Kwanzaa Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Kwanzaa Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this Kwanzaa vocabulary puzzle set for my 2nd and 3rd graders during our winter holidays unit. The kids had heard of Kwanzaa but had no idea what words like kinara, mishumaa saba, or unity meant when we learned about different winter celebrations. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like Kwanzaa, kinara, mishumaa saba, mkeka, vibunzi, kikombe cha umoja, zawadi, unity, creativity, faith, community, purpose, harvest, African American, and celebration. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the Kwanzaa vocabulary finally stick.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess or indoor recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether the kinara holds seven candles. The crossword I use for partners or as a review. I added a couple simple kinara, mkeka, and candle drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 2nd through 4th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers name one principle of Kwanzaa on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.