It is almost time to celebrate Kwanzaa!
In just a few days it will be time to celebrate Kwanzza. Therefore, what better way to celebrate a holiday than by making a craft with loved ones. This is not only a fun craft, but throughout making it you will also be working on a variety of fine motor skill development. One of our Occupational Therapists will demonstrate how to make a Mkeka. Scroll down to watch the video.
All of us at Project Play Therapy want to wish all who celebrate a Joyous Kwanzaa!
Mkeka:
A mkeka is a traditional straw or woven mat, and is one of the seven symbols of Kwanzaa. The mkeka is considered the base for the other six symbols of Kwanzaa, representing that nothing can be built without having a foundation to rest on.
Skills Targeted:
- Fine motor skills
- Bilateral coordination
- Scissor skills
- Dexterity
- Motor planning
Materials Needed:
- Red, black, and green construction paper
- Scissors
- White colored pencil
- Ruler
Step-By-Step
- Gather all materials
- Fold the black piece of paper hamburger style
- Draw 8 lines one inch apart with the white colored pencil
- Cut each strip stopping at one inch below the top of the paper
- Unfold the paper
- Draw 11 lines on green and red paper one in apart
- Cut out each strip
- Weave red and green paper through the black paper. Make sure to alternate colors
- Glue tops and bottoms of paper strips on both sides
More about Kwanzaa
While making this craft, it is a great time to teach your children about the history and traditions of Kwanzaa.
You can find more information about Kwanzaa here:
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/kwanzaa-history
More activities to do with your children here:
https://www.childfun.com/holidays/winter/kwanzaa/
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