and celebrate their families, school, and personal accomplishments.
Topic: Second Day of Kwanzaa- Purpose/Nia Day
Description: This lesson outlines the meaning and basic activities of the fifth day of the Kwanzaa celebration.
Lesson Plan: Purpose Day
Purpose
To commit ourselves to the glorious duty of restoring our families, our neighborhoods, and our people to their historical greatness
| Goal: | Students will learn the meaning of the purpose principle and how to celebrate the fourth day of Kwanzaa. |
| Materials: | Green candle, Kwanzaa DVD- Teacher Guide: How to Celebrate the African American Holiday Kwanzaa |
| Introduction: | : Teacher explains that the fifth day of Kwanzaa-, purpose, and the fifth of the seven guiding principles (See Teacher Guide: How to Celebrate the African American Holiday Kwanzaa for full explanation of Purpose Day) |
| Development: | Students learn meaning of the Purpose principle |
| Practice: | Students make a commitment around the practice principle Purpose |
| Review: | Teacher reviews the Purpose principle |
Notes:
- If possible, try to begin with a story, proverb or riddle around the principle “Purpose”
- Have student make a commitment around how they will practice purpose (classroom or school)
- Have student document commitment, each week/month review the commitment and provide positive reinforcement to student
- Karamu (Swahili for feast, e.g., classroom potluck)
