Kwanzaa Holiday Readers Theater Script for Grades 3 to 5

This engaging Readers Theater script for Grades 3–5 brings Kwanzaa, a vibrant holiday from December 26 to January 1, to life, immersing students in its cultural and historical significance through the kinara and Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles). Through a 2025 classroom and a 1966 flashback, students explore lighting the kinara’s candles for values like unity and creativity, and activities like drumming and storytelling. From making dream boards to supporting local shops, students discover Kwanzaa’s focus on community and pride, fostering social studies connections to African American heritage. Perfect for social studies teachers seeking multicultural resources, this activity aligns with CCSS standards, promoting fluency, empathy, and collaborative learning.

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(a single PDF with links to Google Docs/Slides, if print format is preferred you can download from your Google Drive to word/pdf/ppt/etc)

What’s Included

• 10-scene script (Google Doc, ~1250 words, 7 pages)
• Teacher guide with script summary, answer keys, and standards alignment (Google Doc, 6 pages)
• Student worksheet (Google Slides) featuring vocabulary, comprehension, Nguzo Saba pledge sheet, candle color math, and reflection prompts

Skills Addressed

• Reading fluency and expressive storytelling
• Understanding the cultural and historical significance of Kwanzaa
• Analyzing characters’ roles in celebrating Kwanzaa’s principles
• Building vocabulary tied to African American culture and values
• Encouraging cross-cultural awareness and community pride

The Worksheet Includes

• Short-Answer: Identify key details and themes from Kwanzaa’s principles and traditions
• Reflection Prompts: Connect Kwanzaa’s values to personal experiences and community actions
• Vocabulary: Clearly defined terms (e.g., kinara, Kujichagulia) supported by script quotes
• Themes: Deep exploration of unity, pride, and creativity

Script Summary
This script celebrates Kwanzaa, a holiday from December 26 to January 1 that honors African American culture through the kinara and the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles), explored through a modern classroom and a historical flashback for Grades 3–5. Students learn about lighting the kinara’s candles, each representing a principle like unity or creativity, and how these values strengthen communities. The story begins in a 2025 classroom where a teacher and student discuss Kwanzaa’s purpose. It flashes back to 1966, where Maulana Karenga creates Kwanzaa to celebrate African roots. Modern students share how they honor principles through storytelling, teamwork, and crafts. The script ends with a festive Kwanzaa party, emphasizing unity, pride, and faith, inspiring students to live these values year-round.

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