Kwanzaa in the Community

Did a Kwanzaa Program at the Chicago Public Library Grand Crossing and I enjoyed it tremendously.  Not because of the program itself, which was also nice, but because I felt I made a little lee way with the kids.  They were attentive and appeared as if they were listening.  I actually got them excited.  They even wanted to know what other classes I would be teaching in the future.

I love it when kids have those moments and begin to see possibilities in life.  In fact, that's what we should be doing with our kids often.  I'm working hard on my children although they are passed the age of teaching, to give them a sense of hope and excitement about what they are able to accomplish in life especially if they  maintain a positive attitude towards themselves and others.

It's a slow work and progress but I believe they are beginning to see the light.......like a continual drop of water, we lay the plans and remain consistent our efforts will eventually pay off.

Here are some Kwanzaa pictures that I captured.  The arts and crafts project was minute in comparison to what was gained through their hearts and mind.

Enjoy the Kwanzaa pics.  We uplifted the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa known as the Nguzo Saba, by making banners and discussing what they each meant in our lives.

umoja (oo-MOH-ja)
Meaning: unity
Action: building a community that holds together
kujichagulia (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-yah)
Meaning: self-determination
Action: speaking for yourself and making choices that benefit the community
ujima (oo-JEE-mah)
Meaning: collective work and responsibility
Action: helping others within the community
ujamaa (oo-JAH-ma)
Meaning: cooperative economics
Action: supporting businesses that care about the community
nia (nee-AH)
Meaning: a sense of purpose
Action: setting goals that benefit the community
kuumba (koo-OOM-bah)
Meaning: creativity
Action: making the community better and more beautiful
imani (ee-MAH-nee)
Meaning: faith
Action: believing that a better world can be created for communities now and in the future

Read more: Kwanzaa: History, Food, Colors, Candles, Symbols, Activites, Crafts, 7 Principles | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/spot/kwanzaa1.html#ixzz2qPfm3Kn9




















Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

ATTENTION, ATTENTION! I'm Breaking All the Rules

Image
Yep I know, if you have a blog you should at least write in it once a week or so not a year later.  Well at least there's no blog police or I'd be in big trouble.....at least I don't think so (she says this as she looks over her shoulders)....I have plenty of excuses:  I didn't have anything to write about; too busy.....okay not cool but I'm sticking with it. Anyhoo, I have some good news.  I'm now teaching Dabble  classes.  What is Dabble you say?  Just the coolest webspace around.  Dabble allows you to create classes that you're good at, love and would like to share with others.  I'm a teacher at heart and always will be but I wanted to change the direction of my teaching and I think I've landed on a good one Houston....LOL. Thank you to those who have been waiting forever for content, and for those of you who have long forgotten me, shame on you....well, no, I think it's my fault....no writing and no marketing. These things take ti
Read more
Image
Welcome to Homemade from the Heart.   I am attempting to create and live like the Proverbs 31 Woman from the bible.  An astonishing feat I know, but one in which I'm motivated to do. I am the Martha Stewart of the Bible.....a more appropriate way to define myself I believe.  I'm a designer and artist by nature......so as I'm learning and growing I'm sharing with you my experience and my Etsy store and products that come out of all the creativity. Join me as I create, learn and share with you what it means to live healthy, creatively and Godly all at the same time.  My desire is to live beautifully which translates living naturally.  I plan to show you gardening ideas (container gardens because I am not a true gardener), decorating from your garden and cost effective ways to decorate and re-purpose items which includes making tablescapes, wreaths and small furniture.  I'm not quite that good at doing large pieces....I'm a work in progress. So what does re
Read more

Boredom is Just An Excuse for Not Living!

Image
It is difficult to find activities for kids when money is low and you have more than one child.  But thank God Chicago has a myriad of opportunities for kid-friendly fun and learning.  All one has to do is do a little research and you can find tons of free or inexpensive things to do. Today I am posting links of websites to look up and places to go that will help any parent find something for their children to do. Chicagoparent.com Magazine online is a great beginning.  I used it a lot when my children were smaller and for my students when I had to take them on 2 field trips a month. You can also pick up the actual magazine through any library in the city.  Chicago Children's Museum has an exhibit called Danger 101.  Kids get to unleash their Daredevil and to be adventurous.  Most of the museums cost money to attend but they also have free days.  Here's a list. Tweet ADLER PLANETARIUM Free general admission for Illinois residents on these upcoming  2014 dates :
Read more