Kwanzaa is such a special celebration - full of culture, community, creativity, and purpose. And one of the easiest (and sweetest) ways to celebrate with kids is by learning the Seven Principles, or the Nguzo Saba.
Each day of Kwanzaa (December 26th–January 1st) focuses on one principle, and together they teach kids how to be kind, connected, confident, helpful, and proud of who they are.
I wanted to break each principle down in a kid-friendly, easy-to-understand way - perfect for reading as a family, using in a classroom, or pairing with your own Kwanzaa traditions at home.
And yes… this ties PERFECTLY with our Seven Principles of Kwanzaa Tee, which is a great visual learning tool for kids.
What it means:
Sticking together. Helping each other. Being a team.
Explain it to kids:
“Umoja means we work together as a family. We look out for each other and remember we’re stronger when we’re united.”
Activities:
Family group hug
A “teamwork” chore like cleaning the table together
Drawing your family as superheroes working together
What it means:
Knowing who you are and being proud of it.
Explain it to kids:
“Kujichagulia means you get to define yourself. You get to say who you are, what you love, and what makes you special.”
Activities:
“I Am” affirmations
Drawing themselves doing something they love
Talking about their name and what it means
What it means:
Helping fix problems together.
Explain it to kids:
“If something needs to be done, we all help. When someone needs support, we show up for them.”
Activities:
Family clean-up race
Helping a sibling or friend
Community-based act of kindness
What it means:
Supporting Black-owned businesses and keeping our community strong.
Explain it to kids:
“Ujamaa means we support each other so everyone can grow. When we shop from our own community, we help families just like ours.”
Activities:
Visit or shop from a local Black-owned business
Talk about how businesses support families
Kid lemonade stand to learn simple economics
What it means:
Knowing your purpose and using your gifts to make the world better.
Explain it to kids:
“Nia means we all have something special we’re meant to do. Your purpose is your gift - the thing that makes you shine.”
Activities:
“What do you want to be?” drawing
Writing down one goal for the new year
Talking about strengths and talents
What it means:
Using your creativity to make things beautiful and improve the world.
Explain it to kids:
“Kuumba is about making something - art, music, stories, crafts - anything that brings joy or helps others.”
Activities:
Make a Kwanzaa craft
Draw the kinara
Decorate your home with handmade art
What it means:
Believing in yourself, your family, and your future.
Explain it to kids:
“Imani means trusting that good things are coming. Believing in who you are, and knowing you and your family can achieve amazing things.”
Activities:
Say a family affirmation
Share something you hope for in the new year
Gratitude talk at bedtime
Our Seven Principles of Kwanzaa Tee makes it easy for kids to remember each principle throughout the holiday.
It’s educational, meaningful, and designed with love right here in Philly.
Perfect for:
Kwanzaa celebrations
School spirit days
Family photos
Learning activities during December
Montessori / homeschool setups
If you'd like, I can also help you design a Kwanzaa coloring page that goes with this blog - an instant email-capture magnet and Pinterest hit.
Teaching kids about Kwanzaa doesn’t have to be complicated - just consistent, simple conversations filled with pride and joy. The Seven Principles are beautiful values for all children, and bringing them into your home makes the holiday meaningful, intentional, and memorable.
Kwanzaa is all about community, culture, purpose, and celebration. And passing that on to our kids? That’s the real gift.
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Amber Bowie
Author