Nancy Stewart

Introduce children to Kwanzaa (December 26–January 1). Children hold up seven fingers when "seven" is sung. Use traditional African instruments or decorated shakers. Display visual representations of family, history, and creativity — the three themes of Kwanzaa. Discuss the Swahili origins of the holiday name.

📗 Recommended book: "Kwanzaa" by Sharon Gale ($1.95)

Assign each child a number (1–10). Each child plays their rhythm instrument when their number is sung in the song. Alternative: use a flannel board with numbered angels for counting practice.

Make paper lanterns using folding, cutting, and assembly techniques. Fold a rectangle of paper in half lengthwise, cut slits along the folded edge, unfold and form into a cylinder. Add an optional animal decoration (the animal changes with each Chinese New Year cycle).

Learn camel facts: they're called "ships of the desert," can grow up to seven feet tall, and their humps store fat (not water!). Children rock side to side, patting their legs to mimic the camel's distinctive walk.

Children wear elastic bracelets threaded with jingle bells (see Homemade Instruments for how to make them). Sing and dance — every movement creates music!

Teach children to snap fingers and clap hands on specific words in the song. Start slowly and gradually build speed — great for rhythm and coordination.

Different movements for each verse: open arms wide (verse 1), hugging yourself (verse 2), hands on hips (verse 3), stamping feet (verse 4). Children walk in a circle throughout.

A detailed 12-gesture fingerplay with sequential hand positions and body movements coordinated to each line of the song. Practice slowly first, then sing up to speed.

Tell the story of Hanukkah. Create a clay menorah base and use birthday candles. Light one candle on the first night, two on the second, etc. — children count the candles each time.

📗 Recommended book: "Hanukkah, Happy Hanukkah" by Jeff O'Hare ($4.95)

Cut felt stars in red, blue, purple, and yellow. Place them on a felt tree as the corresponding color is sung in each verse. Children can take turns placing and removing the stars.

Do a pretend washing activity while singing. Discuss how bathing and cleanliness customs differ around the world — a gentle introduction to cultural diversity.

Share the English folklore tradition about bees and holly. Children hum and buzz a familiar melody. Discuss why bees are important in winter (hibernation, honey stores) and in spring (pollination).